Interviews: ‘Moana 2’ Filmmakers talk Journey of Growth, Sisterhood, and Uncharted Waters [VIDEO]

Disney has long been synonymous with creating beloved animated classics, and Moana 2 is no exception. While audiences have come to expect memorable, culturally rich storytelling and captivating animation from Disney films like Frozen and Encanto, what often goes unnoticed is the immense collaboration required to bring these films to life. Following the tremendous success of 2016’s Moana, which grossed over $645 million globally and was nominated for two Academy Awards, Disney is returning to the vibrant world of Oceania—this time with a new twist.

The original Moana directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, broke new ground by featuring Disney’s first Polynesian heroine and highlighting Pacific Islander culture. With music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, it became one of the most streamed films in Disney’s catalog and even scored an Oscar nomination. Not only did Moana resonate with audiences, but it also increased the representation of Pacific Islanders in mainstream media, showcasing the rich traditions and stories of Polynesia.

Now, in Moana 2, the story expands as we meet Moana’s sister, Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), a character who brings new dynamics and challenges to Moana’s journey. Recently, I had the privilege of joining a select group of journalists at Disney Animation Studios for an exclusive first look at Moana 2, where we screened 30 minutes of the highly anticipated sequel.

In an interview following the screening, I had the opportunity to speak with the talented filmmakers behind the sequel: Dana Ledoux Miller (Director & Writer), David G. Derrick (Director), and Jason Hand (Director). The team has an impressive pedigree, with Derrick in particular having contributed to the original Moana as a story artist. The creative synergy between these directors is palpable, as they all bring unique perspectives to the project.

When asked what they hoped audiences would take away from Moana 2, co-director David G. Derrick shared, “I hope that they will all know, just like Moana discovers, that we all continue to grow and evolve in our life.” “Even though Moana accomplished so much in the first film, she has so much to accomplish,” he added. Dana Ledoux Miller chimed in to say, “I hope that audiences can see themselves in her,” emphasizing the relatable growth Moana undergoes throughout the film. Meanwhile, Jason Hand lauded the songwriting team and expressed his hope that “people will leave the theater singing these songs,” a nod to the integral role songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear played in creating Moana 2.

One of the most exciting elements of Moana 2 is the introduction of Simea, Moana’s younger sister. Derrick shared a personal story that inspired the creation of Simea. “My eldest daughter, whose name is Samea, she’s 21 years old, and my son, Quinten, is 7. And despite the age gap, the two of them are kindred spirits,” he explained, describing how the close relationship between his children served as a model for the bond between Moana and Simea. Derrick reflected on the emotional moment when his son realized his sister was leaving for college, a moment that deeply influenced the sibling dynamics in the film. “It was a difficult moment for my kids, but they had to grow through it together,” he said. “Simea points to the future of Moana’s people,” he added, hinting at how Simea will help guide the next chapter of Moana’s journey.

Ledoux Miller also touched on the broader cultural significance of Moana, especially in terms of representation. “Moana changed the way people perceive Pacific Islanders. Never before had there been a hero from Polynesia,” she remarked. She credited Moana for being “fearless in doing right by her people” and noted the film’s enduring popularity. “The fact that Moana, eight years later, is still one of the most streamed films across platforms speaks to the universality of her story. But it also means there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who now understand what it means to be a Pacific Islander in a way that they didn’t before Moana existed.” As a Pacific Islander herself, Ledoux Miller emphasized the importance of continuing to tell Moana’s story and sharing Pacific Islander culture with global audiences.

As the conversation shifted to the technical achievements of the film, Derrick praised Disney Animation’s groundbreaking work, particularly in crafting a powerful storm that Moana and her troupe face. “The storm they will confront is unlike anything we have ever built or choreographed here at Disney Animation. It has been an all-hands-on-deck effort to make it work, and I am so proud of it.” Referencing its level of technical difficulty, he humorously alluded to Maui’s line from the trailer, saying, “Now, I kind of miss the lava monster.”

Moana 2 hits theaters November 27, and fans can expect not just a return to the beloved world of Moana, but a deepening of the culturally enriched story that made the original a modern Disney classic.