Moana 2 Approaches Significant Box Office Achievement That Dwayne Johnson Has Achieved Just Twice

Moana 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to Disney’s acclaimed 2016 animated feature, is on the verge of achieving a significant box office milestone, one that is notably uncommon for Dwayne Johnson. Originally conceived as a series for Disney+, this project transformed into a theatrical release directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with a screenplay penned by Miller and Jared Bush. The film premiered just before U.S. Thanksgiving in 2024, generating an impressive $139.8 million in its opening weekend and sustaining a remarkable three-week run at the top of the domestic box office.

The sequel boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Johnson returning as the demigod Maui. Alongside him are Auliʻi Cravalho reprising her role as Moana, Temuera Morrison as Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Rachel House as Tala, and Alan Tudyk as Heihei. New characters enrich the narrative, portrayed by talented actors like Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. The film’s box office success is a remarkable feat for the cast and crew, particularly highlighting Johnson’s unique position in the industry.

Moana 2 Set to Become Dwayne Johnson’s Third Billion-Dollar Film

Johnson’s Previous Billion-Dollar Hits

As of now, Moana 2 has amassed an impressive $905.7 million at the worldwide box office, making it one of only four films from 2024 to exceed $900 million, alongside titles like Despicable Me 4 ($969.1 million), Deadpool & Wolverine ($1.338 billion), and Inside Out 2 ($1.699 billion). Analysts predict that the sequel will cross the $1 billion mark by early 2025, joining the ranks of other billion-dollar Disney Animated Studios films, including Zootopia ($1.025 billion), Frozen ($1.306 billion), and Frozen II ($1.454 billion).

Notably, Inside Out 2, which premiered on June 14, 2024, has already set records as the highest-grossing animated film of all time, solidifying the year’s success for animated features.

The anticipated milestone of $1 billion for Moana 2 is particularly significant because it would represent only Johnson’s third film to reach this benchmark. His past box office successes stem from the popular Fast & Furious franchise, where he first appeared in 2011’s Fast Five, and he has since reprised his role as Luke Hobbs in four sequels and the 2019 spinoff Hobbs & Shaw. Inside this franchise, two titles have surpassed the billion-dollar mark: Furious 7 ($1.515 billion) and The Fate of the Furious ($1.236 billion).

Dwayne Johnson’s Limited Billion-Dollar Film History

Johnson: A Proven Box Office Attraction

It is somewhat surprising that Dwayne Johnson has only participated in two previous billion-dollar films, especially given his status as a major box office draw. Throughout his prolific career, the star has featured in numerous films, contributing to a staggering global box office total of approximately $14.925 billion. While many titles have achieved outstanding revenue, relatively few have crossed the billion-dollar threshold. Consider the following table, showcasing some of Johnson’s highest-grossing films that did not reach this milestone:

Title	Worldwide Box Office
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)	$961.6 million
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)	$795.3 million
Fast & Furious 6 (2013)	$789.3 million
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)	$760.7 million
Fast X (2023)	$714.4 million

While Jumanji ranks as Johnson’s top-grossing franchise outside of Moana and Fast & Furious, he has also appeared in various other successful franchises, including The Mummy, DC Extended Universe projects, and Journey to the Center of the Earth and its sequel. Despite his impressive overall box office totals, surpassing the billion-dollar mark remains a rare accolade, achieved by only 55 films in cinematic history.

Moana 2’s Success Signals Future Accolades for Dwayne Johnson

Johnson’s Future as Maui

The positive trajectory of Moana 2 signifies Johnson’s enduring appeal and suggests a bright future for the franchise. Exciting developments are ahead, including an upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana slated for release on July 10, 2026, in which Johnson will once again portray Maui.

In this new version, Catherine Lagaʻaia will take on the role of Moana, stepping into the shoes of Auli’i Cravalho.

Given the trend of Disney’s successful live-action remakes, such as Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Aladdin and The Lion King (2019) both surpassing the billion-dollar benchmark, it seems likely that the sequel’s success could pave the way for a prosperous future. While there has been no official announcement regarding Moana 3, the potential for another animated installment remains, indicating that Johnson may soon add another billion-dollar title to his repertoire, surpassing his achievements within the Fast & Furious franchise.

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