Moana TV series for Disney+ has found its director

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced via social media that story artist David G. Derrick Jr. will direct the studio’s new Moana series for Disney+. Derrick originally worked on the film Moana back in 2016, which for him, the experience “deepened his connection with his family’s Samoan roots.”

Derrick also released the following statement:

"“Working on Moana was a gift, personally and professionally. The film Moana caught and shared the spirit of Polynesia with the world. I am honored to continue her story and to celebrate the rich and beautiful cultures of the Pacific Islands.”"

Osnat Shurer, the producer of Moana, recently shared, “Dave’s great story instincts, his visionary cinematic style, and his deep love and commitment to Moana and the Pacific Island cultures that inspired her world, make him a perfect director for the series.”

Derrick has quite a resume, having worked as a storyboard artist on several films, including Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon and Mastermind, along with Disney’s The Lion King, Raya and the Last Dragon, and the studios newest animated film, Encanto. This will be Derrick’s first director role.

Moana, the series, is said to be a long-form musical series that will pick up where the original film ended. Following Moana and her friends, the series will show them embarking on new adventures and continuing to explore the South Pacific.

There is no release date set for the series yet, but it is expected to start streaming sometime in 2024. This series will also be the first to be produced out of Walt Disney Animation’s newest studio location in Vancouver. The Vancouver studio is anticipated to become a major center for future Disney+ series projects, while the Burbank studio will remain focused on their animated feature films.