Disney fans have reason to celebrate, as “Moana 2” has just set a thrilling new record, continuing an exciting trend for Disney sequels. The much-anticipated movie, hitting theaters on November 27, 2024, dropped its first trailer in May, and the response has been nothing short of electric. Garnering 178 million views across platforms like YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat within the first 24 hours, the trailer has set a new benchmark for animated films. This outpouring of enthusiasm is an encouraging sign for Disney, especially as the company seeks to rebound from some recent box office disappointments.
The trailer offers a sneak peek at Moana’s next grand adventure, showing her embarking on a new journey to discover more human settlements across the ocean. With Auliʻi Cravalho providing an emotional voiceover, she sets the tone for the quest ahead: “This is a call from the ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean.” Expect more thrilling escapades, new characters, and the return of Dwayne Johnson’s Maui, as the duo dives into another heart-pounding adventure.
Interestingly, the Moana 2 trailer’s record-breaking viewership is part of a consistent trend for Disney sequels. Recently, “Inside Out 2” held the record with 157 million views, preceded by “Frozen 2” with 116 million, and “Incredibles 2” with 113 million views. These figures suggest that audiences are particularly excited about seeing their favorite characters return, a strategy that Disney seems to be leveraging for current and future projects.
This wave of successful trailer releases is seen as a testament to Disney’s pivot towards sequels. Following the lukewarm reception of original releases like “Elemental” and “Wish,” Disney elevated “Moana 2” from a Disney+ series to a full-fledged theatrical release. The strategic decision, reinforced by Disney CEO Bob Iger’s confidence, underscores the strong market demand for revisiting beloved franchises.
Despite facing criticism for prioritizing sequels and remakes, the numbers don’t lie—audiences eagerly consume these familiar stories. As a result, we can likely expect more sequels to follow. However, the success of these films might also enable Disney to invest in fresh, original storytelling for the future, balancing new creative endeavors with the tried-and-true formula of their successful franchises.
What do you think about the surge in Disney sequels? Are you excited about “Moana 2” and other follow-ups, or do you crave new stories from Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to spread the excitement by sharing this story with fellow Disney enthusiasts.
