The long-awaited sequel, Moana 2, has shattered financial expectations, sailing past $1 billion at the global box office since its release in November 2024. Though the franchise's return was marred by some critical disappointment, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 61%, the animated film has successfully set the stage for an even more exciting Moana 3.
While initially presenting Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser) as the villain, it is ultimately revealed that the true antagonist is Nalo, a vengeful storm god voiced by Tofiga Fepulea’i. Nalo is portrayed as a formidable foe, far exceeding the previous antagonists in the franchise with powers that dwarf Te Kā and Tamatoa, providing a compelling new dynamic.
The film dives into Nalo’s menacing backstory, detailing how he sunk the mythical island of Motufetū centuries ago, severing the ocean currents and isolating human tribes across the Pacific. This calculated act of sabotage, effectively leading to the doom of countless communities, shows the long-term impacts of his manipulative intervention, which some researchers compare to actual historical patterns affecting Polynesian exploration.
In a stunning turn, Nalo possesses the terrifying ability to strip demigods of their powers, as demonstrated when he temporarily robs Maui (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) of his tattoos and strength. Such a risk highlights the stakes for Moana in the upcoming third installment, given her new status as a demigod thanks to her ancestral blessings showcased in Moana 2. She now bears distinctive arm tattoos and a magical oar that allows manipulation of ocean currents, becoming a formidable opponent herself.
The climax of Moana 2 sees Moana transforming and uniting tribes, but it doesn’t stop Nalo from building an alliance with Matangi and reintroducing a familiar face: Tamatoa, the treasure-hungry giant crab from the original film. The unexpected coalition hints at Nalo’s deep-seated vendetta against humanity and his manipulation of events that extends back to the original movie. Jennifer Lee, Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer, underscored the importance of this unification: “Nalo realizes that there’s nothing more dangerous than the power of humans. When they’re together, they can do anything. The world becomes theirs.”
Nalo's machinations reveal the complexity of his character. Unlike prior villains, whose motivations arose from misunderstandings or personal ambitions, Nalo is driven by a calculative hatred toward humanity. His motives indirectly echo themes from Polynesian history and showcase the significance of community in overcoming adversity.
Another point of interest is the film's production journey. Originally announced as Moana: The Series in 2020, the project underwent a notable transformation in early 2024, with Disney pivoting to a theatrical release due to financial setbacks with Disney+. Filmmakers transitioned the planned series into Moana 2 in a mere matter of months, contributing to some criticism of the sequel's episodic feel. This transition has prompted questions regarding the quality of the final product. Some critics argue that the film's pacing and character development echoed its origins as a TV show, resulting in a less cohesive narrative.
Looking ahead to Moana 3, fans are optimistic. While no official announcement has been made, Moana 2’s post-credits scene sets an exciting direction for the next chapter. This snippet reveals Nalo, Matangi, and Tamatoa scheming together, promising retaliation against Moana and Maui. Given the massive financial success of Moana 2, it’s a safe bet that fans can expect a well-planned, high-quality theatrical release for Moana 3.
If Moana 3 follows a similar timeline to its predecessor, it could possibly arrive as soon as late 2027 or 2028. Such developments would mark a significant turnaround from the lengthy eight-year wait fans experienced for Moana 2, which had its basis in evolving from a canceled TV show.
As audiences reflect on Moana 2’s mixed reviews but impressive box office, they await a sequel that can leap beyond its predecessor both in narrative depth and critical acclaim. With the groundwork laid by Moana 2, Fepulea’i’s Nalo promises to emerge as one of Disney's most formidable animated villains in years. The journey of Moana continues, and every fan is left eager to see how the tale unfolds in the upcoming anticipated sequel.
In summary, Moana 2 solidified its position at the global box office while provoking discussions about the future of Disney animated sequels. With compelling character arcs and solid box office figures, there is ample reason to discuss how Moana 3 might surpass its critical reception and even redefine animated storytelling expectations for years to come.
