The trailer provides a first look at the reimagined live-action adventure, introducing audiences to the majestic island and vibrant people of Motunui; the shapeshifting demigod Maui; the intimidating yet adorable tribe of Kakamora; and Lagaʻaia as wayfinder Moana, who sings the powerful line “I Am Moana.”

In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the “Moana” cast includes Auckland, New Zealand, native John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.

In Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on July 9, 2026.
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There is something so satisfying about seeing films at your favourite local cinema. Having the parking situation wired, knowing the best room in the house and the best seat for the most involving sound and of course your favourite snack (in this case the hand dipped choc tops). So when the Dendy Coorparoo closed due to damage from the storm called Alfred, its reopening has been eagerly awaited. 

Now that the time has come to reopen, the first film off the rank was The Smashing Machine. This work, based on the real life exploits of first-generation UFC fighter Mark Kerr, stars Dwayne Johnson as Kerr and Emily Blunt as Kerr’s first wife, Dawn Staples. Both actors are stepping out of their comfort zone, with Johnson’s role being the biggest departure. The addition of a facial prosthesis helps with the transformation for Johnson.

Kerr was one of the first fighters in the full-contact sport arena to achieve star status, and his life was and is a rocky one. He struggled with substance abuse during the early years and is currently suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Johnson digs into the role and is quite effective at showing the man’s flaws without being completely consumed by them. His relationship with Blunt’s character on screen is a fractious one, and most of their scenes together crackle with tension.

This is by far Johnson’s biggest swing for recognition as an actual actor and not just a movie star, and he does a good job. His role is filled with quirky character traits that pull you into different mindsets about his performance, but the main take away is a demonstration of the successful expansion of his craft. Blunt is as always effective in every moment on screen. The story has an underlying theme of the brutality of this particular sport and the dedication it takes for its participants to excel in The Octagon. Even if you deplore pugilism, the performances are worthy of your exploration.
Rob Hudson
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It shines a light on the richness inherent in many Polynesian cultures and does so with a real sense of joy. Having a voice cast with multicultural backgrounds also adds to its appeal. It even sells (almost) the consummate professional Dwayne Johnson as capable of delivering a musical number, it’s kind of charming.

We pick up the story with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) returning to her home island after an adventure at sea where she discovers a relic that gives her clues that point to her next challenge. She is guided to find a mysterious island that will help her unite people who have a connection to the ocean that has been broken.

This exploit leads to a generous number of very imaginatively conceived moments of jeopardy. These are shown in a lavish and hyper-colourful way that shows the Disney animation approach at its best. There is also an advancement of craft that shows that they are becoming quite adept at being culturally sensitive and entertaining simultaneously. Also as a heads up, there is an end credit extra scene that’s well worth staying for.

Moana 2 is now screening at Dendy Cinemas!
Rob Hudson
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Written by Grammy® Award-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (Barlow & Bear), “Beyond” perfectly encapsulates Moana’s fearless sense of adventure and connecting her island beyond its shores. “Beyond” is now available on all streaming platforms. Listen on Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify.

The Moana 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD is available for pre-order and will be available on November 22. In addition to Barlow & Bear, Moana 2 marks the return of Billboard Music Award- and American Music Award-winning composer Opetaia Foa‘i and Grammy®-winning composer Mark Mancina who composed music for the original “Moana.” Walt Disney Animation Studio’s “Moana 2” will be in Australian cinemas on November 28. Tickets are on sale now everywhere tickets are sold for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2.”

Barlow & Bear shared of “Beyond,” “During the process of writing this, we spoke to a lot of people who come from Oceania and the Polynesian Islands, and what rings true to all of them is their deep connection to their heritage and how they honour their ancestors. No matter how daunting this journey is to Moana, she can’t refuse it. It scares her but also exhilarates her because it’s a call from the ancestors. And the idea that the ocean connects us all is a very big part of Pacific Island culture and wayfinding culture.”

Added director Jason Hand, “It’s incredibly emotional. When Auli‘i sang it, it really blew us away. We were all in tears listening to her.”

Added Auli‘i Cravahlo, “’Beyond’ really impacted me as someone who feels deeply connected to my culture. It’s about going beyond what you’re capable of, beyond your comfort zone, and not doing it just for yourself, doing it for your people.”

The Moana Original Soundtrack has garnered over 20 billion worldwide streams since its release in 2016 and featured the catchy earworm “You’re Welcome” and the power anthem “How Far I’ll Go.” “You’re Welcome” is performed by Dwayne Johnson, who voices “Maui” in the films, has been RIAA® certified 6 times platinum and is the most watched video on DisneyMusic VEVO with over 1.6 billion views to date. “How Far I’ll Go” is performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices Moana, has been RIAA® certified 7 times platinum and was nominated for an Oscar® Award and Golden Globe® Award for Best Original Song.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

The voice cast also includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy ®nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy® winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. “Moana 2” opens in Australian cinemas on November 28, 2024.
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Opening only in cinemas on November 28, 2024, “Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
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The voice cast also features returning stars Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), as well as Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.
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After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

The film also stars Lucy Liu (the “Charlie’s Angels” franchise), Kiernan Shipka (“Twisters”), Bonnie Hunt (“Cheaper By the Dozen”), Kristofer Hivju (“Game of Thrones”), Nick Kroll (“Big Mouth”), Wesley Kimmel (“The Mandalorian”), and Oscar winner J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”).

Kasdan directs from a screenplay by Chris Morgan (the “Fast & Furious” franchise), story by Hiram Garcia (the “Jumanji” and “Fast & Furious” franchises). The film is produced by Garcia, Johnson, Dany Garcia, Morgan, Kasdan and Melvin Mar. The executive producers are Barry Waldman and Ainsley Davies.

The director’s creative team includes director of photography Dan Mindel (“Twisters,” the “Star Wars” films), production designer Bill Brzeski (the “Aquaman,” “Jumanji” and “Fast & Furious” films), editors Mark Helfrich, Steve Edwards and Tara Timpone (the “Jumanji” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Jerome Chen (“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” “Stuart Little”) and costume designer Michael Crow (“Star Trek: Picard,” “Hawkeye”). Casting is by Jeanne McCarthy and Nicole Abellera Hallman. The music is by Henry Jackman (“Jumanji: The Next Level”).

Amazon MGM Studios Present a Seven Bucks Productions, Chris Morgan Productions, Detective Agency production, A Film By Jake Kasdan, “Red One.” Distributed internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures, only in Australian cinemas beginning 7 November 2024.
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After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

With music composed by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, MOANA 2 promises to deliver a soundtrack of unforgettable new songs that are sure to become instant Disney classics.
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After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons, Red One will be coming to cinemas November 14!
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Opening only in Cinemas on November 28, 2024, “Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
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