Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Moana 2.
One ofMoana 2’s most significant differences from its predecessor is that it features less of the shapeshifting and fan-favorite demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Despite the bond they formed and the adventure they went on together in the previous movie, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui are not together when the sequel begins. Moana has returned home to tell her people about her latest discovery and to embark on a new voyage while Mau is on his own mission in the lair of a newMoana 2character, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser).
After being captured by Matangi,Maui spends a significant portion of the story as a prisoner. Meanwhile, Moana’s story carries on for a while without Maui as she makes preparations for her voyage and sails across the ocean with her pet rooster, Heihei (Alan Tudyk), her pig, Pua, and her new human companions, Moni (Hualālai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), and Kele (David Fane). It is only after Moana and her crew cross paths with Maui that he becomes a consistent part of the story, including his pivotal role inMoana 2’s ending.
Moana’s Adventure In Moana 2 Is More Personal & Doesn’t Involve Maui
Maui And Moana Initially Have Different Priorities In The Sequel
Moana 2largely revolves around the titular hero’s journey as a wayfinder. Since her mission is to find the hidden island of Motufetu to reconnect humans from across the ocean,Maui initially does not have a reason to be involved in Moana’s quest. Moana’s concern is in reconnecting her people with other humans while Maui’s concern is breaking the curse of the god, Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), who does not appear untilMoana 2’s mid-credits scene. It takes time for Moana and Maui to encounter each other and to realize that their respective missions are aligned.
Moana 2 Review: The Disney Animation’s Heartwarming Story Is Undermined By A Questionable Villain
The animation is still strong and the character beats are affecting, but the villain and his motivations stand in the film’s way of true greatness.
Having less emphasis on Maui earlier in the movie also allows for more focus on Moana. As delightful as the dynamic between her and Maui can be, his character threatens to overshadow her at times. This issue is partly addressed by sidelining Maui while exploring who Moana is as a wayfinder, a sister, a daughter, and as a leader of her new crew. The sequel arguably feels like a more personal story because of this approach that places more of the focus on Moana.
Moana Has A New Crew That Puts The Focus On Humans
Moni, Loto, and Kele Are Important Characters In Moana 2
In the first movie, Moana only travels with Maui and Heihei. Moni, Loto, and Kele ensure that Moana travels with other humans this time, not to mention the addition of Pau. While these human characters are briefly introduced before the voyage begins, the story still needs time to develop each of them individually and as a crew, including Moni’s artistic talents and obsession with Maui, Loto’s resourcefulness, and Kele’s curmudgeonly personality.
When Motufetu is ultimately found and raised up from the ocean, it is a more meaningful moment because humans like Moni, Loto, and Kele are there to witness it after facing many harrowing obstacles throughout the story.
If Mau had been part of the crew from the beginning, he would have overshadowed Moni, Loto, and Kele, which would have prevented them from having an opportunity to become more developed. This is essentially what happens when Moana and Maui are reunited, and it would have happened much sooner if the demigod was there the whole time. When Motufetu is ultimately found and raised up from the ocean, it is a more meaningful moment because humans like Moni, Loto, and Kele are there to witness it after facing many harrowing obstacles throughout the story.
Moana 2 Originally Was A Disney+ TV Series That Turned Into A Movie
This Happened During Bob Iger’s Current Tenture As Disney CEO
Moana 2was originally going to be aMoanaDisney+ series. It was being developed as a limited television series that would act as a sequel to the original movie. In the aftermath of Bob Iger becoming Disney’s CEO again, the decision was made to rework the series as a movie. Since so much ofMoana 2’s story and animation is based on the plan for the Disney+ series,Maui presumably did not appear until the later episodes, with the earlier episodes focusing more on Moana and the new human characters.
Moanacan be streamed on Disney+.
However, once the sequel was reworked as a feature-length theatrical movie, changes were likely made to make Maui a more prominent part of the story. Seeing Maui entering Matangi’s lair, getting captured, and his attempts to escape may all be scenes that were added to increase his role in the story, when in the series, he may not have been seen at all until Moana runs into him during her voyage. The exact nature of Maui’s role in the planned Disney+ series is unknown, but it likely contributed to his somewhat diminished role inMoana 2.
Moana 2
Cast
Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.
