A major update on the development of Moana 3 offers the most exciting report yet about the upcoming animated sequel. The news arrives as anticipation builds around the franchise’s future, including the confirmed live-action remake of the 2016 original.
Moana 3 rumored to be in works ahead of live-action remake
Disney is reportedly moving forward with Moana 3, according to industry insider Daniel Richtman, who stated on X, “Disney [is] already working” on the animated threequel.
Disney debuted Moana 2 in 2024 after first developing it as a Disney+ series. A new report on Moana 3 delivers the first major update on the franchise since the release of that film. Disney is continuing to expand the property. The company will release a live-action remake of the 2016 original on July 10, 2026, with Dwayne Johnson set to play Maui and Catherine Laga‘aia cast as Moana.
The original Moana remains the most-watched title on Disney+. Moana 2 earned over $1 billion at the global box office. Disney has moved more quickly on the third film than it did for the second. Moana 2 arrived eight years after the original.
Director David Derrick Jr. has previewed potential storylines for Moana 3, citing the “untapped potential” in Moana’s new demigod status (via ComicBookMovie). He also suggested the plot may revisit Moana 2’s post-credits scene that hinted at the return of antagonists Matangi and Nalo.
Walt Disney Animation Studios typically takes six years or more to develop sequels and usually prioritizes original stories. Even though Disney has already begun working on Moana 3, the release may still be years away, possibly arriving in 2029 or 2030.
Disney has not confirmed any casting details for Moana 3. Auliʻi Cravalho is expected to return as the voice of Moana, though the live-action version recasts the role with a younger actress.
The studio has not announced a release window or production schedule.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.com.
