Why the Success of ‘Moana 2’ Could Be a Problem for Disney Animators

Disney fans everywhere fell in love with Moana when it first premiered in 2016. The groundbreaking film introduced the world to Moana of Motunui, Disney’s first Polynesian princess, and took us on a visually stunning journey filled with heart, adventure, and unforgettable music by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Even years later, the story of Moana remains as powerful as ever — Moana was the most-streamed movie on Disney+ in 2023, cementing its legacy as one of Disney’s modern classics.

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Naturally, the announcement of a sequel sent waves of excitement through the Disney fandom. Originally planned as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 was given a surprising promotion when Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed in early 2024 that the project would instead be reworked into a feature film.

Fans were thrilled, and early predictions suggested it could become Disney’s biggest hit of the year. However, as the movie hit theaters on November 27, a deeper story emerged—one that raises important questions about the creative and labor practices behind the magic.

From Streaming Series to Box Office Hit

When Disney transitioned Moana 2 from a Disney+ series to a theatrical release, it set a whirlwind production process into motion. In less than a year, the creative team transformed what was originally envisioned as episodic content into a feature-length film.

While this quick turnaround speaks to the team’s dedication and talent, it also sheds light on the pressures faced by those working behind the scenes.

Unlike most of Disney’s animated films, which are produced at the company’s Burbank headquarters, Moana 2 was animated at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Vancouver, Canada. While that may sound like an ordinary logistical choice, it carries significant implications.

Animators in Canada are not unionized, meaning they often work under very different conditions than their unionized counterparts in California. This shift allowed Disney to produce the movie at a lower cost, but it has sparked concerns about the precedent this sets for future projects.

 

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The Hidden Costs of Speed and Success

The labor conditions behind Moana 2 have drawn criticism from both industry professionals and fans. Many animators voiced frustrations over the project’s accelerated timeline, which left them scrambling to turn a series into a cohesive movie in just over a year. Critics worry that the success of Moana 2—a box office hit in the making—could encourage Disney and other major studios to prioritize cost-saving measures and quick production schedules at the expense of creative quality and worker well-being.

The use of non-unionized labor in Vancouver has added another layer to the conversation. While Disney’s U.S.-based animators made headlines in 2023 for their successful efforts to unionize, the animators in Canada remain without union representation. This disparity has reignited debates about labor rights in the animation industry, with some speculating that the controversy surrounding Moana 2 could prompt change.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

For all the behind-the-scenes controversy, the movie itself has received mixed reviews from audiences. Some fans have praised the film’s visuals and music, but others have found the storyline lacking, describing it as “disjointed” or even a “Frankenstein’s monster of a sequel.” These criticisms may be a reflection of the production challenges, as reworking episodic content into a single film is no small feat.

Still, Moana 2 continues to draw crowds to theaters. For many fans, revisiting Moana, Maui, and the enchanting world of Motunui is reason enough to celebrate. But as the film climbs the box office charts, it also sparks important discussions about the future of animation and the people who bring these beloved stories to life.

As always, we encourage fans to experience the film for themselves. Whether you choose to see it in theaters or wait for its Disney+ release, there’s no denying that Moana 2 has sparked an important conversation about what it takes to bring Disney magic to the screen.

What are your thoughts on Moana 2? Let us know in the comments!