Moana 2 is almost here, and we’ve got the scoop on who’s returning and who’s joining the Moana cast! The first Moana movie in 2016 gave us unforgettable characters like Moana and Maui, and guess what? They’re both back! But this time, they’ll be joined by some fresh faces.
In Moana 2, Moana leaves her home on Motunui after being called by the spirit of her ancestors. She teams up with Maui and other way-finders to save a new island. It’s one of the most exciting movies 2024, so let’s dive into everything we know about the new Disney live-action Moana cast!
What is Moana’s Full Name?
Moana Waialiki, often just called Moana, is the main character of Disney’s 56th full-length animated movie, Moana. She is brought to life by Auli’i Cravalho, a talented newcomer from Oahu, who voiced the character in both the English and Hawaiian versions of the film. This information was also confirmed by one of the movie’s creators, John Musker, during the Annecy Film Festival.
Advertisement In some parts of Europe, the film is known as Vaiana instead of Moana. This change was necessary because Moana is a registered trademark in certain European regions. Despite the different names, Moana and Vaiana are identical characters with the same story. The name Moana means “ocean,” and its Hawaiian counterpart, “Vai,” means “water,” further emphasizing the character’s strong connection to the sea.
Though regional restrictions have limited the film’s availability under the Moana title in Europe, its themes of adventure, courage, and self-discovery have made it a beloved Disney classic worldwide.
Introducing the Talented Cast of Moana 2
With a talented group of actors voicing familiar and fresh faces, the sequel promises to be even more thrilling than the first. Here’s a closer look at the Disney live-action Moana cast, who will make this journey unforgettable!
Auliʻi Cravalho As Moana
Auli’i Cravalho was born on November 22, 2000, in Kohala, Hawaii. She got her big break in 2016 when she voiced the lead character in Moana. Now, she’s back to reprise her role in Moana 2. Besides that, Cravalho has landed roles in big movies and TV shows like the 2024 Mean Girls, Hailey’s On It!, and Krapopolis.
Moana, the daughter of the chief of Motunui, is back as the main character in Moana 2. In the first movie, even though she was a chief’s daughter, Moana wanted to leave the island and went on a magical journey with Maui. After returning home, Moana 2 picks up with Moana being called by her wayfinding ancestors. She, Maui, and their team will leave the island again to break Nalo’s curse and face new and familiar dangers.
Dwayne Johnson As Maui
Dwayne Johnson was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California. He first became famous as a professional wrestler, known as “The Rock.” After gaining fame in wrestling, he made his acting debut in the 2001 movie The Mummy Returns. Dwayne went on to star in popular family films like The Game Plan, Tooth Fairy, and the Jumanji series. He also appeared in action movies like San Andreas, Rampage, and Skyscraper, as well as big franchise films such as Furious 7, The Scorpion King, and Black Adam.
In Moana 2, Maui returns as a key character, joining Moana on her new adventure. Maui is a demigod who can shapeshift into any animal he wants, and his exciting stories are tattooed on his body. After helping Moana in her first journey, Maui’s powers will make him a valuable member of her team. He will help fight against Nalo and other villains in the movie.
Temuera Morrison As Tui
Temuera Morrison was born on December 26, 1960, in Rotorua, New Zealand. He got his start acting in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Morrison then moved on to movies, with a standout performance in the 1994 film Once Were Warriors. Since then, he has starred in big franchises like Star Wars, Moana, and Aquaman.
Tui is the chief of Motunui Island and Moana’s father. He returns in Moana 2 after his role in the first film. In the original movie, Tui doesn’t want Moana to leave the island and even tries to hide their ancestors’ wayfinding history. However, after seeing Moana return from her adventure, Tui changed his mind. He will likely be a protector of Motunui’s people again.
Rachel House As Tala
Rachel House was born on October 20, 1971, in Auckland, New Zealand. She got her big break in the 2002 film Whale Rider. Since then, House has worked with filmmaker Taika Waititi on several projects, including Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok, Our Flag Means Death, and Time Bandits.
