Projects dreamed up by actors who really want to work together can run the risk of becoming bloated vanity projects. Yet ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ spawned from an idea by leads Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, manages to avoid most of those traps by being exactly what you might expect.
Front-loaded with action and powered by the charisma of its main men, ‘The Wrecking Crew’ harbors no illusions as to what it is –– dumb, fun and full of chaos.
Writer Jonathan Tropper (‘This is Where I Leave You’), is more normally known for his cinematic work alongside Shawn Levy, but while his movies have been more emotional and spiritual, his TV work, especially ‘Banshee’ has more of a connection to this film.
The style here is adrenaline-fueled action comedy with a healthy dollop of comedy to leaven our heroes slaughtering squads of henchmen as they investigate their father’s suspicious death.
Though you could probably guess the entire plot before the credits have finished, it’s entirely disposable and not the selling point.
Director Ángel Manuel Soto keeps things light and nimble, and if it ends up a little overstuffed for such a slim premise, it doesn’t suffer.
This really is the Bautista and Momoa show, the pair sharing some crackling chemistry as long-estranged brothers –– one a taciturn Navy SEAL who prefers to go by the book, the other a maverick cop with a penchant for leather jackets and throwing empty beer bottles.
They really do pull this thing along on their shared shoulders, but the likes of Jacob Batalon, Stephen Root and Morena Baccarin all get decent material to work.
It’s often vulgar, violent and has a storyline you could note on a napkin, but ‘The Wrecking Crew’ also has throwback charm and action bedlam that adds up to decent entertainment value.
Two estranged half-brothers, Jonny (Jason Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista) are forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death. As they set out to uncover the truth, buried secrets resurface and loyalties are tested, unveiling a conspiracy that can tear their family apart.
Together, they are ready to wreck anything that gets in their way.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Tropper about his work on ‘The Wrecking Crew’, developing the script with Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, writing for them specifically, the buddy cop genre, balancing the comedy and action, director Ángel Manuel Soto’s contributions to the script, and how he feels about actors improvising on set.
Tropper also discussed his work on the upcoming ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’, what it’s like writing a ‘Star Wars’ movie, what fans can expect from the new film, and what will surprise them the most.
‘The Wrecking Crew’ screenwriter Jonathan Tropper.
Moviefone: To begin with, I understand that you developed the idea for the movie with Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Can you talk about that and what it’s like writing specifically for them?
Jonathan Tropper: We all worked together on a show called ‘See’ on Apple TV, and that’s where I really discovered them. ‘See’ was a pretty serious drama. I mean, it was an action show, but it was a lot of drama. Their roles were very heavy and very dramatic. But the minute the camera stopped rolling; they were just so funny. The banter between them, their appreciation for comedy, and their love for comedy. They both have this desire not to just be seen as monolithic action heroes, but to also do human characters and do comedy. So, we had talked a lot about that, and we had also all discovered our mutual love for the action movies of the late ‘80s and the early ‘90s, in particular Shane Black’s movies. So, we’d always talked about stuff like that. Then we went our separate ways after the show and staid loosely in touch but forgot about it. Then Dave put out that Tweet, which started the whole ball rolling again. I don’t remember who reached out to who first, but I remember in speaking to Jason, he already had a strong idea of wanting it to be estranged brothers, he wanted them to be dealing with daddy issues and he wanted it in Hawaii. He wanted to really show the underbelly of Hawaii and not to show the touristy version of Hawaii. So that was already in place. Dave had some ideas about his character as well. I took that whole thing and then began creating the story. I went out to Hawaii and Jason knows a lot of people out there. I was able to meet a lot of people, see the important places and learn some of the history so that I knew how to weave in what I needed to weave in. It just felt very organic, and it happened quickly. From the time Dave put out that Tweet, to the time we were out there pitching it and selling it and then writing it and making it. As far as movie development goes, it happened fast.
MF: The movie gives off major ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Tango & Cash’ vibes. Can you talk about your love for the buddy cop genre and other films that influenced you?
JT: I think ‘Lethal Weapon’ was a big influence for us, for sure. I think that’s the one where we all kept saying “’Lethal Weapon’ in Hawaii, right?” We all talked about that and ‘48 Hrs.’ and even movies like ‘Running Scared’. I know Ángel our director has mentioned that movie once or twice. But it’s movies that retain the grit of an action drama while you’re doing comedy. There’s just a great dissonance to the comedy being put in this gritty setting, which is something I’ve loved about all those movies. It’s life or death stakes. It’s gritty, it’s dirty. The action is, incredibly visceral and at the same time, it’s funny. So, I think there’s a rich history. We certainly didn’t invent or even reinvent the genre, and we kind of leaned into the tropes of it. We just wanted to celebrate it.
