A new Japanese teaser featuring a new song from Disney Animation Studios' film Moana 2 (set to release on December 6) has been unveiled.

In Japan, the original Moana movie was released in 2017 and became a massive hit, attracting 4.23 million viewers and grossing over 5.16 billion yen. The sequel continues the story inspired by the mystical legends of the Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, where the vast and beautiful ocean serves as a backdrop. The tale follows Moana, a young girl who loves the sea, as she embarks on a new adventure to find her path, despite the challenges and doubts she faces. The original movie became the most-streamed film worldwide in 2023 and continues to be beloved across the globe.

Three years have passed since Moana's epic journey to save her home island in the previous film. Now, Moana and the islanders, including her younger sister Simea, regularly embark on adventures across the once-forbidden seas. Although Moana dreams of finding her "companions" somewhere far across the ocean, she has yet to discover anyone fitting that description.

One day, a friend from the island uncovers an ancient legend that speaks of a cursed island hidden behind a terrifying storm. According to the legend, if one can reach the island, the curse will be lifted, and the people can be saved. Inspired by these words, Moana decides to set out on a new journey, even though the voyage might mean never seeing her beloved family again. Despite the dangers, Moana is determined to pursue her dream of finding her "companions" who await her somewhere in the vast sea.

Supporting Moana on her journey are her familiar companions: the chicken Heihei, the emotional pig Pua, and the demigod Maui, who controls the wind and sea. Along the way, they encounter a variety of sea creatures, including a graceful school of dolphins and a mysterious whale shark glowing with an ethereal light. They also face adversaries, such as the mischievous coconut pirates known as the Kakamora, and an ominous, gigantic sea monster that threatens to swallow their ship whole. What challenges await them in this grand adventure, and will Moana finally find the "companions" she has been searching for?
The new Japanese teaser begins with Moana singing the powerful new song "We're Back" (original title), which conveys her joy at being able to return to the far-off seas that were once forbidden and her hope of reuniting with her "companions" who await her. This song was first introduced at the "Disney Entertainment Showcase" during Disney's fan event, D23 Expo 2024, in Anaheim, California. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voices Moana, performed the song live for the audience at the event.
The music for this film is composed by young, talented musicians Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who became the youngest-ever recipients of the "Best Musical Theater Album" award at the 64th Grammy Awards. The first film featured iconic songs like "How Far I'll Go," and anticipation is building for the main and other songs that will be released soon.

After the event, the voice cast shared their thoughts in interviews. Auliʻi Cravalho expressed her excitement: "I'm thrilled that Moana 2 will be released, and I can't wait for everyone to see it! This time, Pua will be joining Moana on her adventure! Please look forward to the theatrical release."

Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui, shared his joy about playing the character: "The best part about portraying Maui has been how many people have come to know him since the first movie was released. No matter where I go, people always ask me to sing 'You're Welcome.' It's amazing that, even 10 years later, Maui is still loved worldwide."

Source : ORICON NEWS