Photo by Disney/DISNEY - © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Growing up, Dana Ledoux Miller was captivated by Disney’s animated classics. She spent hours singing along to the soundtracks of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast, dreaming of being a Disney princess. However, she never imagined that one day, she would help shape the story of one.
That dream became a reality when Miller co-wrote and co-directed Moana 2, one of 2024’s biggest box office hits. The film, co-directed by Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr., surpassed $1 billion globally and is now set to debut on Disney+. But Miller’s involvement in the project wasn’t part of the original plan.
From Streaming Series to Blockbuster Films
Initially, Moana 2 was envisioned as a multi-episode series for Disney+. Miller was brought in as a consulting writer at that stage. However, the overwhelming success of the first Moana film on the platform led Disney to rethink its approach. The series was ultimately transformed into a feature-length film, requiring extensive revisions to streamline the story.
“There was a lot of restructuring,” Miller recalls. “In the series, we spent a lot of time with the crew on Moana’s ship. But since the film is about her, we had to ensure the focus stayed on her journey. The crew became a way to showcase her growth as a leader.”
A Deep Personal Connection
For Miller, who is of Samoan heritage, Moana was more than just another animated film. Watching the 2016 original was an emotional experience.
“I wept,” she admits. “I had never heard the voices of my people in a Regal Cinema before. Seeing a Disney princess who looked like me and shared my culture was incredibly powerful.”
Growing up in Long Beach, California, Miller once believed Hollywood was out of reach. She applied to top film schools but didn’t get into any of the well-known programs. Instead, she attended the University of Hawaii, where an unexpected opportunity changed everything.
A Breakthrough in Hollywood
While studying in Hawaii, Miller secured an internship on the set of ABC’s hit series Lost, which was filming in the state. The experience gave her a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling and filmmaking.
“There were so many other Pacific Islanders working on set,” she says. “It helped me understand the many roles that bring a story to life.”
From there, she worked on Netflix productions like Narcos and Thai Cave Rescue before receiving the call from Disney to return to the world of Motunui.
Championing Pacific Islander Voices
Now an established voice in the industry, Miller is committed to opening doors for underrepresented talent. She co-founded the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK), an organization that supports Pacific Islander professionals in the entertainment world.
“If we want to see ourselves on screen, we need to be part of the storytelling process,” she says. “Storytelling is deeply rooted in our culture, and I want to protect and celebrate that.”
The Future of Moana
Miller isn’t done with Moana’s journey yet. She has teamed up with Jared Bush to write the live-action adaptation of Moana, directed by Hamilton’s Thomas Kail. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, while newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia will play Moana.
“She’s incredible,” Miller says of Lagaʻaia. “She stood her ground against Dwayne without hesitation.”
The live-action film will honor the animated original while adding a raw, human element.
“A 16-year-old girl braving the open ocean on a perilous journey—it feels more visceral in live action,” Miller explains. “That sense of vulnerability will make it even more powerful.”
