Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in talks to return as Maui for Moana 2
The Rock looks likely to return as the demigod Maui in the Moana sequel, but it remains unknown if Auliʻi Cravalho will voice the titular role again.
Dwayne Johnson poses at the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana on November 14 2016. (Photo: REUTERS/Danny Moloshok)
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The animated blockbuster released in 2016 starred the wrestler-turned-actor and Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and a second movie was confirmed for November 27.
Although Deadline reports that the 51-year-old Black Adam star is "close" to returning as the tattooed demigod, it remains unknown if Cravalho will voice the lead role again.
The publication claims she is in talks with the studio, but they are not as advanced as Dwayne's.
Cravalho previously said that she was done with the role.
The 23-year-old wrote on social media in May: "I'm truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honour our incredible Pacific people's cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo."
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement this week: "Moana remains incredibly popular.
"We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theatres this November.”
Disney added that the sequel will take fans on an "expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers."
The studio teased: "After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
Music will come from duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, alongside Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the original film, with Dave Derrick Jr. set to direct.
However, Lin-Manuel Miranda – who penned classic tracks How Far I'll Go and You're Welcome for the first movie – is not set to write new songs for Moana 2.
The upcoming sequel is separate from Disney's planned live-action remake, which will see Dwayne reprise his role as Maui.
Cravalho won't be bringing the character to the screen in the live-action project.
She previously wrote on Instagram: "I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.
“I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.”
