Disney 'Moana 2' trailer achieves record breaking 178 million views, defeats Frozen and Inside Out views

Moana

The latest trailer for Disney's 'Moana 2' has become the studio's most-watched animated movie trailer ever, accumulating an astounding 178 million views within just 24 hours of its release on May 29. This record-breaking figure surpasses the previous high set by the trailers for 'Inside Out 2' and 'Frozen 2,' which garnered 157 million and 116 million views respectively. The 'Moana 2' trailer also outperformed the 113 million views of Pixar's 'Incredibles 2.'

Actors Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui in this highly anticipated sequel. The two-minute trailer shows Moana setting off on a new voyage across the ocean, following a summons from her ancestors. Alongside her journey, she encounters Maui, the demigod played by Johnson, who aids her in this spiritual quest. The trailer highlights Moana's call to reconnect her people across the entire ocean, as she navigates the seas with Maui's guidance.

The impressive viewership numbers come solely from online platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok. The overwhelming response reflects the character Moana's popularity, with many viewers expressing their fondness for her, Maui, and the pet pig Pua. These characters have stood out among other Disney favorites, contributing to the trailer's viral success.

'Moana 2' is set to open in theaters on November 27. Disney is especially relieved with the trailer's success as their recent animated releases have not performed well at the box office, particularly during Thanksgiving releases. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted theater attendance from 2020 to 2023, Disney's earlier Thanksgiving release, 'Frozen II,' performed exceptionally well, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide.

The storyline of 'Moana 2' follows Moana as she responds to a call from her ancestors, embarking on an unexpected journey through long-lost waters. The film is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. Before being re-envisioned as a theatrical sequel, the concept for "Moana 2" was initially developed as a television series.

Produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, with new songs by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the film promises to deliver both familiar and fresh elements to its audience. The trailer's phenomenal success is a testament to the lasting impact of the original 2016 'Moana' film, which Nielsen reported as the most streamed movie of 2023 across all platforms.

Moana

As Disney prepares for the theatrical release, the excitement generated by the trailer bodes well for 'Moana 2's' box office performance. The positive reception and record-breaking viewership demonstrate that Moana continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring that her adventures will remain a cherished part of Disney's animated legacy.