Moana's Future: Why Disney Must Prioritize Quality for a True Moana 3 Rather Than Just Chasing Money

Moana has become one of Disney's most successful stories, grossing a lot of money at the worldwide box office. This is why there have been so many rumors about Moana 3 coming. While it has not been formally announced, there is no question it will be a big success. However, if Disney wants the third animated picture to be a success, they must avoid one major blunder.

A live-action version of Moana has already been shot. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui in the film. It will be released on July 10, 2026. This live-action film tries to expand the plot even further. However, Disney must draw lessons from Moana 2 for the animation series. The second animated film did not have the same quality as the first. Fans have noticed this, and Disney must address it in future animated films in this cherished franchise.

Moana 2's Rushed Feeling Disney Must Learn An Important Lesson For Future Animated Films.

Why converting a series into a movie at the last minute degrades the overall story quality

Disney's Moana 2 was a success, although many believe this was due in large part to the popularity of the original film. They simply anticipated the second one to be just as good. Unfortunately, Moana 2 was not as good as its predecessor. This is because it was initially intended to be a limited series on Disney Plus. That idea was in the minds of the story's creators when they wrote it. This is why there are specific instances in the film where it appears that an episode will conclude and naturally transition to the next segment.

The quality of Moana 2 suffered as a result of this method of production. It felt like a movie put together at the last minute. It appeared to be more of a money-making scheme than a genuine attempt to make a film. This is a mistake that Disney cannot make again. People may have accepted it this time because they enjoyed the story. However, if this becomes the norm, fans will lose interest in the franchise. This represents a significant risk for Disney. They must demonstrate that they care about the tale and its fans, not just ticket sales.

Disney did not bring back Lin-Manuel Miranda to compose the music for Moana 2, demonstrating that they did not take the sequel as seriously as the original. The songs from the original Moana became renowned. Music is an extremely vital component of any excellent Disney animation. However, the same cannot be said for the sequel's tracks. While some of the songs were wonderful, it was evident that Disney did not value the music as much. This must alter for the third animated installment. Fans anticipate that the music will be equally wonderful and memorable as the first time around.

What Moana 3 Must Do To Be Considered A True Blockbuster Success.

Ensure that the next animated film receives the time and effort it deserves.

Moana is one of Disney's most popular storylines right now. Both films' financial success demonstrates this. As a result, any potential Moana 3 must be approached with caution. Disney must ensure that it is a top priority for the corporation. This will help it match the quality of the original film. If Disney wants this to be a legitimate three-film series, the quality decrease must stop. That would be unacceptable to fans. Viewers expect the picture to be handled as a major, important production, and Disney must deliver on that promise. Even if it means taking longer to get it right.

There is no doubt that Moana 3 will make money. The film is almost certain to perform well at the box office. Younger viewers will urge their parents to take them to watch it. People who grew up watching the original will return to see it. It's a movie that family can watch together. This should suggest that Moana 3 will be a hit regardless of what Disney does. However, this should not discourage them from putting in their best effort. Fans do not want to witness another film that seems cobbled together at the last minute. They do not want something that appears to be a collection of show episodes sewn together.

Moana 2 was a hit because people anticipated it to live up to the original's high standards. Because that was not entirely true, some people will wonder if they should watch a third movie. This is why the quality must be excellent. Disney takes pride in creating the best animated films. Walt Disney established this reputation with his 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Since then, Disney has produced other outstanding films, and the first Moana ranks with masterpieces such as Aladdin and The Lion King. Audiences trust Disney to deliver a high-quality product. Not every film will be perfect, but Disney must strive to reach that standard. That effort felt lacking in Moana 2. Disney cannot afford to make a half-hearted attempt with Moana 3. They need to maintain their supporters' trust.

Remembering a Key Creator: Arthur Folasa. Ah Loo's Contribution to Moana 2.

Honoring the fashion designer whose work influenced the film and his community.

In the midst of discussions about sequels and movie quality, it is vital to remember who makes these films possible. Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a talented clothes designer, worked on Moana II. He was tragically assassinated in an event in Salt Lake City while protesting the "No Kings" movement. Ah Loo was a former Project Runway contestant. He dedicated his life to celebrating Pacific Island artists. He was widely known as Afa.

He designed a clothing for Moana 2's lead, Hawaiian actor Auliʻi Cravalho. Cravalho donned an ensemble inspired by the Hawaiian ʻahu ʻula, a feather cloak worn by ancient Hawaiian nobility, for the film's red carpet premiere. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained the film's artistic choices are in authentic Pacific Island culture. It is a devastating loss for the community and the creative world that Moana represented.

Ah Loo was determined to perform "good things for his neighbors and community." This was shared by a close friend, State Representative Verona Mauga. She stated that if Afa died in any other way than naturally, she would be "standing up for marginalized and vulnerable communities and making sure that people had a voice." This demonstrates the greater significance of musicians like Ah Loo. They make a difference in their communities as well as in the film industry. His unique work combined traditional Pacific Island attire with modern trends. He frequently employed Samoan flowers as patterns and Tapa fabric (made from tree bark) in his designs. His departure serves as a reminder of the numerous people that bring these great stories to life, both on film and in their daily lives.

What the future holds for the animated Moana franchise.

Looking Ahead: More Stories and the Importance of Maintaining Artistic Standards

The animated Moana franchise has a promising future ahead of it. However, its future success is dependent on Disney genuinely listening to what made the first film so memorable. It wasn't simply the breathtaking animation or the thrilling adventures. People all across the world were drawn in by the passion, melody, and honest tale. A third animated film, given enough time and attention, might easily return to such high standards. It might continue to investigate the rich cultures and stories of the Pacific Islands.

By learning from Moana 2, Disney has the opportunity to develop Moana 3 a film that truly delights viewers. This means investing in unique music that is as impactful as the songs from the previous film. It also entails creating a tale that flows organically and feels like a complete film, rather than a collection of episodes. Ultimately, people want to believe that the creators are fully committed to the project. They want to know if it is motivated by passion rather than financial gain. If Disney can do that, the Moana animated series will most likely continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.