Tala is Tui’s mother and Moana’s grandmother. In the first Moana film, she was among the few people who encouraged Moana to explore and leave the island. Sadly, Tala passed away in the original movie. However, she returned as a spirit, taking the form of a manta ray to continue guiding Moana. Tala will return in Moana 2 in her spirit form, likely helping Moana once more.
Awhimai Fraser As Matangi
Awhimai Fraser is a New Zealand actor best known for voicing characters like Elsa and Dolores in the Māori versions of Disney movies Frozen and Encanto. In Moana 2, she will play a secondary villain in the main film while also returning to voice her characters in the Māori dub.
Matangi is a new character in Moana 2 who didn’t appear in the first movie. She is a powerful and mysterious goddess of the underworld, and she will be one of the main villains in the sequel, along with Nalo. It’s not clear yet how Matangi’s story will tie into Moana 2, but she will likely clash with Moana and her team at some point in the film.
Alan Tudyk plays Heihei
Alan Tudyk plays Heihei, the silly and accident-prone rooster who’s always getting into trouble. Known as the “village idiot” of Motunui, Heihei provides the movie’s comic relief. Things are about to get even crazier for Heihei when it accidentally ends up on Moana’s canoe during her adventure.
Tudyk is known for his roles in Grimsburg, 28 Days, A Knight’s Tale, and voicing King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph. He also voices Cadmus WondLa Season 1 and Mr. Nanobots in Solar Opposties. Gerald Ramsey joins the movie as Tautai Vasa, voicing one of Moana’s ancestors.
Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
Nicole Scherzinger plays Sina, Chief Tui’s wife. Unlike her husband, Sina has always believed in Moana’s abilities. As the heart of the family, Sina understands why Chief Tui worries but still supports Moana’s love for the sea. Sina is playful and strong-willed, and it’s clear that Moana gets her brave spirit from her.
Scherzinger is a pop culture icon known for her time with the Pussycat Dolls. She has also appeared on TV, including competing on Dancing with the Stars Season 10 and being a panelist on The Masked Singer.
Other Actors and Actresses includes:
- Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda plays Simea, Moana’s little sister. This is Lambert-Tsuda’s acting debut in Moana 2.
- Rose Matafeo plays Loto, a new character and a member of Moana’s wayfinding team. Matafeo is also known for her roles in Golden Boy and Baby Done.
- Hualālai Chung stars as Moni, the last member of Moana’s crew. Moni is a great storyteller who loves sharing tales and legends about the island. Chung will also appear in the 2025 reimagining of Lilo & Stitch.
- David Fane plays Kele, another member of Moana’s crew. Unlike the others, Kele is a grumpy old farmer who rarely smiles. However, his age brings wisdom. Kele is an expert in farming and makes sure no one on Motunui goes hungry. Fane is also known for his roles in The Tattooist and Bro’Town.
FAQs:
In February 2024, however, it was announced the series would instead be released as a feature film.
Maui is virtually immortal, looking the same in the present as he did one thousand years ago.
The name of the titular character, Moana, was changed to Vaiana due to a trademark conflict.
Temuera Morrison plays Moana’s father.
No, Moana doesn’t have a child in the sequel.
Nalo, the god of storms, in “Moana 2”.
They respect each other.
At 16 years old (19 years old since Moana 2), Moana of Motunui has a slender yet muscular build that sets her apart from previous Disney princesses and heroines.
Wrap Up!
Moana’s cast brings back beloved characters like Moana and Maui, along with exciting new faces. With a talented cast including Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and many others, the film promises another unforgettable adventure. Fans can look forward to seeing familiar heroes, villains, and fresh characters that will make this journey even more thrilling. The cast will bring heart, humor, and excitement to the big screen, making Moana 2 a movie to watch in 2024.