Disney began developing “Moana 2” as a miniseries for Disney+ in 2020.
During the animation process, the filmmakers were so impressed with the footage that they decided to make it a full-length movie.
This turned out to be a momentous decision.
“Moana 2” hit a significant milestone over the weekend, earning $1.009 billion globally. It went from just another streaming video to a billion-dollar payday for Disney.
As a Disney shareholder, I am pleased with this decision.
As a creator, it’s a lesson I teach people often:
We can never know how people will receive the things that we make. Whether you’re a writer, chef, glass blower, or wallpaper designer, it’s impossible to know what might be a hit and what will be a dud. But we must continue moving forward, making things, and like Disney, not become too attached to our original vision,
An author’s latest novel might be more successfully presented as a play.
A chef’s attempt at the greatest chicken francese ever might be better received as a chicken sandwich.
A glassblower’s vase might be better utilized as a water decanter.
Your most recent wallpaper design might be worth more as the illustration on a kid’s lunchbox.
When you’re willing to be flexible with your original vision, magic can sometimes happen.
JK Rowling initially intended “Harry Potter” as a simple children’s book series but instead created an expansive, detailed wizarding world that became a cultural phenomenon for all ages.
Alexander Graham Bell initially designed the telephone to help deaf people, but ultimately revolutionized global communication.
Thomas Edison intended the phonograph as a dictation device, but it became a music playback and entertainment tool.
Spencer Silver invented Post-it Notes as a failed strong adhesive but was later repurposed by Arthur Fry as a low-stick, reusable note product.
Levi Strauss Originally designed denim jeans as durable workwear for miners, which became an everyday fashion staple.
Instagram started as a location-based check-in app called Burbn before being rebranded as a photo-sharing platform.
And speaking of wallpaper:
Play-Doh was originally invented as a wallpaper cleaner but was rebranded as a children’s toy when its potential for creativity was discovered.
Also, bubble wrap was initially created as textured wallpaper but found its true purpose as protective packaging material.
Magic happens when we keep our momentum moving forward and our minds open to opportunity.
“Moana 2” is a terrible movie. A few weeks ago, I took the kids to see it with Elysha and a friend, and my friend tried to leave halfway through because she hated it so much.
I stopped her from leaving by telling her that Clara and Charlie would be disappointed if she left, so she continued to suffer alongside me.
Misery loves company.
But someone at Disney was wise enough to recognize that this terrible movie — absent any sensible plot, character development, or a single good song — would appeal to children who loved the first — as I did — and couldn’t help but love the sequel, even if it made no damn sense.
