Bringing "Moana 2" to Life: Filmmakers Share Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Secrets as Film Sails Home

Disney’s latest animated adventure, Moana 2, is ready to set sail into homes worldwide. The highly anticipated sequel is now available on Disney+ with an exciting Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release coming on March 18th. Expanding on the beloved 2016 original, Moana 2 takes audiences on a breathtaking new journey filled with stunning visuals, thrilling action, and unforgettable music. Now, fans can relive the magic at home, complete with behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive bonus features, and a sing-along version perfect for family movie nights. Walt Disney Animation Studios recently hosted a press event to promote the release where I got to speak with some of the talented people behind the sequel and learn more about the making of the project.

Building upon the original film’s rich world and characters, Moana 2 introduces new allies, adversaries, and challenges. According to the filmmakers, this is Disney’s most complex visual effects project to date. The sequel’s primary antagonist, Nalo, the storm god, presented a unique challenge for animators. Unlike Te Kā from the first film, Nalo’s storm needed to feel alive, constantly shifting and reacting to Moana and Maui’s actions. During a special behind-the-scenes presentation, Head of Effects Animation Dale Mietta explained, “We wanted the storm to feel like a living, breathing character—not just an obstacle but an extension of Nalo himself." The storm sequences required 260 shots across seven sequences, incorporating massive tornadoes, towering tidal waves, and an ocean more unpredictable than ever before.

Beyond the visual spectacle, Moana 2 also expands the emotional depth of its characters. Director David Derrick Jr. shared that Sanaa, Moana’s younger sister, was inspired by his own daughter and the sibling bond she shares with her younger brother. “There’s a big age gap between them, and when she left for college, it was the end of an era for him. That emotional moment felt very appropriate to give to Moana," he said.

Music has always been at the heart of Moana, and the sequel continues that tradition with new songs that blend Disney magic with Polynesian influences. Songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear crafted a soundtrack that balances powerful ballads with energetic anthems. “We wanted ‘Beyond’ to be an emotional centerpiece," said Bear. “It’s a soaring Disney ballad, but then the end-credits version transforms it into something fresh—something you’d hear on the radio."

The film’s soundtrack continues the legacy of blending modern musical sensibilities with Polynesian influences, a theme reinforced by ‘Mana Vavau,’ a deeply personal song performed in Samoan. David Derrick Jr. spoke about the importance of the song, not only to Maui’s character arc, but also to songwriter Opetaia Foa’i, who recorded it with Te Vaka, his family band. David described the experience as “a deeply personal moment, ensuring that the song carried the emotional weight needed for Maui’s moment of vulnerability."

Hualālai Chung and Awhimai Fraser, who voice key characters in Moana 2, each had a special connection to Disney long before joining the cast. Chung, who has performed at Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii for eight years, spoke about the honor of bringing Pacific Islander stories to a global audience. “Being able to tell the stories of our people and share them with audiences from all over is a complete honor," he said.

Fraser, meanwhile, previously voiced Elsa in the Māori-language version of Frozen and was thrilled to contribute to Moana 2. “For our tamariki (children) to have the option to watch it entirely in our language is pretty amazing," she said. Both actors emphasized how Moana 2 has resonated with their communities. “Even though the story is deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, its themes—family, legacy, and bravery—resonate universally," said Chung.

While Moana 2 is now available on Disney+, the Blu-ray release on March 18 includes a treasure trove of bonus features, making it a must-have for fans.

Whether you’re revisiting Moana 2 for the first time since theaters or introducing it to a new generation, its arrival on Disney+ and Blu-ray ensures its legacy as a Disney classic. With its breathtaking visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable music, Moana 2 is a journey worth taking again and again.