A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney Animation Studios and Moana 2
Oct 29, 2024
Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Disney Animation Studios for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Moana 2. This visit was a unique blend of awe-inspiring visuals, deep-rooted cultural exploration, and creative conversations. Walking through the halls that have brought some of Disney’s most beloved stories to life, I couldn’t help but feel the buzz of creativity and the passion that fuels these projects.
Our day began with a walk through the animation and art departments. The walls were adorned with concept sketches, storyboards, and early character designs that showed the evolution of the film’s characters. There was a tangible excitement as the artists spoke about their work. They shared how they continually push the visual elements to not just build upon the first Moana, but to create an experience that feels both familiar and new.
A key takeaway from the tour was how deeply the team invested in cultural authenticity. Disney Animation is known for its dedication to research, and Moana 2 is no exception. As the directors explained, they worked closely with cultural consultants from the Pacific Islands to ensure the film remains grounded in the traditions and stories that inspired it. As Dana Ledoux Miller, one of the directors, put it, “We really lean into the specificity of what it means to be of the Pacific. We are not a monolith, but we’re intentional about the details.”
During the Q&A session with the directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, we delved into the creative process that shaped Moana 2. One of the main topics was the continuation of Moana’s journey. As Dana shared, “This film is about Moana learning that you never stop choosing who you are. She went on an epic journey in the first film, but now she’s looking towards the future.” This theme of self-discovery resonated deeply with the team, and they aimed to explore it in a way that feels authentic to both the character and her world.
There’s a clear effort to expand Moana’s universe while honoring the growth she experienced in the first film. Jason and David spoke about how the film began as a potential series but evolved into something more significant as they screened early versions. “We like to say that the story tells us what it wants to be,” Jason explained. This intuition led to the decision to make Moana 2 a feature film rather than a series, ensuring it would be enjoyed on the big screen.
One of the most exciting aspects of Moana 2 is the introduction of new characters and deeper relationships. We learned that Moana’s dynamic with Maui takes on new layers in this film. Dana enthusiastically described this development, saying, “They’re a lot of fun, but they’re going to break your hearts. We don’t want to see them getting along all the time, but we want to see them push each other to grow.”
The new film also introduces Moana’s younger sister, Simea, a spirited and rambunctious character inspired by David Derrick Jr.'s relationship with his own children. As David described, “The relationship between Moana and Simea came from a powerful, poignant moment when my youngest realized his older sister was leaving for college.” This addition brings a touching new dimension to Moana’s journey as she now faces the challenge of leaving behind her most meaningful relationship
Music has always been a core element of Moana, and the sequel promises to carry on that tradition. The film’s songwriters , Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, collaborated closely with the directors to create songs that not only advance the story but evoke the emotions of Moana’s journey. “We wanted the music to speak the language of the first film while expanding on it,” Dana shared. The passion in their voices made it clear that the music would remain as iconic as ever.
On the animation front, Moana 2 showcases Disney’s dedication to attention to detail. We learned that each character has been thoughtfully aged to reflect the time passed since the first film. For example, Pua, Moana’s beloved pig companion, now sports a cute little tusk, and Moana’s updated hairstyle hints at her growth while staying true to the character we fell in love with. The animation team’s meticulous work shines in every tiny detail, reinforcing the narrative of the film.
The directors emphasized that Moana 2 is not about reinventing the character but expanding her world. As Dana explained, “Moana had an incredible journey in the first film, and we didn’t want to take anything away from that. Instead, we asked, what’s next? What is the next evolution for her?” This sentiment was echoed by Jason and Dave, who pointed out that the themes and visuals of the sequel are grounded in respect for Pacific Island culture while embracing the freedom to create something new.
It was inspiring to hear about the dedication and passion behind Moana 2, and to witness firsthand how a beloved character can continue to inspire and evolve. As we wrapped up our visit to Disney Animation Studios, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the words shared by Dana, Jason, and David—this is a film about growth, community, and the journey to find oneself. If this glimpse is anything to go by, Moana 2 will be an unforgettable adventure for audiences of all ages.
For more updates on Moana 2 and behind-the-scenes insights, stay tuned!
Moana 2 opens November 27