Unlike other times when Disney dives into sequels and franchise expansions, Walt Disney Animation Studios has typically avoided full-blown trilogies in the past. However, a recent report suggests that Disney might be willing to push boundaries with one of their most beloved franchises, testing just how far they can take it.
Based on information from source Daniel Richtman, it’s being said that Moana 3 might be in development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, following the box office triumph of Moana 2. If this sequel proceeds, Moana 3 would become one of just two theatrical trilogies within the Walt Disney Animation Studios collection, a distinction usually granted to Pixar and live-action Disney productions when they are released.
It’s important to mention that the post-credits scene of Moana 2 hinted at the potential for a third movie, and the directors of Moana 2 have discussed the possibility of making a Moana 3 since the sequel was released.
Disney introduced Moana to audiences back in 2016, and the film continued to captivate viewers for years afterward, earning a place among the most-watched movies ever. In 2024, Disney followed up with Moana 2, and they’re planning to release a live-action version featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui in 2026.
Regarding the fact that Walt Disney Animation Studios hasn’t produced many sequels or threequels in its history, it’s crucial to clarify that this excludes the studio’s direct-to-video sequels and only refers to feature films released theatrically from their main animation division.
Every Disney Animation Sequel Ahead of Moana 3
Here, we delve deeper into the sequel history of Disney Animation with the rumored production of Moana 3.
The Rescuers Down Under
In 1937, Disney’s groundbreaking animated film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” made its debut. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that Disney produced their first animated sequel titled “The Rescuers Down Under“.
1977’s “The Rescuers” was followed by another exciting installment titled “The Rescuers Down Under”. This new film reintroduced viewers to Bernard (played by Bob Newhart) and Bianca (Eva Gabor), who are part of the Rescue Aid Society, a group of mice. In this thrilling tale, our duo embarks on an adventure deep into the Australian Outback with a mission: to save a young boy from the clutches of a ruthless poacher, intent on capturing an endangered golden eagle.
Fantasia 2000
If there was a significant time gap between “The Rescuers” and “Rescuers Down Under”, then the release of “Fantasia 2000” significantly shortened that timeline. To put it into perspective, the sequel that came out in 1999 was actually a staggering 59 years after the original “Fantasia”, which debuted in 1940 as Disney’s third animated film.
Similar to the groundbreaking “Fantasia”, “Fantasia 2000” showcased animated scenes synchronized with classical music, blending conventional animation and computer-generated imagery (CGI). Unlike its predecessor, this film also incorporated a scene from the original 1940 movie, specifically The Sorcerer’s Apprentice featuring Mickey Mouse.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Disney’s 2018 film, titled Ralph Breaks the Internet, is a sequel to the 2012 movie Wreck-It Ralph. This continuation brought back characters Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz (portrayed by Sarah Silverman). In this adventure, they ventured beyond their arcade home and into the vast expanse of the internet.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the evolution from “Wreck-It Ralph” to “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” The former, with its homage to gaming’s rich history and nostalgic appearances, was simply delightful. However, it was in the latter that the creators truly outdid themselves, weaving an ingenious tapestry of internet culture and pop culture references. These references spanned across familiar Disney franchises, making it a must-watch for any Disney fan!
Frozen 2
After the unprecedented triumph and continuous adoration for the 2013 release of Frozen, Disney unveiled Frozen 2 in 2019, a sequel set three years following the occurrences depicted in the initial box-office hit.
In “Frozen 2,” the original cast (Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad) embarked on a journey to uncover the source of Elsa’s magical abilities. Although it didn’t quite match the phenomenal success of the first “Frozen,” “Frozen 2” still made a strong showing at the box office.
Moana 2
Initially conceived for Disney+’s lineup, Walt Disney Animation Studios subsequently revised their project to become a 2024 theatrical follow-up to the 2016 film Moana, which is set three years after the original events.
In this fresh journey, Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui respectively, along with a new ensemble of characters. Together, they set sail on an unexpected voyage aimed at lifting the spell from the mystical island of Motufetu that has been lost for eons. This adventure significantly transforms Moana in ways that surprise her fans, paving the way for Disney to explore more of her story in a future third movie.
Zootopia 2
As a fervent supporter, I’m excited to share that I’ll be part of unveiling Disney Animation’s next sequel – none other than “Zootopia 2”, scheduled for release on November 25! This is the long-awaited follow-up to the phenomenally successful buddy cop adventure, “Zootopia” from 2016.
Beyond Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps, Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde, and Shakira as Gazelle returning to their roles, the voice cast of Zootopia is growing with Quinta Brunson from Abbott Elementary, and Ke Huy Quan, who takes on the character of the enigmatic reptile, Gary De’Snake. Since reptiles have a questionable history in Zootopia, his appearance sparks a new adventure for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
Frozen 3
Since the enthusiasm for Anna and Elsa hasn’t waned following “Frozen 2,” Walt Disney Animation Studios has chosen to deviate from tradition by producing their initial trilogy, “Frozen 3” (and potentially “Frozen 4”), which seems to be setting a trend for “Moana 3” to follow.
Initially slated for a 2026 debut in early 2023, the upcoming film “Frozen 3” has been rescheduled and will now hit theaters on November 24, 2027.
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2025-06-26 02:34