Disney has launched a unique celebration of Moana 2’s worldwide success with a series of official anime shorts, giving the beloved franchise a fresh and vibrant makeover. The animated sequel, which premiered earlier this fall, has captivated audiences and smashed numerous box office records, including top openings over Thanksgiving weekend and becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films in recent history.
To commemorate this milestone, Disney has partnered with renowned anime director Gensho Yasuda and his studio, Yasuda Gensho Studio by Xenotoon, to produce two anime shorts celebrating the film’s release in Japan on December 6th. The collaboration has already generated excitement among fans, hinting at the potential for a larger anime adaptation of the Moana franchise in the future.
A New Anime Perspective on Moana
The first two shorts, released on Yasuda’s official YouTube channel, spotlight iconic moments from Moana 2. One features the Japanese-dubbed rendition of “We’re Back,” while the second showcases the emotional ballad “Beyond,” performed by Tomona Yabiku, the voice of Moana in both Japanese-dubbed films and other Disney media. These releases aim to bridge cultural boundaries and reimagine the characters through a uniquely Japanese lens.
Director Gensho Yasuda expressed admiration for Moana 2 in an interview with Comic Natalie:
“The visuals, story, music, and every aspect of this movie are perfect, and I think it will touch the hearts of viewers. It got me thinking about the lives of Moana and Maui, and how they will accept their destiny as heroes. It gave me a lot of inspiration.”
What’s Next for Moana in Anime
The collaboration is far from over. Two additional anime shorts have been teased, featuring Matangi’s energetic anthem “Get Lost” and Maui’s upbeat track “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” While release dates for these upcoming shorts remain unannounced, fans are already eagerly awaiting their debut.
The success of this anime venture hints at the possibility of a more extensive anime project for the Moana franchise. As Moana 2 continues to dominate theaters worldwide, these anime shorts mark an innovative step in blending storytelling traditions, offering audiences a refreshing new perspective on Disney’s modern classic.
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