'Moana 2' gets theatrical release date, Disney CEO Bob Iger announces

Moana and Maui are sailing back to the big screen, very quickly. "Moana 2" is coming to theaters in November, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said Wednesday.

Originally planned as a television series, the movie finds Moana journeying on a dangerous mission to the far seas of Oceania after getting a call from her ancestors. It is, the company said, "an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced."

"Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise and we can't wait to give you more of Moana and Maui," Iger said in a statement. The film will open in theaters on Nov. 27.

"Moana 2" was directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and will feature music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Mark Mancina, and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa'i. No details were given about the voice actors.

The first film made over $680 million at the global box office and has been streamed for over 1 billion hours on Disney+. Dwayne Johnson is also at work on a live-action "Moana" for the company.

USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt praised the animated comedy's music, co-helmed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the "refreshing" title character Moana in his review.

"The 'Hamilton' creator and the island personalities of 'Moana' make beautiful music together in this charming seafaring epic," Truitt wrote. "While it wears out its welcome in places, the latest from 'The Little Mermaid' directors Ron Clements and John Musker gets a lot of things right, including a memorable soundtrack, a commitment to Polynesian culture and an MVP voice performance from Dwayne Johnson."

Review:'Moana' really sings as a respite from the usual princess story

'This story is my culture':Dwayne Johnson reveals 'Moana' live-action remake

Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY