Watch Disney's trailers for 'Moana 2', live-action 'Mufasa: The Lion King' & 'Snow White'

[Enter Stage Rite]

From the familiar waters of Polynesia to the Pride Lands’ golden savanna and the enchanted woods of Snow White’s kingdom, Disney had something for everyone at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, where it also previewed Stitch’s new look for the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.

 

Moana 2

 

Moana, our fearless ocean navigator, is back for an unexpected sequel, slated for release on November 27, 2024. Auli’i Cravalho returns to voice the titular heroine, who receives a mysterious call from her ancestors. This summons sends Moana on a perilous journey through uncharted waters, accompanied by a fresh crew of seafarers and, of course, the lovable demigod Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).

 

 

 

The Moana 2 trailer teases a tense encounter with the mischievous Kakamora coconut tribe, who seem determined to turn our heroes into pincushions with their blow darts. Behind the scenes, a talented trio of directors—David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller—steer the ship. The film’s soundtrack promises to be equally impressive, featuring contributions from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time winner Mark Mancina.

 

Mufasa: The Lion King

 

Shifting gears from ocean to savanna, Mufasa: The Lion King roars onto the scene as a prequel to the 2019 live-action adaptation. Set for release on December 20, 2024, this photorealistic CGI-animated film is helmed by Barry Jenkins. The story unravels the early life of Mufasa, Simba’s father, chronicling his journey from orphaned cub to revered king of the Pride Lands.

 

 

 

Interestingly, the tale is framed as a story within a story, narrated by the colorful trio of Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa to Simba’s daughter, Kiara. It explores the complex relationship between Mufasa and his brother Taka, who later becomes the notorious Scar. This sibling dynamic forms the emotional backbone of the narrative, tracing their transformation from close brothers to bitter adversaries.

 

Snow White

 

Lastly, Disney offered a glimpse of its live-action Snow White adaptation. The brief teaser introduces Rachel Zegler as the fairest of them all, complete with a rendition of the classic Whistle While You Work. Providing a stark contrast is Gal Gadot’s menacing portrayal of the Evil Queen, promising a deliciously dark edge to this timeless tale.

 

 

 

Fans will have to exercise patience, however, as the film isn’t set to grace screens until March 21, 2025.

 

 

 

• https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2024/08/d23-the-ultimate-disney-fan-event-unveils-first-look-at-moana-2-star-wars-skeleton-crew-snow-white-mufasa-the-lion-king/ 
• https://www.ign.com/articles/mufasa-the-lion-king-new-trailer-teases-mufasa-and-scars-early-friendship-d23-2024 
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2024/08/11/snow-white-disney-rachel-zegler-remake-what-to-know/74760578007/ 

 

 

Images: Walt Disney Studios [1][2] and Walt Disney Animation Studios