When Disney dropped the first trailer for Moana 2, the internet basically lost its collective mind. There was this weird, frantic energy because for a hot second, nobody knew if the original voices were actually coming back. You might remember the drama surrounding the live-action remake announcement where Auli’i Cravalho—the literal voice of Moana—confirmed she wouldn't be playing the physical version of the character. That started a massive rumor mill. People thought she was done with the role entirely.
Honestly, it would’ve been a crime if they replaced her. Fortunately, that’s not what happened. If you’re wondering who plays Moana 2, the short answer is that the heavy hitters are back, but the "crew" is getting a lot bigger. This isn't just a solo mission anymore.
The Core Duo: Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson
Yes, Auli’i Cravalho is back as Moana. It’s wild to think she was only 14 when she was first cast. Now, she’s in her mid-twenties, and you can actually hear that maturity in her voice. In the sequel, Moana isn't just a girl trying to find her place; she’s a leader. Auli’i has talked about how she "leaned all the way in" for this one, even taking on a producer role. It’s a huge step up.
Then there’s Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. He’s back as Maui. There was never really any doubt about him, let’s be real. The guy basically lives and breathes this character. He’s even playing Maui in the live-action version that’s currently in the works. In the sequel, he’s still the cocky, shape-shifting demigod we love, but the writers gave him a bit more vulnerability this time around. He’s dealing with some "deep-down" stuff, which is a nice change of pace from just singing "You're Welcome."
Who Plays Moana 2: The New Wayfinders
This is where things get interesting. Moana isn't just sailing with a chicken and a pig this time. She’s got a human crew. This "unlikely crew" adds a totally different dynamic to the movie.
- Rose Matafeo as Loto: You might know Rose from Starstruck. She plays the crew’s "quirky engineer." Basically, if the canoe breaks, she’s the one fixing it.
- David Fane as Kele: He’s a grumpy elder of Motonui. David Fane is a legend in the New Zealand acting scene (he was in Our Flag Means Death), and he brings a sort of "get off my lawn" energy to the ocean.
- Hualālai Chung as Moni: He plays the ultimate Maui superfan. Imagine meeting your hero and having to work with them while trying not to freak out. That’s Moni’s whole vibe.
The Family and the Villains
The family dynamic has changed too. Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger return as Moana’s parents, Tui and Sina. But there’s a new addition that changes Moana’s entire motivation for coming home: a little sister.
Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda voices Simea, Moana’s three-year-old sister. She’s essentially the reason Moana feels so much pressure to protect the islands. It’s a classic "big sister" arc.
On the darker side of things, we have Awhimai Fraser playing Matangi. She’s the new antagonist, and she’s got a pretty eerie vibe—think controlling bats and having a deep, supernatural connection to the environment. She’s not just a big crab like Tamatoa (though Jemaine Clement does make a return as the shiny crustacean). Matangi represents a much more atmospheric threat.
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The Lin-Manuel Miranda Sized Hole
One thing that kinda caught fans off guard was the music. While the original cast is back, the guy who wrote the songs isn't. Lin-Manuel Miranda didn't return for Moana 2. Instead, the music was handled by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (the duo behind the Bridgerton musical) along with Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i.
It was a bold move by Disney, but honestly, it works. The new songs have that same Pacific Islander heart but feel a bit more "pop-theater" in a way that fits Moana’s growth into a young adult.
What to Watch For Next
If you haven't seen it yet, or if you're planning a re-watch, keep an eye on the credits. There’s a mid-credit scene that basically sets up a third movie. It involves Nalo (the storm god) and Tamatoa, and it looks like things are going to get even more dangerous for the crew.
To stay ahead of the curve, here's what you should do:
- Check out the Māori-language dub if you can find it; a lot of the original cast, including Rachel House (Grandma Tala), reprised their roles for it.
- Follow Auli’i Cravalho on social media for behind-the-scenes clips of her in the recording booth; she’s been very open about the technical side of voicing a character who is aging up.
- Look into the live-action Moana casting news. Since Auli’i isn't playing the live-action Moana (that role went to Catherine Laga’aia), it’s interesting to see how the two versions of the character are being developed simultaneously.
Moana 2 isn't just a cash-grab sequel. It’s a massive expansion of the world, and having the original voice actors back was the only way to make it feel authentic.