Moana 3 Confirmed? Dwayne Johnson Says Disney Is Working on a New Sequel

Dwayne Johnson has revealed that Moana 3 is in development, sharing new details about Disney’s plans for the beloved animated franchise while clarifying that the studio’s current focus remains the live-action adaptation.

Dwayne Johnson Teases the Next Chapter

July 03, 2026 – Disney fans may have another adventure with Moana and Maui on the horizon. During a promotional event for Disney’s live-action Moana in Rio de Janeiro, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed that Moana 3 is already in the works.

Johnson, who voices Maui in the animated franchise and reprises the role in the upcoming live-action film, shared that discussions about the next animated installment are well underway. While Disney has yet to officially announce the project, his comments have generated excitement among fans eager to see the story continue.

Credit: Disney

What Exactly Did The Rock Say?

Speaking about the future of the franchise, Johnson explained that the creative team is already thinking beyond the live-action movie. He indicated that work on Moana 3 has begun behind the scenes and suggested that familiar collaborators will once again help shape the story.

His remarks quickly made headlines because they offered the clearest indication yet that Disney intends to expand one of its most successful modern animated franchises. However, Johnson did not reveal a release date or confirm how far the project has progressed in development.

Disney’s Current Priority

Although the possibility of Moana 3 has excited audiences, Disney’s immediate focus remains the live-action adaptation of Moana, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 10, 2026.

The film stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, while Johnson returns as Maui in live action. The adaptation reimagines the 2016 animated classic for a new audience while celebrating the story that helped turn Moana into one of Disney’s most popular modern heroines.

Until the live-action film is released, Disney is unlikely to shift its promotional attention toward another animated sequel.

The Creative Team Could Return

Johnson also suggested that key members of the franchise’s creative team are expected to return for the third film. According to his comments, Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller are involved in developing the next chapter.

Bush played a major role in writing the original Moana and later became involved with Moana 2, while Ledoux Miller co-wrote the sequel and also worked on the live-action adaptation. Their continued involvement could help maintain the storytelling style and emotional themes that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

Although Disney has not independently confirmed the writing team, Johnson’s comments suggest that the studio is looking to build on the creative foundation established by the previous films.

Why Disney Is Investing in Moana

The decision to continue expanding the Moana universe comes as little surprise. Since its theatrical debut in 2016, the original film has remained one of Disney’s most-watched animated titles on streaming platforms and continues to attract new audiences around the world.

The success of Moana 2 further demonstrated the franchise’s popularity. Originally developed as a Disney+ series before becoming a theatrical release, the sequel performed strongly at the global box office and reinforced Moana’s status as one of Disney’s biggest contemporary characters.

With a successful sequel and a live-action remake arriving this year, another animated installment would be a logical next step if Disney believes there are more stories to tell.

Credit: Disney

What We Know About Moana 3 So Far

Despite Johnson’s comments, Disney has not officially announced Moana 3. As a result, details about the story, cast, director, production schedule, and release date remain under wraps.

It is also unclear whether the third film will continue directly from the events of Moana 2 or introduce an entirely new adventure. Until Disney confirms the project, fans should view Johnson’s comments as an indication of the studio’s plans rather than an official announcement.

For now, the biggest confirmed takeaway is that conversations about another sequel are actively taking place behind the scenes.

Could the Original Cast Return?

If Moana 3 moves forward, many fans hope to see the return of familiar voices. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films, remains closely connected to the franchise despite not starring in the live-action remake.

Dwayne Johnson has already confirmed his continued enthusiasm for playing Maui, making him one of the most likely cast members to return should production begin. However, Disney has not announced any casting decisions for a third animated film.

Additional casting news will likely depend on when the studio formally reveals its plans for the project.

Fans React to the Surprise Update

Johnson’s comments quickly sparked discussion across social media, with many fans welcoming the possibility of another animated adventure. The Moana franchise has developed a loyal following over the past decade, and audiences are eager to see where the story could go next.

Many viewers also praised Disney’s decision to continue investing in one of its strongest modern franchises. Others have expressed curiosity about whether a third film would introduce new islands, cultures, and mythological adventures while continuing Moana’s journey as a wayfinder.

Although excitement is growing, many fans are waiting for Disney to make an official announcement before celebrating the sequel.

 

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What Comes Next for the Franchise

For now, all eyes remain on Disney’s live-action Moana, which arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026. The film represents the next major milestone for the franchise and will likely determine when Disney is ready to reveal more about its future plans.

Johnson’s comments strongly suggest that Moana 3 is part of Disney’s long-term strategy. However, until the studio confirms the project through official channels, story details, casting announcements, and a release timeline remain unknown.

If the sequel moves forward as expected, fans can look forward to another chapter featuring Moana’s courage, Maui’s humor, and the adventurous spirit that has made the franchise a global favorite.

FAQs

Is Moana 3 officially confirmed?

Not yet. Dwayne Johnson has said that Moana 3 is in development, but Disney has not officially announced the project.

What did Dwayne Johnson say about Moana 3?

Johnson revealed during a promotional event that work on Moana 3 is underway and suggested that key members of the creative team are involved in developing the sequel.

Who could write Moana 3?

According to Johnson, Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller are expected to be involved with the project.

When will the live-action Moana be released?

Disney’s live-action Moana is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026.

Has Disney announced a release date for Moana 3?

No. There is currently no official release date or production schedule for the film.