Moana 2: A Lesson for Frozen 3
The success of Moana 2 serves as a warning for Frozen 3, as the sequel’s epic tone and grand scale have raised the bar for future Disney animated sequels. While Frozen 2 also took a similar approach, its grandeur was met with a mixed response from fans and critics.
Moana 2’s epic story follows Moana as she faces a god’s curse affecting the entire ocean, leading her to take on a leadership position to save it. The film features an expanded cast, giant monsters, and a mid-credits scene that teases a potential villain team-up in a future sequel. This approach has been successful, with the film’s record-setting opening weekend suggesting it will make over $1 billion at the box office.
Frozen 2, however, did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as the original Frozen, with many fans feeling it got bogged down in its lore and exposition. The sequel’s focus on Elsa’s history meant that other characters were relegated to the background, and the overreliance on flashbacks took away from the main story.
If Frozen 3 and 4 are to succeed, they will need to go bigger than Moana 2. Since the films are being developed together, there is a possibility they could tell one overarching story split between two parts, allowing for a more grand and epic tale.
The success of Moana 2 serves as a reminder that Disney sequels must continue to evolve and raise the bar in terms of storytelling and scope. As the studio moves forward with its plans for Frozen 3 and 4, it will be important for them to take a lesson from Moana 2 and strive for even greater heights.