In a remarkable turn of events, Disney's latest animated film, Moana 2, has made waves both at the box office and in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Released on November 27, 2024, the sequel to the beloved 2016 film features Moana embarking on a grand adventure to discover the lost island of Motufetu. However, the film's climax holds a major twist that elevates Moana to an entirely new status, making her the most formidable Disney Princess ever.
Once again, Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, is on a journey that showcases her strength, bravery, and unshakeable connection to the ocean. The film brings back fan-favorite Dwayne Johnson as Maui, who plays a critical role alongside an ensemble of fresh characters, delivering humor and camaraderie throughout Moana's journey.
Critics have had mixed reviews about Moana 2, not quite matching the stellar acclaim of its predecessor, yet they've acknowledged the character development for both Moana and Maui as commendable. The film has already shattered box office records, comfortably exceeding the financial success of the original film and earning its place as one of the highest-grossing movies of 2024.
A pivotal moment occurs when Moana, in an act of self-sacrifice, dives into the raging ocean to save her people and ultimately raises the island of Motufetu. Unfortunately, this act costs her life when struck by the lightning of the storm god, Nalo. In a twist that reverberates with cultural significance, Maui, in his anguish, invokes the spirits of Moana's ancestors, successfully reviving her. But, this revival comes with a transformative twist: Moana is reborn as a demigod.
Her transition to demigod status brings with it new divine abilities and unique tattoos, emblematic of her new identity. This transformation changes the landscape of Disney princesses permanently. Moana's profound bond with the ocean strengthens, allowing her to wield her oar as a spiritual weapon, akin to Maui's renowned fishhook.
Disney's choice to elevate Moana to demigod status is a significant cultural moment in the Disney landscape. Her previous iteration, while exceptional, lacked supernatural abilities on the same scale as her peers. With Moana now among the ranks of demigods alongside Maui, her strength has exponentially amplified.
Despite being one of the first Disney princesses to lack a romantic subplot, Moana has cemented herself as an inspiration for youth, embodying independence and courage. Since officially joining the Disney Princess lineup in 2019, her demigod evolution in Moana 2 completes her character arc, positioning her above the traditional princesses.
Currently, Moana stands as the third Disney Princess to exhibit supernatural powers, following Rapunzel and Elsa; however, her demigod persona significantly overshadows theirs. While Rapunzel relies on her magical hair, and Elsa's ice powers primarily serve her character's growth, Moana’s transformation establishes her as a character equipped with not just extraordinary power but also exceptional fighting skills.
Undoubtedly, the comparisons between Moana and Elsa will be keenly scrutinized, especially with the highly-anticipated Frozen 3 looming on the horizon. But whether Frozen can evolve its characters swiftly enough to match Moana's new stature remains to be seen.
The production of Moana 2 has been acclaimed for its cultural authenticity, featuring original songs that resonate with the Polynesian heritage. Director David G. Derrick Jr. and co-directors Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller have done a commendable job in ensuring the storytelling remains rooted in respect and understanding of the culture.
Dwayne Johnson recently celebrated the film's triumphant journey, marking its success on social media. On March 18, 2025, he expressed his gratitude towards the Disney animation team for their hard work and dedication that contributed to the film’s success, which surpassed a billion dollars worldwide. “Moana’s story resonated with the world. There’s a lot of good stuff, and it’s hard for our young girls and boys to kind of see beyond what’s in front of them,” he stated as he reflected on the film's broader impact.
He explained the importance of the film's themes in respecting and celebrating Polynesian culture, underscoring the significance of the characters and stories they portray. The emotional arc of Maui, paired with his song “Manu Vavau,” written by Samoan songwriter Opetaia Foa’i and performed in Samoan, further adds layers of authenticity and cultural representation to the film.
As audiences have witnessed, the excitement around Moana 2 showcases not only a powerful narrative but also the potential for future stories exploring Moana's new abilities. The film has indeed left a lasting impression and opened the door for discussions about the depth and evolution of Disney princesses.
Moving forward, if Disney were to greenlight a Moana 3, fans can anticipate exploring the ripples of Moana’s demigod abilities and how they will shape her role within the larger Disney universe.
It's not just about the journey of a princess anymore; it's the rise of a demigod who promotes the value of cultural heritage, bravery, and the pursuit of greatness for all, making Moana not just a Disney character but a legend in her own right.
