Moana 2: A More Personal Journey with Less Maui
One of the most significant differences between Moana 2 and its predecessor is the reduced role of fan-favorite demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Maui is not part of Moana’s journey when the sequel begins, as he is on his own mission in the lair of a new character, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). Instead, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) sets sail with her pet rooster, Heihei (Alan Tudyk), her pig, Pua, and new human companions, Moni (Hualālai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), and Kele (David Fane).
Moana’s adventure in Moana 2 revolves around her journey as a wayfinder, with the goal of reconnecting humans from across the ocean. Maui’s concerns, however, lie in breaking the curse of the god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), which doesn’t appear until the mid-credits scene. It takes time for Moana and Maui to cross paths and realize that their missions are aligned.
The reduced emphasis on Maui allows for more focus on Moana, exploring who she is as a wayfinder, sister, daughter, and leader of her new crew. The sequel feels like a more personal story, with Moana’s journey taking center stage. The addition of new human characters, including Moni, Loto, and Kele, ensures that Moana travels with other humans, not just Maui and Heihei.
Maui’s character threatens to overshadow Moana at times, but sidelining him allows for a more meaningful moment when Moana and her crew find the hidden island of Motufetu. The significance of this moment is heightened by the presence of human characters, who have faced many challenges throughout the story.
Moana 2 was originally planned as a Disney+ TV series before being reworked as a feature-length movie. This change likely contributed to Maui’s diminished role in the story, as he may not have appeared until later episodes. However, once the sequel was reworked, changes were made to increase his role in the story.
Moana 2 is a heartwarming story with strong animation and affecting character beats, despite a questionable villain and his motivations. The sequel explores Moana’s journey as a wayfinder and her relationships with her new human companions, making it a more personal and meaningful story.