Moana 2 hasn’t even hit theaters yet, and while Disney’s big D and Dwayne Johnson are big audiences, it’s its girls who steal some of the show and a pretty impressive payday.

Set to release on November 27, 2024, the sequel will delve 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 salaries

One of the biggest surprises of Moana 2 It’s not 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 they are said to be earning $1,158 each for their roles in the film, although their characters remain under wraps for now.

Sure, that may not compare to their dad’s big $20 million salary, but for kids who probably only work one day, it’s a pretty good deal. Most 8 and 6 year olds would consider themselves lucky to receive a free Happy Meal, let alone a Hollywood salary.

The decision to involve his daughters must also be personally meaningful for Johnson, who has often spoken about how fatherhood is the priority. “the greatest thing ever.” Reflecting on his upbringing and the evolution of his relationship with his children, Johnson said Drew Barrymore“It ended up being the best thing (of my life).“With Jasmine and Tiana making their Disney debut, it’s come full circle for the actor.

The cast of Moana 2 and who gets paid what?

Animation may seem like child’s play, but the salaries of Moana 2The voice acting, in addition to the animation itself, is 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 casting. Auli’i Cravalho also returns as the titular Moana. Even though his salary isn’t as eye-popping as Johnson’s, $2 million is nothing to scoff at, especially for someone who rose to fame as a teenager.

Nicole Scherzinger as Sina earns her a million-dollar salary, which actually reflects her status as a seasoned voiceover performer. Even the rooster is paid. Alan Tudyk’s comedic timing as Heihei, the scene-stealing chicken, earned him $300,000. Temuera Morrison, meanwhile, continues to lend his voice to Moana’s father, Tui, and reportedly earns $700,000 from it.

What did Disney spend?

As with most major Disney animated films, Moana 2 comes with a hefty price tag. Although Disney has not officially confirmed the film’s budget, it widely speculated be around $150 million, which is the cost of producing the original Moana. This figure covers everything from animation (a notoriously time-consuming process) to a marketing campaign that’s already in full swing.

But the $150 million production cost is just the beginning. When additional marketing and distribution expenses are taken into account, the total investment is 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 a strange penchant for turning animation into cold hard cash.

So how much does it cost? Moana 2 planned to do? Early follow-up suggests the sequel could open to $100 million or more over Thanksgiving weekend, with a five-day total potentially reaching $115 million. If these predictions come true, the film will not only surpass the original’s opening numbers. Moana ($82 million over five days), but also becomes one of the biggest Thanksgiving releases in Disney history.

Many are already comparing the film to heavyweights like Frozen 2which raked in $125 million in its first weekend in 2019. And although Moana 2 may not reach those dizzying heights, it’s poised to surpass other holiday releases like Villain: Part One And Gladiator II.

The first Moana was celebrated for its respectful depiction of Polynesian culture, with Disney going to great lengths to consult local communities and top leaders. Dwayne Johnson himself has Hawaiian roots. “The cultural aspect is something very cool” Johnson said during the promotion from the first film. “They have done a wonderful job representing our culture in a way that makes us proud. »

With a planned opening weekend that could break records and a cast of Hollywood heavyweights (plus two adorable newcomers), Moana 2 is shaping up to be a major event for Disney. What about Dwayne Johnson’s daughters? Well, let’s just say they’re already living the dream.