MF: Can you also talk about the tone of the script and finding the right balance between action and comedy?
JT: For me, it always starts with character, and these are two brothers who have a share trauma that goes back to their childhood that instead of bringing them together has torn them apart. So, that’s the beating heart of the movie. I think Jason and Dave’s performances really do convey that. For me, that was always the most important part, the comedy, you could always dial that up or down in the dialogue and in the set pieces, but to me, the most important part was to make sure the beating heart of the movie was the relationship between these two brothers. So that’s where I put my primary focus and having just worked with those guys for a long time, I kind of know the rhythms of their speech. So, it was fun to write for them but that was the easy part. The important part was just tracking their emotional journey together.
MF: I was surprised by how funny Jason and Dave are in the movie? Did you realize how funny they were, and did you play into when writing the script?
JT: Yeah, that’s what I discovered on set when we were doing ‘See’, was like they were doing such heavy dramatic stuff, but the minute the camera stopped rolling, they’re funny guys. They love being funny. They don’t want to be seen it as monolithic action heroes. They want to be seen as actors. They love comedy and I know Dave’s also doing a lot of drama now. I think, like everyone else, they just want to be pushed creatively into areas that they don’t normally get to do. Jason’s been doing a bunch of companies lately, but I think together the distance between the two characters leads to a lot of comedy.
(L to R) Jonathan Tropper, Angel Manuel Soto, Jacob Batalon, Lynn Harris, Jeffrey Fierson, Morena Baccarin and Jason Momoa attend the Amazon MGM Studios ‘The Wrecking Crew’ New York red carpet screening event on Thursday, January 15, 2026 in New York.
MF: Actor Jacob Batalon has said that he improvised a lot on the set of this movie. As a screenwriter, how do you feel about actors improvising and not saying the words you wrote?
JT: I’ve been lucky that in most cases, they follow the basic rhythms of the script, but bring their own imprimatur to it. Jacob is a funny guy, and I’m always happy to take credit for good improvising. If it doesn’t work out, and sometimes it doesn’t, then it’s the editor’s job and the director’s job to figure out what works and what doesn’t. But the kind of improvising Jacob was doing, I never could have written for him because I didn’t know him. I didn’t know his voice. I don’t have his history. But he was doing something that was authentic to who he is and who that character was and so it only made it better, I think.
MF: Can you talk about working with director Ángel Manuel Soto and did he have ideas that you added to the script?
JT: Ángel is a very powerful creative force. He comes in with a lot of ideas, and he’s also willing to go the distance on ideas before he figures that out if they work or not. So, there was a lot of work with Ángel, and I even went out to New Zealand to do work with him. But there’s a lot of trying things and there’s a lot of exploring things. I know Ángel saw a lot of similarities between Puerto Rico and Hawaii in terms of their histories. It was important to him that we capture some of that in the script. So, I think the real work for me began then because writing the first draft was almost too easy. When he came on board and started pulling threads and trying to really find what he wanted. It led to a lot of great stuff, and it was a lot more work. I’ll also tell you that I had written that whole car chase with the helicopter and everything. But then he sits down and goes, “Well, let’s put these guys on a motorcycle,” and he came up with a whole addition to it. The whole middle section of that action set piece was all his idea. He has a good eye for action. I think this script was important to him for a lot of reasons.
(L to R) Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray on the set of ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’. Photo: Shawn Levy/Instagram.
MF: You wrote the upcoming ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’, directed by Shawn Levy. What was it like for you writing a ‘Star Wars’ movie and getting to “play in that sandbox”?
JT: It is every bit as exciting as I hoped it would be, and it is also a lot more work than I thought it would be. It was really one of the probably toughest, most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. It’s just so much bigger than anything I’ve done because of the history, because of the mythology, and because of the apparatus that comes with it. It was always exciting and had a million pinch me moments but at the same time, it was a lot of work.
MF: Finally, what should ‘Star Wars’ fans expect from the new film, and what do you think will surprise them the most?
JT: I would say that fans should expect something new and different, but in very much the spirit of the original ‘Star Wars’ movies. We really wanted adventure, excitement, wish fulfillment and the joy that we felt as little kids seeing those first versions of the movies. Anything that grows for generations develops a lot more mythology and weight in history. I think we just wanted to go back to the joy and excitement of how it felt when we were kids seeing these movies.
Two half-brothers, a loose cannon cop (Jason Momoa) and a disciplined Navy SEAL (Dave Bautista), must work together to unravel a conspiracy behind their father’s murder in Hawaii.
Directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledeoux Miller, and David Derrick Jr., the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Moana’ is ready to sail into theaters on November 27, 2024. Auli’i Cravahol and Dwayne Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui once again as they dive into a brand new adventure.
‘Moana 2’ takes the audience on a brand new adventure as Moana and her crew venture into uncharted waters. While the new characters bring some excitement to the sequel, the movie truly shines when Moana and Maui are on screen together, which doesn’t come until later on in the film. The friendship and chemistry between the tattooed demi-god and Wayfinder is truly the glue and heartbeat of the film.
The animation is gorgeous and seems to be even more colorful than the first. It should also mentioned that the representation of the Pacific Islanders is even more so highlighted in this. ‘Moana 2’ starts strong but loses its pacing in the second act. However, the third act brings the excitement right back, with quite a few heartfelt and emotional moments.
The movie opens with Moana exploring an unknown island, searching for any traces of life, past or present. With her trusty, but not exactly helpful, animal sidekicks Pua and Heihei by her side, Moana stumbles upon a partially broken pottery with a motif depicting people next to a mountain – eluding that there are other inhabited islands out there.
As Moana sails home with her new discovery, she’s welcomed back by her village with open arms. This is where the film introduces Moana’s little sister Simea. Though there is a pretty large age gap between Moana and Simea, the two have an extremely close-knit relationship.
That evening, Moana is to receive her title as Chief, but the ceremony is interrupted by a powerful lightning that nearly strikes Moana, sending her a vision from her ancestor, Matai Vasa. She sees her ancestors looking for Motufetu – the island that was depicted on the pottery she found. The vision also shows Moana what will happen if she fails to find Motufetu, her own island will meet its demise.
The vision also tells Moana that Motufetu once had channels that connected people across the ocean, but the Storm God Nalo wanted more power and put a curse upon the island, therefore separating the people of the ocean. To break the curse, Moana must travel beyond the waters that she knows and find Motufetu.
In the meantime, Maui is seen standing in front of a purple portal, as he mentions that the powerful Storm God Nalo has started something sinister. Maui is interrupted by Matangi – a mysterious figure who is shrouded in shadow and bats. Turns out that Matangi works for Storm God Nola and will do anything to prevent Maui or anyone else from reaching Motufetu to break Nalo’s curse.
From there, the adventure kicks off as Moana and her crew – Kele, Moni, and Loto, sail across the ocean in search of Motufetu. On the way, they encounter several ferocious sea monsters and the fearsome Kakamora. The stakes feel even higher for Moana this time around as the film explores the close relationship between Moana and Simea. The little sister has a hard time seeing Moana leave, not knowing when she’ll return. Moana shows Simea that they are always connected by the ocean, no matter how far apart they may be.
As for Moana and her crew, while they prove to be helpful in the journey to Motufetu, there is little emotional attachment to these characters. Moni seems to be the most highlighted out of the group as he is a self-proclaimed Maui superfan, which became a hilarious running gag throughout the movie. Kele has a bit of a character arc as he sheds a little of his initial grumpy persona towards the end. Loto, as brilliant of an engineer as she was, was not given more to do other than making improvements on their boat.
The same can be said about the villain, who has incredible character design and animation (and a really awesome song) but falls flat. Matangi is initially presented as a dangerous and powerful adversary to Maui and Moana but is barely used to her full potential.
The film was at its strongest when Moana and Maui shared the screen during an action-filled third act. Despite showing the close connection between Moana and Simea earlier, it is really the friendship between Moana and Maui that’ll give you a lump in your throat.
‘Moana 2’ is a fun sequel and has gorgeous animation. It clearly shows Moana’s growth since the last movie. She is comfortable in her skin and is on her way to becoming a capable leader to her people. This new adventure puts difficult challenges before her that’ll make her question her abilities but will also see her find her footing in unfamiliar situations. The movie has a strong first and third act but loses steam in the second act due to little character development between Moana and her crew, and it felt like there were pieces of story or scenes missing.
How Do the Songs of ‘Moana 2’ Compare To the First?
(L to R) Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Photo: Walt Disney Animation.
Songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear are tapped to pen new songs for ‘Moana 2’, with composers Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina also returning. Songs like ‘Beyond’ and “Get Lost” were the two most memorable, with “Can I Get A Chee Hoo” and “We’re Back” being a close second. As much as the new songs have the flavor from the first film, it doesn’t quite capture the magic that was created by Lin Manuel-Miranda.
