NEW YORK – When you look at some of the numbers, it’s hard to believe “Moana 2” was ever going to be anything but a movie.

When the teaser trailer for “Moana 2” dropped in May, it was watched 178 million times in 24 hours. That’s more than “Inside Out 2,” more than “Frozen 2,” more than any animated Disney movie before.

A veritable ocean’s worth of anticipation is awaiting the sequel to 2016’s “Moana,” all proof that one of the more dramatic pivots in recent Walt Disney Co. history is paying off, big time. “Moana 2” was originally intended to be a streaming series, but now, it’s steering toward being one of the fall’s biggest blockbusters. What can you say except you’re welcome?

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