Moana 2: Unveiling the Magic of Disney's Latest Adventure
It’s quite surprising that Moana was released in 2016, and now, following its success, we are getting a sequel. Moana 2 continues the story as Moana and Maui are called on a new adventure by the ocean, hinting at an even bigger story ahead.
However, the original Moana had amazing songs, stunning ocean a nimation, and lovable characters like the adventurous Moana and the arrogant yet charming demigod Maui.
Originally Moana: was planned as The Series on Disney+, the next chapter of Moana was changed to a feature film, Moana 2, released in theaters. In this sequel, Moana and Maui set off on an adventure to save Moana’s people, joined by some new, unlikely seafarers. Moreover, after receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana braves the seas to break a curse and unite the people of the ocean. Along the way, Moana and her friends face many challenges as they search for the hidden island of Motufetu.
In this blog, we will learn more about Moana 2 storyline, characters, and what makes Moana 2 a much-watched movie.
Bringing Back Amazing Characters
The film brings back several familiar faces from the Moana universe, including Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina. There are also new additions to the cast, with notable performances from Awhimai Fraser as the secondary antagonist Matangi, Rose Matafeo as Loto, Hualalai Chung as Moni, David Fane as Kele, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea (Moana’s younger sister), and Gerald Ramsey as Tautai Vasa.
The Voice Cast of Moana 2
Moana 2 has an incredible voice cast. Auli’i Cravalho reprises her role as the titular wayfinder in Moana 2. She originally brought the character to life in the 2016 film, famously performing songs like “How Far I’ll Go.” Since her breakout role, Cravalho has starred in films such as Crush (2022) and the movie musical Mean Girls (2024), as well as the TV series The Power, based on Naomi Alderman’s best-selling novel.
As for the male character Maui, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has given the voiceover. Johnson is also set to play Maui in the live-action Moana directed by Thomas Kail. Recently, he appeared in Red One and is known for acting in Black Adam (2022), Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012), the Jumanji films, and The Fast and the Furious series as Hobbs.
Additionally, there’s this sweet “Big Sis Little Sis!” moment shared between two sisters. Moana and Maui play off each other well. One of Moana’s friends is a Maui superfan: Moni (Hualālai Chung). He’s also familiar with the stories of their people and the sea. Moana’s crew is composed of Loto (Rose Matafeo), a crafter, and Kele (David Fane), an elderly farmer.
The villain Nalo is underdeveloped. Moreover, he does not say much, and his power is shown, but little is explored about his character. It feels like there’s more to his background, perhaps for a sequel.
Other Amazing Characters of Moana 2
Meet Simea: Moana’s Younger Sister
Simea, voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, is Moana’s sassy and honest younger sister who eagerly awaits her return from wayfinding adventures. However, she keeps Moana grounded and connected to their home, Motunui. This marks Lambert-Tsuda’s debut voice role.
Meet Chief Tui and Sina
Chief Tui (voiced by Temuera Morrison) and Sina (voiced by Nicole Scherzinger) return as Moana’s parents in Moana 2. Chief Tui, once protective of Moana’s safety, now admires her bravery as a Wayfinder. Morrison, who also voiced Tui in the first film, is known for roles in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) and Once Were Warriors (1994).
Sina, Moana’s supportive mother, balances Tui’s strict nature with quiet encouragement, as seen when she helps Moana prepare for her first voyage. Scherzinger reprises her role from the original film and is also recognized for performances in Men in Black 3 (2012) and Annie Live! (2021).
Moana’s Crew: Kele, Moni, and Loto
Kele (voiced by David Fane) is a wise old farmer who prefers the land to the sea. Fane is known for his roles in Next Goal Wins (2023), Our Flag Means Death and Eagle vs. Shark.
Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung) is a scholar and scribe who keeps Motunui’s historical records. He also knows where to find ancient scrolls. Chung has appeared in Rescue: HI-Surf, NCIS: Hawaii, and Mad Men.
Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo) is a brilliant engineer who designs Moana’s wayfinding canoes, using her knowledge of physics and math to improve them.
Moana 2: Release Date? How Much It Earned at the Box Office?
Moana 2 was officially released on 27th of November in 2024. The first part of Moana was one of the very popular films in 2016. Fans were eagerly waiting for the release of Moana 2, and did not disappoint its fans. According to most of the fans Moana 2 was not as amazing as the original Moana. This movie received applause from its critics as well as its fans for amazing animation, catchy songs, and emotional touch. Few new characters were introduced in Moana 2. This movie earned around $386 million globally.
