Moana 3 Update: Co-Director Expresses Cautious Optimism, “There’s A Lot Of Love For Moana”

Updates on Moana 3 have emerged from Dana Ledoux Miller, co-director of Moana 2. She’s expressed a hopeful outlook regarding the franchise’s prospects. Following the success of the original Moana film in 2016, which achieved significant popularity on Disney+, the plans shifted from a Moana TV series to a feature film. Moana 2 was released in theaters last November and garnered impressive box office earnings, leading to speculation about a potential Moana 3—although Disney has not made any official announcements yet.

In a recent interview with Screen Rant during the 2025 Golden Globes, Miller discussed the exciting future of the Moana franchise. Although she didn’t provide concrete details about a third movie, she noted that the enthusiastic reception from audiences suggests that there’s a strong demand for more Moana content. This anticipation sets a promising stage for the upcoming live-action version scheduled for release in 2026. Here’s what she had to share:

I think that the fact that so many people have come out to see this movie means that there’s a lot of love for Moana. In a year and a half I have another film coming out, it’s the live-action Moana, so there’s a lot of Moana love to go around. And who knows what else is next.

The Impact of Moana 2’s Success on Moana 3

Reasons Why a Third Moana Movie Is Probable

According to Miller, the ongoing affection for the Moana franchise is undeniable. The original film was a monumental success, amassing $643 million globally at the box office. However, its true triumph came upon its release on Disney+, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films. Now, with Moana 2’s box office earnings reaching approximately $960 million, it’s clear that the franchise has solidified its standing as one of Disney’s standout properties.

While the reviews for Moana 2 haven’t matched the acclaim of its predecessor—largely because it began as a TV show—the audience response has remained strong. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score indicates that viewers are eager for more adventures with Moana. Given the sequel’s success, the live-action adaptation is already on a strong trajectory towards becoming another hit. Disney is likely motivated to continue expanding the Moana universe rather than letting it fade after this upcoming film.

Key Ratings for the Moana Franchise
Film Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score	Estimated Budget	Global Box Office
Ocean	95%	89%	$150M	$643M
Ocean 2	61%	86%	$150M	$960M

Perspective on a Potential Moana 3

Potential Improvements Over the Sequel

If Moana 3 transitions directly into movie format rather than beginning as a television show, it could address various critiques aimed at its predecessor, which suffered from a somewhat disorganized narrative structure. Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his iconic role as Maui in the forthcoming live-action interpretation, further enhancing the excitement surrounding the franchise’s revival.

After facing financial hurdles in 2023, Disney saw a substantial turnaround in 2024, enhancing its revenue and overall market presence. It stands to reason that the company would want to capitalize on the momentum of established franchises like Moana. However, maintaining fresh appeal without overwhelming audiences as new adaptations emerge will be crucial. While the future of Moana 3 remains uncertain, indications suggest that a third installment may very well be on the horizon.

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