Directors talk sequel, classic Disney films

ComingSoon's Jonathan Sim recently flew to Burbank, California to visit Walt Disney Animation Studios for a special press day for Disney's upcoming film. Moana 2. From live music to the screening of the first 30 minutes of the film, it was a day to remember. The highlight was the interview with directors Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr.

“Moana travels to the distant seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected call from her pioneering ancestors,” the official synopsis reads.

Jonathan Sim: Moana 2 has this crazy production because it started as a TV series before it became a movie. When you restructured it, did you ever have to change anything about the story to make it work better for the film medium?

Dana Ledoux Miller: I think our great luck is that we were able to grow even bigger by switching from a TV series to a film. We've really done it, we have 750 incredible artists and we can make them shine on the big screen in a way you can't on the TV.

One of the best things about Moana 2 is that we have all these incredible characters. I want to talk to you about my favorite piece, Hei Hei. More specifically, Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei. What a legend. How do you direct Alan Tudyk and all his noises? Do you have to give him specific instructions?

Müller: I would say that directing Alan as Hei Hei was perhaps the highlight of my career. Yes. But he really is an incredible professional and brings so much life to it, but we talked about Hei Hei's motivation. We talked about what you think Hei Hei is thinking at this moment. He takes this role so seriously, which I think gives it so much life. And he's a Disney legend. The fact that we get to work with him is incredible.

Yes. I was wondering: do you need to tell him that it's more chicken-like in this case?

Müller: He brings the chicken. He knows his own. It's more like Hei Hei feels a little more lost than usual at this moment, or that Hei Hei is really a little scared but also has no idea what's going on. You know, it's that balance. He finds that nuance.

Now I want to ask you a few quick questions. Favorite character from Moana 2?

Müller: Kele.

David Derrick Jr: Lotus.

Jason Hand: Maui.

Favorite Disney classics?

Müller: The Little Mermaid.

hand: The Jungle Book.

derrick: The Lion King.

The Disney character you would love to spend a whole day with?

Müller: Moana.

derrick: Same.

hand: Baloo.

Favorite Disney song?

derrick: Can it be from Moana 2?

That can be true, yes.

derrick: I love “Beyond.”

hand: “You're welcome.”

Müller: “Part of your world.”

Now I feel like every single movie that's ever been made has this crazy story where it's something that you never expected when it was made. Was there ever a story about Moana 2? What was the craziest thing that happened behind the scenes of this film?

hand: You already said it. It went from being a series to becoming an incredibly big feature film.

Müller: It doesn't get much bigger than that.

derrick: Yes, that was crazy.

When you were developing the sequel, what was the biggest difference between this film and the first? Because I've seen the first 30 minutes and it seems like it's going to be very different, but what do you think sets Moana 2 apart the most from the original Moana?

Müller: Well, if the first film was about Moana reconnecting with her past, Moana 2 is about Moana building a new future for her people.

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