We finally have a date for when Moana 2 hits Disney+ and it’s sooner than you think!
There’s been a lot of talk about how theatrical windows are shrinking majorly. It was pushed on by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs for theaters. These days, a movie can be in theaters for just a few weeks before it’s on streaming, which is why some people may just wait and see a film at home.
Disney can be a bit different with their windows. In 2021, they would have some films like Cruella and Jungle Cruise debut in both theaters and a special surcharge to view it on Disney+.
Since then, it can vary in the windows with some movies faster hitting Disney+ than others. However, when a film is a major theatrical hit, Disney is wise to keep it going in theaters to goose the box office numbers before a streaming debut.
Which is why it’s notable how Moana 2 is coming to Disney+ on March 12. Deadline confirmed the news that the hit film arrives after a 105-day theatrical window, which is practically an eternity in today’s Hollywood.
That’s good news for viewers who want to either enjoy the film again or take it in for the first time.
Moana 2’s journey to success
Originally intended to be a TV series, Moana 2 picked up where the hit 2016 film left off as the title character (Auli’i Cravalho) went on a new journey to save her island home, joined by demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
Late in production, Disney decided to turn the movie into a big-screen sequel which came as a huge surprise. That had some worried about the film being rushed into theaters for Thanksgiving 2024.
While the critical praise didn’t match the first film’s success, the box office exceeded expectations. Moana 2 ended up being the second highest grossing animated film of 2024 (following Inside Out 2) with $458.8M domestic and $1.05 billion worldwide.
Disney is filming a live-action version with Johnson as Maui. The movie’s monster success gave Disney a much needed boost in ticket sales, not to mention merchandising and fuels the idea a third film could be on the way.
Disney was smart keeping the movie going in theaters over the holidays and boosting the box office. That’s better than some studios who move films from theater to streaming after 60 days or less before they can get more box office take.
Whatever the impact of Moana 2 with fans, it was clearly a huge success in theaters and starting in March, is likely to be a monster hit on Disney+ too.
Moana 2 premieres on Disney+ March 12.