A fun sequel to the 2016 film. It’s great to see Moana’s story continue and to see the representation of the Pacific Islanders’ culture on screen. The film starts off strong by building up the anticipation for the journey to Motufetu. However, it loses its footing in the second act, and aside from the excitement of seeing the army of Kakamora and the sea monsters, it felt much to be desired. Moni, Kele, and Loto’s characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, and at times, it felt like too much was cut out of a scene to meet the 1 hour and 40 minutes run time.
The movie does regain momentum in the final act, where Moana and Maui share the most screen time. The friendship and chemistry between the two is unmatched. This movie is a great way to continue Moana’s journey. It shows there are more stories to be told and places to explore. With that said, make sure you stay all the way through the credits for an extra surprise.
‘Moana 2’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘Moana 2’?
Following the 2016 movie, ‘Moana 2’ will reunite audiences worldwide with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) as she embarks on an all-new adventure with a new crew of seafarers. After Moana receives an unexpected call from her ancestors, she sets out on an expansive journey to the far seas of Oceania – exploring dangerous and uncharted waters..
(L to R) Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Photo: Walt Disney Animation.
Walt Disney Animation’s upcoming sequel ‘Moana 2’ will see the journey of Moana and her newfound crew of seafarers as they venture into uncharted waters after receiving an unexpected message from her ancestors.
During the long lead day presentation at the Walt Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. Moviefone, along with a group of journalists, got a closer look at what it takes to create the sights and sounds of ‘Moana 2’, including presentations on character animation, foley, music, recording booth sessions, and more.
Following the popularity of songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome”, the filmmakers knew it was vital to find the right songwriters and composers for the sequel. They enlisted the help of Grammy Award-winning songwriting duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (known as Barlow & Bear) to tell the story of Moana through music. Composers Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina also returns for the sequel.
Director David Derrick Jr. talks about meeting with the duo for the first time:
David Derrick Jr: “We actually had a piano in our story room, and they came in, and they would play “We’re Back,” the opening song for us, that was the first song that they wrote for the film. To hear that song and to actually be transported back into the world of Moana in a musical way was so exciting.”
Director Dana Ledeoux Miller talks about how the songwriters’ own life experience mirrors what Moana experiences in the movie:
Dana Ledeoux Miller: “Moana is growing up and she’s learning that there are consequences to her actions and that the choices she makes actually affect other people. (Barlow and Bear) were like, “Yeah, we’re living that right now, we got it. So you know, there’s a shorthand that just comes from their experience in it, but they’re also huge musical fans, and they understood what this needed.”
(L to R) Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Photo: Walt Disney Animation.
The duo performed a song from the new film before sharing their own sentiment on how close and connected they felt to Moana’s growth and journey:
Emily Bear: “She’s a young woman trying to find her way in the world, and we were weirdly going through a lot of similar struggles ourselves, so it was easy to imagine ourselves in her shoes. I mean, we’re not fighting lava monsters, but it’s the core of the issues we felt so connected to.”
In terms of Barlow and Bear’s approach and process for writing new songs for ‘Moana 2’, the pair talk about the motivation and reason why a song would start in the movie and how it should feel intentional. That when words alone are no longer enough, the music takes over to carry the message through.
Emily Bear: “Our last nightmare is a “Stop, drop, and sing”. There has to be a reason why you’re singing. It needs to be a moment when words are no longer enough, and music needs to carry the message through. We worked really closely with the filmmakers and they prioritized that – which is amazing because sometimes that’s not the case. We all worked together to make sure the musical moments felt really earned, and there was a reason and intent behind every song.”
The pair speaks about the fun they had with creating new songs for ‘Moana 2’, where each song they wrote was a different storytelling process, “I felt like I grew as a songwriter just by sheer nature of the process,” said Barlow.
The Oceanic Cultural Trust also helped the duo with the songwriting process and research, as well as working closely with composers Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina.
Abigail Barlow: “We wanted to keep it rooted in the Moana world while also bringing our songwriting style to it. We also worked with Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina, and they lived in this world for so long. They’re just magical.”
