Summary (tl;dr)

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is currently trending following his announcement that Moana 3 is officially in development, made during his global promotional tour for the highly anticipated live-action Moana film, set to release on July 10, 2026.

Essential Background

The original animated Disney film Moana, released in 2016, was a global box office success, grossing $680 million worldwide, with Dwayne Johnson lending his voice to the beloved demigod Maui. Its sequel, Moana 2, released in 2024, also performed exceptionally well, earning over $1 billion worldwide. Disney then embarked on a live-action adaptation of the original film, with Johnson reprising his role as Maui and serving as an executive producer.

The Full Story

Dwayne Johnson recently confirmed that a third animated Moana film is in the works, with writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller returning to pen the script. This announcement came during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of Johnson's extensive promotional tour for the upcoming live-action Moana film, which is slated for a theatrical release on July 10, 2026. Johnson's proactive reveal signals Disney's continued investment in the highly popular "Moana" franchise, even as the live-action remake is about to debut. His visit to Brazil, where he also discussed his personal connection to the character of Maui, generated significant social media buzz.

Why It Matters

The confirmation of Moana 3 fuels excitement among fans of the franchise and signals Disney's confidence in its continued success, further solidifying the animated series' future alongside its live-action counterpart. Johnson's deep personal connection to the character of Maui and his active involvement as both an actor and producer across all Moana projects reinforce his prominent role in one of Disney's most beloved contemporary sagas. This news maintains the franchise's momentum and ensures a continuous flow of new content for its global audience.

Geographic Location

• Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Dwayne Johnson announced Moana 3 during a press conference for the live-action Moana film)