Who directed Moana 2?

Last Modified Mar 12, 2025 11:59 EDT
Who directed Moana 2?
Moana 2 Title card (Source: Official Trailer)


Moana 2 is directed by famous Hollywood makers David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.


Moana 2 is the sequel to Disney’s animated film Moana which was released back in 2016. The first part of the movie was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and received huge collections and accolades at the box office. The story of Moana 2 picks up after the events of the first movie where we now see Moana as the chief of Motunui, her homeland, which is now under a new threat. With the Demi-God Maui, the new chief sets on a new adventure to save her homeland and the people living there.


Moana 2 stars an amazing voice-over cast including actors Auli'i Cravalho who reprises her role as the adventurous Moana, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who returns as the charismatic demigod Maui. Apart from the two we have newcomer Alana Kealoha who voices the role of Hana, Moana’s spirited navigator ally. We also have Rachel House reprising her role as Gramma Tala, and Temuera Morrison who returns as Chief Tui, Moana’s father.


Also read: Who's in the Cast of Moana 2?


Who directed Moana 2?


Moana 2 is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. David Derrick Jr. started his career as a storyboard artist who has worked on various projects under DreamWorks Animation like Flushed Away, Bee Movie, How to Train Your Dragon, Megamind, and Rise of the Guardians. After leaving, David was seen working for Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he was a storyboard artist for movies like Moana, The Lion King, and Strange World. He made his directorial debut with Moana 2 in 2024.


Joson Hand is also one of the directors for Moana 2 and is known for directing Encanto (2021) and Zootopia (2016). For his work, the director has received two awards - one Annie Award and one Critics Choice Award. Lastly, Moana 2 is also directed by Dana Ledoux Miller who is a well-known Samoan writer/producer/director and showrunner. Dana is known for working in the drama Thai Cave Rescue (2022). Apart from working in Moana 2, Dana will be returning for Moana’s live-action movie which is set to release in 2026.


Who directed Moana 2?
Moana in the movie (Source: Official Trailer)


What is the plot of Moana 2?


The story of Moana 2 revolves around the titular character of Moana who now plays her role as chief of Motunui, balancing her role as a leader with her desire to explore. While things are seen as peaceful and happy, a strange darkness begins spreading across the ocean, threatening nearby islands. Reuniting with Maui, who now is struggling with his self-doubt even after his powers were restored, Moana embarks on a journey into uncharted waters and encounters a new character Hana who is a skilled navigator with a mysterious past. The movie leads our main cast into meeting with various fictional characters like an imprisoned sea deity, mythical creatures, and many more.


Also read: When is moana 2 releasing

FAQs about Moana 2

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is the voice for Maui in Moana 1 and 2.

The first past of Moana was released back in 2016.

Moana was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.

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