Disney's much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, released at the end of 2024, has made waves not only at the box office but also has garnered attention for its storytelling and musical contributions. After breaking records and becoming the highest-grossing animated film opening during the Thanksgiving weekend, it is now available for streaming on Disney+ as of March 15, 2025.
Continuing the adventurous tale of the titular princess, Moana 2 sees Moana successfully reviving the previously sunken island of Motufetu. This daring endeavor is driven by her quest to reunite the peoples of the ocean, enabled through her role as the wayfinder of Motunui. The film's climax involves Moana and her crew facing off against the formidable island keeper, the evil Nalo, whose name translates to "lost" in Hawaiian.
The climax of Moana 2 is punctuated with the arrival of several boats full of strangers at the end, representing people from other ocean tribes. These newcomers signal the film’s central theme: connectivity and survival through unity. According to Tautai Vasa, the goddess who guides Moana, the unification of various oceanic tribes is imperative for their continued existence, marking Moana’s mission as not just one of adventure but of necessity.
The end of Moana 2 establishes exciting possibilities for the franchise's future. With Moana’s newfound status as demigod after her daring descent to resurrect Motufetu, the narrative hints at her new responsibilities and the emergence of additional characters who will diversify the storyline. Moana’s objective now shifts from merely restoring Motunui to traveling beyond her home to explore and learn from other cultures.
Adding depth to the sequel are the musical contributions of Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the first women and youngest composer duo to create music for Disney. Their soundtrack not only attempts to honor Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic songs from the first film but also introduces catchy new tracks. A notable song from the sequel, “Get Lost,” has become particularly popular, having been streamed over 19 million times. It is not just Matangi’s anthem, but it also slyly references infamous Disney villains, aligning her with some notorious characters from the Disney legacy.
Far from being merely antagonistic, Matangi surprises the audience—who might be ready to classify her as evil due to her song's layers and initial interactions with Moana and Maui. Instead, she proves to be a strategic ally, guiding Moana on her quest, culminating with her dramatic arc leading to Moana’s ascension as demigod.
Fans are also eager to see what new dynamics these fresh characters will introduce. The introduction of characters from various islands suggests the potential for interpersonal conflicts, cultural exchanges, and the exploration of their similarities and differences with Moana’s people. Moana 3, likely on the horizon, has incredible narrative opportunities to expand on these storylines.
Yet, the sequel hasn’t been without its critics. Some have voiced concerns about Barlow and Bear’s melodies overshadowing Miranda’s iconic compositions from the original. Responding to such critiques, Barlow expressed the emotional stakes of their project, emphasizing the work's heartfelt nature and its legacy—"If my nephews love it, that's all I care about." The duo spent years pouring their efforts and creativity to add their own flair to the beloved franchise, even producing additional songs and numerous alternate versions before finalizing the soundtrack.
Overall, as Moana 2 continues to capture the hearts of fans globally, it solidifies its place as both entertainment and cultural exploration. With the story’s blend of traditional themes and innovative expansions, including the ever-evolving role of Moana, the franchise sets the stage for future adventures. The exploration of new islands and cultures promises to extend Moana's quest beyond her homeland.
Overall, the thrilling progression of Moana’s character and the overarching themes of connectivity, responsibility, and adventure position Moana 2 as not just a sequel but as the beginning of greater explorations within the oceanic realms. Whether audiences are seeking nostalgia or new narratives, Moana 2 outlines the continuing legacy of the beloved character and her world.