The song list for ‘Moana 2’ includes:
“Tulou Tagaloa (Sei e Va’ai Mai)” Performd by Olivia Fao’i, Te Vaka
“We’re Back” Performed by Auli’i Cravalho and cast
“Tuputupu (The Feast)” Performed by Te Vaka
“Beyond” Performed by Auli’i Cravalho
“My Wish For You (Innocent Warrior)” Performed by Olivia Fao’i, Sulata Foa’i-Amiatu, Matatia Foa’i, Matthew Ineleo, Opetaia Foa’i
“Finding the Way” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“What Could Be Better Than This?” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane
“Get Lost” Performed by Awhimai Fraser
“Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” Performed by Dwayne Johnson
“Mana Vavau” Performed by Dwayne Johnson, Opetaia Foa‘i, Rachel House
“Beyond (Reprise)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho
“Nuku O Kaiga” Performed by Te Vaka
“Finding The Way (Reprise)” Performed by Te Vaka
“We Know The Way (Te Fenua te Malie)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Olivia Foa‘i, Opetaia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“Beyond (End Credit Version)” Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho
“We’re Back (Te Vaka Version)” Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
During the long lead day at the Walt Disney Animation Building, journalists were invited to various presentations involved in the making of the movie – from character animation, to foley, to voice recording and ADR. Typically, when an actor first steps into the booth at the beginning of the recording process, there is no animation for them to watch and follow. The actors solely rely on the script and the directions of the filmmakers. Once the voice recording is complete, the animators begin their work based off the recorded audio and performance of the actors. Once animation is finished, there will be an ADR (automated dialogue replacement) session which often deals with small changes to the script or leaning further into a certain emotion for the scene.
Star Hualālai Chung (voice of Moni) steped back into the recording booth to help coach the journalists through the technicalities of ADR and breakdown the emotions of scene. The scene used for this particular presentation is when Moana and her crew encounters the Kakamori – a group of small but ruthless pirates with coconut armors.
During ADR, there are a series of beeps that play along with the scene to cue the actors in on when they can start their lines. The actors then try to match the animated scene as much as possible. The sound engineers will go through various takes to find the one that best fits the intension and emotion for the scene. However, ADR isn’t just for re-recording a line in a scene. Actors will also record “efforts”, which is acting out certain actions like running and jumping with grunts and sounds. Inside the booth is a “efforts bar” that is used to help specifically with this portion of ADR.
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What Is the Plot of ‘Moana 2’?
Following the 2016 movie, ‘Moana 2’ will reunite audiences worldwide with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) as she embarks on an all-new adventure with a new crew of seafarers. After Moana receives an unexpected call from her ancestors, she sets out on an expansive journey to the far seas of Oceania – exploring dangerous and uncharted waters.
The upcoming Walt Disney animated feature ‘Moana 2’ will be in theaters on November 27, 2024. Moviefone was invited to the Walt Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, along with a group of journalists to preview the first 25 minutes of the film and see just how far the animators will go to continue Moana’s story.
Moviefone had the pleasure of screening the first 25 minutes of ‘Moana 2’, presented by directors Dana Ledoux Miller, David Derrick Jr., and Jason Hand.
Derrick, who is of Samoan heritage, spoke of his time on the 2016 film and discovering Moana’s history and heritage:
“Working on the first film was an absolute gift. Continuing her story has been one of the true honors of my career.”
Ahead of viewing the footage, the directors spoke of the new characters who are introduced in this movie. Aside from returning talents such as Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, ‘Moana 2’ boasts a slew of new characters, including a band of adventuring seafarers who will accompany Moana on her journey, as well as her little sister, Simea.
The crew includes Kele, a farmer whose character is based on real-life farmers who took part in voyages. Loto, an engineer who proves to be Moana’s right-hand woman. Finally, Moni, the inspirational storyteller and a Maui superfan, rounds out the group. Each one of them proves to be an essential part of Moana’s adventure.
The footage begins with Moana running and parkouring on an unknown island, seemingly being chased. As she clears a a cliff, it is revealed that it is Pua who was running after her. “You wanted to come this time,” said Moana to Pua, eluding to how the adorable pot-belly pig missed out on the action in the previous film. As Moana approaches the peak of the mountain, she blows into a shell to alert her presence – and listens for a call back – but no one answers. The island is uninhabited. As Moana and Pua begin to make their way off the peak, they take a tumble where Moana discovers a piece of broken pottery with a motif depicting people next to a mountain – a sign that people once lived on this island.
Sailing home with her new discovery, Moana breaks into a song about how she’s “Back Where We’re Meant To Be.” The music continues as she sails onto her home island. It is also used as an instrument to introduce the audience to Kele, Loto, and Moni. Breaking through the crowd, Moana’s little sister Simea runs to welcome back her sister. Later, Moana and Simea visit the ancestors’ cave, sharing a sweet moment much like the one shared between Moana and Grandma Tala.
In the next scene, Maui mentions that the powerful Storm God Nalo has started something, as he is seen standing in front of a large portal. We’re introduced to the mysterious Matangi, who works for Nalo. She’s not seen quite clearly in the footage as she’s shrouded in darkness and bats.
