Moana 2 hasn’t even hit theaters yet, and while the big Ds in Disney and Dwayne Johnson are a big draw for audiences, it’s his daughters who are stealing some of the spotlight—and a pretty impressive paycheck.
Set to release on November 27, 2024, the sequel will look deeper into the mythology of the Pacific Islands, as Moana and Maui team up to lift a curse and reconnect their people with the ocean.
Small roles, big paychecks
One of the biggest surprises about Moana 2 isn’t just the return of Johnson as Maui or Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, it’s the addition of Johnson’s young daughters, Jasmine (8) and Tiana (6). The girls are said to be earning $1,158 each for their roles in the film, even though their characters remain under wraps as of now.
Sure, that might not compare to their dad’s hefty $20 million salary, but for kids who are likely only working a single day, it’s a pretty sweet deal. Most 8- and 6-year-olds would consider themselves lucky to get a free Happy Meal, let alone a Hollywood paycheck.
The decision to involve his daughters must also be personally meaningful for Johnson, who has often spoken about how fatherhood is the “greatest thing ever.” Reflecting on his upbringing and his evolving relationship with his kids, Johnson told Drew Barrymore, “It wound up being the greatest thing [in my life].” With Jasmine and Tiana making their Disney debut, it’s a full-circle moment for the actor.
The cast of Moana 2 and who’s getting paid what?
The animation might look like child’s play, but the salaries of Moana 2’s voice cast, on top of the animation itself, are anything but. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the lovable demigod Maui, and at $20 million, he’s easily the highest-paid member of the cast. Auli’i Cravalho also returns as the titular Moana. While her paycheck isn’t as jaw-dropping as Johnson’s, $2 million is nothing to scoff at—especially for someone who first rose to fame as a teenager.
Nicole Scherzinger as Sina gets her a $1 million paycheck, actually reflecting her status as a seasoned voice-over performer. Even the rooster gets paid. Alan Tudyk’s comedic timing as Heihei, the scene-stealing chicken, earns him a solid $300,000. Temuera Morrison, meanwhile, continues to lend his voice to Moana’s father, Tui, and is said to make $700,000 for it.
What did Disney spend?
As with most major Disney animated films, Moana 2 comes with a hefty price tag. Although Disney hasn’t officially confirmed the film’s budget, it’s widely speculated to be around $150 million, matching the production cost of the original Moana. This figure covers everything from animation (a notoriously time-intensive process) to a marketing campaign that’s already in full swing.
But the $150 million production cost is just the beginning. When you factor in additional marketing and distribution expenses, the total investment balloons to approximately $300 million. That’s the benchmark Disney will need to hit at the box office to turn a profit—but this is Disney we’re talking about. The Mouse House has an uncanny penchant for turning animation into cold, hard cash.
So, how much is Moana 2 expected to make? Early tracking suggests the sequel could open to $100 million or more during the Thanksgiving weekend, with a five-day total potentially reaching $115 million. If these predictions hold, the film will not only surpass the opening numbers of the original Moana ($82 million over five days) but also become one of the biggest Thanksgiving releases in Disney’s history.
Many are already comparing the film to heavy hitters like Frozen 2, which raked in $125 million during its debut weekend in 2019. And while Moana 2 might not reach those dizzying heights, it’s poised to outpace other holiday releases like Wicked: Part One and Gladiator II.
The first Moana was celebrated for its respectful portrayal of Polynesian culture, with Disney going to great lengths to consult with local communities and high chiefs. Dwayne Johnson himself has Hawaiian roots. “The cultural aspect is something that is very cool,” Johnson said during the promotion of the first film. “They did a tremendous job of representing our culture in a way that makes us proud.”
With a projected opening weekend that could break records and a cast of Hollywood heavyweights (plus two adorable newcomers), Moana 2 is shaping up to be a big one for Disney. And for Dwayne Johnson’s daughters? Well, let’s just say they’re already living the dream.
