The ending of Moana 2 delivers explosive revelations that transform Moana and set the stage for potential sequels. As a follow-up to the smash-hit Moana (2016), Moana 2 thrusts the titular hero into a new adventure across the ocean.
With restoring a lost island and lifting a deadly curse, Moana’s journey is filled with surprises, including an unexpected power-up that positions her for more epic quests. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the Moana 2 ending, the new powers Moana gains, and what it means for the franchise’s future.
Moana Dies and Becomes a Demigod: What Happens in the Climax of Moana 2?
In a shocking twist at the end of Moana 2, the heroine seemingly dies while attempting to restore the lost island of Motufetu. While Moana successfully breaks the curse, she’s struck by a lightning bolt from the villainous god, Nalo.
Initially thought to be dead, Moana is miraculously revived by the spirits of her ancestors—thanks to the ocean’s intervention. This resurrection saves her and transforms her into a demigod, granting her powers similar to those of Maui. Her iconic oar is now a magical artefact, unlocking new supernatural abilities.
Moana’s transition from mortal to demigod marks a pivotal moment for the character, expanding her influence and abilities. This transformation hints at even greater adventures and power struggles in future films.
Moana’s New Powers Explained: What Can She Do as a Demigod?
Now that Moana has ascended to demigod status, her powers are far beyond anything seen in the first film. Unlike Maui, whose powers come from his magical fishhook, Moana’s abilities are centred around her enchanted oar. This oar, glowing with golden script, allows Moana to control the tides, shape the ocean, and easily navigate through treacherous waters.
In addition to her supernatural ocean manipulation, Moana gains tattoos representing her hero’s journey and accomplishments, much like Maui’s. These tattoos may even become “alive,” possibly leading to a Mini Moana character in future films. Her powers and tattoos will likely evolve as she continues exploring the vast ocean in the sequels.
How Moana Reconnects the Oceanic World: The Restoring of Motufetu
The central plot of Moana 2 revolves around the mission to restore Motufetu, an island submerged by a curse placed by the god Nalo. Motufetu’s fall created a rift in the ocean’s wayfinding routes, severing Moana’s tribe and others from the rest of the world.
By restoring the island, Moana not only saves her tribe but reopens pathways for other explorers to find their way to Motufetu. This culminates in a powerful scene where various tribes come together, symbolizing the reawakening of a unified oceanic world.
This newfound connectivity sets the stage for more expansive storytelling in potential sequels, with Moana now serving as a central figure in uniting different oceanic tribes.
Matangi’s Role in Moana 2: The Villain Turned Ally?
At first, Matangi appears to be a menacing antagonist, wielding immense power over Maui and Moana. However, as the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Matangi is not truly evil—she’s an unwilling servant of the villainous god Nalo. Trapped for centuries within the island-sized clam, Matangi hopes that breaking the curse will free her from Nalo’s control.
Although Matangi offers crucial assistance to Moana and Maui, she’s ultimately left unresolved in Moana 2. In a mid-credits scene, she is shown still under Nalo’s control, suggesting that her arc may continue in future instalments. Matangi is a potential reluctant ally—or foe—in the next movie.
Nalo’s Revenge and the Setup for Moana 3
Though he remains largely off-screen in Moana 2, the god Nalo is the film’s true villain, and his looming threat is poised to carry over into Moana 3. Nalo’s past actions, which caused the sinking of Motufetu, were driven by his desire to preserve his power by limiting humanity’s reach. As Moana and Maui thwart his curse, Nalo becomes enraged, vowing that his revenge is just beginning.
The mid-credits scene reveals Nalo fully, hinting at his return in future films. With Matangi under his control and a possible alliance with Tamatoa (the giant crab from the first movie), Nalo’s vengeful plans could provide a major conflict for Moana and her newfound demigod powers in Moana 3.
How Moana 2 Builds on the Themes of the First Movie
Like its predecessor, Moana 2 continues to explore themes of exploration, growth, and overcoming fear. In the first film, Moana embarks on her journey to restore the Heart of Te Fiti, defying her father’s wishes to stay within the safety of their island.
In Moana 2, Moana faces the same challenge—venturing into the unknown to ensure the survival of her people.
The film emphasizes embracing change, taking risks, and breaking free from isolation.
Moana’s journey symbolises humanity’s need to push beyond the familiar, expanding into new territories. This continues to be a central theme, setting the stage for Moana’s ongoing adventures in the ocean.
What’s Next for Moana? Will There Be More Movies After Moana 2?
There has been no official confirmation of Moana 3, but Moana 2’s strong box office performance and the teases in the mid-credits scene suggest that another sequel is likely. Given the success of other Disney franchises like Frozen, which has expanded into multiple sequels, it’s reasonable to expect more films in the Moana series.
In addition to a potential Moana 3, fans can look forward to a Moana live-action remake set to release in 2026, starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. This ensures that Moana’s legacy will continue across animated and live-action formats.
Moana 2’s Themes: The Courage to Embrace Change and New Adventures
At its core, Moana 2 is about embracing change, exploring the unknown, and taking risks. Each character undergoes significant personal growth, including Moana, Maui, and the supporting villagers.
Moana’s acceptance of Matangi’s unconventional guidance and her ability to adapt to new paths demonstrate her evolution as a leader and explorer.
As the ocean becomes a vast realm full of new challenges, Moana’s journey is far from over. The film’s ending sets up new territories to explore, and the emotional and thematic stakes are even higher, ensuring that Moana’s story has much further to go.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Moana and Maui?
Moana 2 expands the scope of Moana’s world, giving her new powers and a greater purpose. With Nalo’s looming threat and new alliances on the horizon, the stage is set for even more thrilling adventures in Moana 3.
Fans of the franchise have much to look forward to, as Moana’s exploration of the ocean.
About Moana 2
Moana 2 (also known as Vaiana 2 or Oceania 2 in some markets) is a 2024 American animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the sequel to Moana (2016) and the second installment in the Moana franchise. The film is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller (in their feature directorial debuts) and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, from a screenplay by Jared Bush and Miller.
The film stars Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, and Alan Tudyk, all reprising their roles from the first film, with Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualālai Chung, Awhimai Fraser, and Gerald Ramsey joining the cast.
Development on a follow-up to Moana originally began as a long-form limited streaming series for Disney+, before it was reworked into a theatrical sequel by February 2024, with Derrick confirmed as both writer and director.
Moana 2 had its world premiere at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21, 2024, and was released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in the United States on November 27, 2024. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the voice acting, although many considered it inferior to the first film.
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