Back on the island, the village is in celebration mode as Moana is about to receive the title of Chief. Before the ceremony can finish, lightning strikes through the roof, launching Moana into the side of the hut. She received a vision about a “fire in the sky” that would guide her to the mysterious island depicted on the pottery she had discovered earlier – Motufetu. The island has the power to connect all the people of the sea, but Moana must break the curse placed by Nalo, who wanted to separate the people to weaken the sea.
A comet appears in the sky, one that Moana must follow to find Motufetu. The song “What Lies Beyond” begins as Moana prepares for her journey. It also conveys the sadness she feels about leaving her family and little sister behind. You can catch a glimpse of Grandma Tala in this song as well. Moana explains her mission to her village and chooses her crew – Kele the farmer, Loto the engineer, and Moni the storyteller. Before she sets sail, she shares an emotional moment with Simea, who gives Moana a tiny starfish to keep inside her necklace “so you can take a piece from home.”
Moana debuts a brand new outfit for her journey as the village sends her off with a chant.
The story returns to Maui, who has been caught and bound by a new and mysterious villain. Without his hook, he’s unable to use his powers and pleads with a group of sucker fish to retrieve his hook, to no avail. Mini tattoo Maui gestures that they should call Moana for help.
Finishing off the footage presentation, we see Moana and her crew encounter the fearsome Kakamora, and later on, a giant sea monster as big as an island, with multiple rows of teeth and eyes.
Aside from Moana and Maui, other fan favorites like Hei Hei and Pua are returning for the sequel, as well as Moana’s parents, Chief Tui and Sina. The small yet fierce coconut-like pirates Kakamora will also return.
Director Jason Hand said the following about working with Cravalho:
“There’s a quality that she alone brings to this character—Auli‘i is a leader, she’s kind, she’s funny —she really cares deeply for this character.”
On the dynamic between Moana and Maui, director David Derrick Jr. said:
“We love these two characters together—they make each other better.”
He went on to explain the growth the Demi-god has since the 2016 film:
“Maui has evolved—he’s grown and changed. But he’s still the same Maui that we love. He sets out to defeat this terrible curse all by himself—which is very Maui of him. But we all know that Maui and Moana will have better luck if they team up. It’ll take Maui’s strength and bravery—he can lasso the sun and lift up an island—along with Moana’s selflessness and empathy to unite the people of the ocean.”
New characters include the aforementioned seafarers Kele, Loto, and Moni, Moana’s little sister Simea, Kotu, the Kakamora warrior, the mysterious Matangi, and the fearsome storm god Nalo.
The Music of ‘Moana 2’
(L to R) Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Photo: Walt Disney Animation.
For the sequel, Disney called upon Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear to create new music for ‘Moana 2’. Barlow and Bear received the Best Musical Theater Album award at the 2022 Grammy’s for their work on ‘The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical.’
Producer Yvette Merino said that the writing duo hit the ground running, and by the time they had the meeting, Barlow and Bear were ready with a song:
“We listened to what became our opening song, ‘We’re Back.’ It takes you right back into Moana’s world.”
Opetaia Foa‘i. Photo: Walt Disney Animation.
Three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancino will also be a part of the musical sound of ‘Moana 2’ and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, who worked on the 2016 movie.
Director Dana Ledoux Miller talked about working closely with Barlow and Bear and how the music will be a tool to convey Moana’s growth and journey:
“I’m like, ‘well, so Moana is growing up and she’s learning that there are consequences to her actions and that the choices she makes actually affect other people.’They’re like, yeah, yeah, we’re living that right now, we got it. So, you know, there’s a shorthand that just comes from their experience in it, but they’re also huge musical fans, and they understood what this needed. With the help of Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, they’ve really been intentional about making sure the music in this film speaks the language of the music in the first film. It’s very much an immersive experience when you watch that first film. We were intentional about making sure we weren’t reinventing that wheel, but we were expanding on it.”
What Else Did We Learn About Moana 2?
‘Moana 2’ co-director Dana Ledoux Miller. Photo by Evan Mulling.
Following the footage presentation, directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller held a press conference with journalists.
During the Q&A, Ledoux Miller talked about ‘Moana 2’ being her first animated film and how much she sees her culture represented on screen:
“I was a huge fan of the first time. I very distinctly remember sitting in the theater. The lights come out, and over the bumper, the first sounds, the first voices are Samoan. I realized in that moment, this film, which ended up becoming one of the biggest Disney properties ever, that that film would forever change the way people saw Pacific Islanders.”
Ledoux Miller was hired to co-write the live-action ‘Moana’ with Jared Bush and was brought onto the sequel to direct alongside Derrick Jr. and Hand.
