Moana 3 Officially in the Works: Here's What to Expect

Moana
Michael Baculinao
By Michael BaculinaoNews Writer

Moana
  • Primary Subject: Moana 3
  • Key Update: Dwayne Johnson confirmed that an animated Moana 3 is officially in development at Disney.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: July 3, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Disney is developing Moana 3. Star Dwayne Johnson confirmed the animated sequel is in development, with the franchise's core creative team returning.

A third animated Moana movie is officially in the works at Disney, almost two years after the release of the billion-dollar hit sequel.

With the imminent release of the live-action remake of the first movie and the massive success of the second movie when it was released in 2024, fans have been wondering whether Disney will be making a third Moana movie that will continue the adventures of the Chieftess of Motunui.

Now, we finally have the exciting update on the future of the franchise.

Is Disney Working on a Third Moana Animated Movie?

Moana and Maui in Moana 2
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Credit: Disney

According to Variety, during the press conference for the live-action Moana movie in Rio de Janeiro, Dwayne Johnson revealed that a third Moana animated movie is already in the works.

So far, the plot details regarding the third movie are still under wraps. Jared Bush, who wrote the first film, and Dana Ledoux Miller, who co-directed the second film, are working on the screenplay.

"Yes, we have talked about Moana 3, yes. But first, live-action Moana, we’ll let that come out first. We have [the] amazing Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who have been our writers… they will pen Moana 3," the actor said.

Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho are expected to reprise their voice roles of Maui and Moana in the third installment. It is unknown if Lin-Manuel Miranda will contribute to the music.

Since it is still in early development, details regarding Moana 3 are still scarce at this moment. Nevertheless, this is an exciting update since it indicates that the animated Moana franchise will continue to live on in the coming years.

After all, Moana 2 managed to gross more than $1 billion at the box office. Regardless of the reception of the upcoming live-action remake, the numbers indicate that the animated Moana remains beloved by many audiences worldwide.

What to Expect in the Moana Live-Action Remake

In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved animated adventure, Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The main cast includes Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement.

The film is directed by Thomas Kail; produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho.

It will be released in theaters on July 10, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the original animated movie. It will also be available in IMAX and other premium large formats.

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