David Derrick Jr, who is also of Samoan heritage, talked about his excitement to continue Moana’s story:
“When we were asked to come back and continue her story, I was so thrilled because I believe I felt like Moana when she entered that cavern of the Wayfinder. I have Samoan heritage, I’m very proud of it, but I didn’t understand the depths of it. It was the navigators of the Pacific Ocean who found the last discoverable land on earth. They were able to navigate from, you know, Rapa Nui all the way to Aotearoa, all the way to Hawaii. It’s one-third of the earth. These islands are spread out like tiny jewels across a vast ocean that doesn’t divide. It connects. Going forward with this story, we really wanted to show how far the people of the Pacific would go. So for me, I love celebrating that culture, and I hope everyone sees that and appreciates that.”
The film will also cover personal relationships, such as the one Moana has with her little sister Simea – a name inspired by an ancestor of Derrick’s. This storyline was inspired by the director’s personal life.
“My eldest daughter is 21 years old, and her name is Samea, and she’s 21. We have a little son, and his name is Quentin. He’s seven years old. The two of them are the closest siblings I’ve ever seen. During COVID, he would sleep in her bed; they’d go camping together. They’re kindred spirits. There was a very difficult moment when he realized she was going to college and not coming back home. That this pillar of joy in his life was suddenly not always gonna be there.”
Derrick Jr. also discussed the themes of growing up and taking on responsibility:
“Those moments when you’re forced to grow up in certain ways. We wanted to show a maturity to Moana. We wanted to show that she could be even more invested and connected to her people and to her Island. I love that we gave her a sister to show that connection and show that love.”
Director Jason Hand said that they aim to stay true to the first film while moving forward to the next chapter.
“There’s something left to be done in her story. I think that was the kernel of this idea, this idea of connection. But through that, her own personal growth, she still has somewhere to grow. She’s still a young person who’s growing up and finding out more about herself. That’s the kind of stuff that energizes the story, but it also energizes the storytelling through the songs because you can sing about things that are personally in your own life. So a song like “Beyond” that you heard earlier is from Moana’s personal journey that’s starting to change. She’s starting to grow. That’s a really powerful place.”
Ledoux Miller added:
“The first film was about Moana reconnecting to the past and who her people were meant to be. This film is really about Moana looking towards the future.”
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What is the plot of ‘Moana 2?’
Following the 2016 movie, ‘Moana 2’ will reunite audiences worldwide with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) as she embarks on an all-new adventure with a new crew of seafarers. After Moana receives an unexpected call from her ancestors, she sets out on an expansive journey to the far seas of Oceania – exploring dangerous and uncharted waters.
Aquaman, now a father to Arthur Curry Jr., is trying to find a balance in being a father and the King of Atlantis. Black Manta, driven blind by revenge, sets out to track down the mythic Black Trident, a weapon with ancient powers. As Black Manta closes in, Aquaman must turn to the former King of Atlantis – Orm, to forge an alliance. Together, they will protect the kingdom and Aquaman’s family.
The underwater comic book movie held its US premiere on December 19, 2023 at The Grove in Los Angeles. The film was released domestically on December 22, 2023. Originally, ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ was scheduled to be released on December 16, 2022. The film’s release was changed three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reshuffling of the studio’s release dates.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. If you missed the movie on the big screen, it is now available to rent or purchase on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Prices range from $19.99 for rental or $24.99 for purchase.
Since the first ‘Aquaman‘ film is available to stream on Max, it is likely the sequel will eventually land on the streaming platform. However, an official date has not been released or confirmed by Warner Bros Discovery.
For fans of physical media, you’re in luck. ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is now available for pre-order. Prices range from $19.99 for DVD, $24.96 for Blu-ray, and $32.99 for 4K UHD. There’s also an option to purchase a two-film collection, which will include the first film ‘Aquaman’ and the sequel ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’ for $32.99. The official release date for home release is March 12, 2024.
To go up against Black Manta, who wields the power of the Black Trident, Aquaman needed to team up with his brother (and former King of Atlantis), Orm. Although an unlikely pair, Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson made for a great duo screen, whether it be brotherly witty banters or coordinated fight scenes. Their chemistry amplified the movie.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is the final movie of the previous DECU era. Current DC co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran are working towards their new vision for DC. The two previously announced ‘Superman Legacy,’ a film that will be a part of the new DC Universe Chapter One, ‘Gods and Monsters.’ Other DC films, such as ‘Joker: Folie á Deux’ will exist in Elseworld.
This could mean that there’s a slight chance we can see Momoa’s Aquaman return in some capacity, as Elseworld stories do not connect to the main canon of the new DCU.
Gunn and Safran introduced their new DC slate a year ago and have announced that ‘Superman Legacy’ has started production, and the ‘Creature Commandos’ episodes are being finished, with the series being released later this year. Gunn also teases upcoming projects and says, “incredible talents are being attached to new projects, planned & unplanned.”
“Today, ‘Superman Legacy’ is about to start production, episodes of ‘Creature Commandos’ are being finished that will release later this year, at least 2 more projects are gearing up to go in the next couple months, amazing scripts keep coming in, & incredible talent are being attached to new projects, planned & unplanned. Thank you!!”
Watch the official trailers for ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ below:
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The official synopsis for ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is below:
After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction.
Directed once again by James Wan (who made the billion-plus success that was the first ‘Aquaman’), it arrives following a wave of delays and changes. So, does the sequel live up to the silly-but-fun original?
Regrettably, we must answer a solid no to the question. ‘The Lost Kingdom’ feels more like a senior handing in a sloppy work project, little concerned with how it’ll be received.
This is superhero storytelling on autopilot, another world-threatening situation, another rote test for the hero, another villain with even less shading than he had in the first movie. And fairly shocking given the people involved and how they managed last time.
Written once again by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, based on a story by not just director Wan but also Momoa and his producing partner Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, this is the sort of film that makes you wonder just why it took so many people to come up with a movie screenplay this basic.
Mired in some very obvious tropes and storylines, ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ is really just the 7500th telling of the “hero tested by returning villain who has found some dark ancient power to help his cause, forcing the protagonist to team up with another former antagonist to save the world”. And if you felt me falling asleep as I wrote that, imagine what I went through during the movie.
This is a film that borrows so heavily from other, better movies –– a dab of ‘The Matrix’ (in Black Manta’s squid-like attack craft), a splash of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (the backstory for the ancient power at the heart of the story) and just a sprinkling of ‘Black Panther’ (both in Arthur’s clash with someone who feels they should have his job and in a way we won’t explore here).
Aside from a callback to the drumming octopus known as Topo (an element from the comics that served as a one-off joke in the first movie but is here revealed to be an intelligence agent and a source of more occasional humor in this one) there is very little that feels at all fresh or truly interesting here.
The whole affair is tired and repetitive, the treatment of the story beyond rudimentary and the drama only really serving to stitch together set pieces that themselves come across as several different variations on the idea of Aquaman and Patrick Wilson’s Orm running from things or punching them.
Wan, meanwhile, gets to inject some of his usual horror overtones into the movie –– one or two sequences work (such as Black Manta showing up at Aquaman’s father’s house in darkness after he has conspired to shut off the power). But in general, let down by varied quality of the visual effects (for a film that took this long to finish, you have to worry about some sequences that look like they’re from the theme park version of the movie), this is certainly among his lesser movies.
The re-shoots and changes that happened along the way clearly had an effect, and most of what still works about the movie is by sheer luck rather than design.
If there is any real saving grace in the movie, it’s Momoa’s committed performance as the leading man, full of wisecracks (even if he does start to sound like Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man at times) and finding fun chemistry with Wilson’s Orm.
For his part, Wilson gives good snark, fully embracing the idea of the frustrated ruler who can’t stand the doofus who is on what he sees as his rightful throne.
Elsewhere? Poor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is reduced to an afterthought as a villain, who has his vengeful mission but very little else to do. At his side is Randall Park as scientist Dr. Stephen Shin, making the most of a nebbishy stock character and scoring one or two laughs.
And the rest of the heroic characters are barely there –– Temuera Morrison as Aquaman’s father Tom has a couple of solid scenes with his son and grandson, but you have to wonder why Nicole Kidman bothered showing up again as Momoa’s character’s mother beyond a contract and a payday.
Coming out even worse, though, is Amber Heard, who occasionally appears to be added in through visual effects and beyond one helpful moment, has so little to do you can understand Heard’s concerns that her character has been reduced to nearly nothing.
As an ending to the DC universe in its pre-Gunn era, this is like the mess of sticky drinks left on the floor after a party –– there’s no real wrap-up for anything and the usual teasing hint for future stories is pretty much absent.
Given how Wan, Momoa and the rest brought some knowing fun to a character who has been a joke in the past, it’s all the more disappointing that their follow-up is a bombastic but hollow enterprise, a less-than-satisfying end to a movie universe.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ receives 6 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’?
Having failed to defeat Aquaman (Jason Momoa) the first time, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all.
This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
Who else is in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’?
The cast for the new superhero outing also includes Amber Heard as Mera, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
