Back in 2018, Disney brought all their iconic heroines together in one hilarious scene in Ralph Breaks the Internet. And yes, Moana was right there, stealing the show just like she did when she first sailed into our hearts in 2016 with her charm, courage, and unstoppable spirit. Now, our favorite island chiefess is back in Moana 2 (or Vaiana 2, depending on where you are). This time, she’s taking on even bigger adventures with an even bigger crew! But the big question is: can Moana 2 top the original? Let’s dive in and find out.
MOANA 2 LEADS US TO THE HIGH SEAS
In Ralph Breaks the Internet, every Disney fan could spot their favorite heroine—Elsa with her icy confidence, Ariel with her dreamy curiosity, or Mulan with her fierce determination. But for me, it’s always been Moana. She’s the girl who brought an ocean of courage, a big heart, and a touch of relatable naivety to the screen.
And hey, funny story: back when the first movie premiered, our intern Jasmin got to see it during her first week, and she looked so much like Moana that we made her write her first movie review about it. Talk about destiny, right?
Moana’s journey wasn’t just about adventure; it was also about environmental awareness. The movie reminded us of how breathtaking—and fragile—our oceans are. Te Fiti symbolized Mother Nature herself, and the message was clear: protecting our planet can’t wait.
Moana won us over with her perfect mix of endearing naivety, fierce independence, and an unshakable determination to take on even the most dangerous challenges for her people and her island, Motunui.
Her story had a depth as profound as the Pacific Ocean itself—which, at over 11,000 meters, holds the title of the deepest sea in the world. So let’s dive into the story.
So, What’s New in Moana 2?
Fast forward three years after Moana saved Motunui and its surrounding ocean. She’s grown into a confident young leader, ready to follow her father as the chiefess of the island. But there’s still a lingering question that haunts her: is Motunui the only inhabited island left?
Three years ago, Moana saved Motunui and the ocean from a terrible curse and inevitable destruction. But since then, everything has been eerily quiet. It feels as though the people of Motunui are all alone in the vast expanse of the Polynesian islands. Even though her calls go unanswered, Moana refuses to believe that her people are the only ones out there.
Her search, however, leads nowhere—until one fateful day when Tautai Vasa, her wayfinding ancestor, appears before her. Tautai tells her about the legendary island of Motufetu, a place that once united all people as one.
Without hesitation, Moana gathers a crew and sets off on yet another daring adventure. Along the way, she encounters mysterious beings like Matangi and finds herself battling mighty gods once again. Thankfully, her trusty friend Maui, the shapeshifting demigod, is by her side to help her face the challenges ahead.
THE HEROES OF MOANA 2
Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho)
Moana is no longer just a girl. Moana’s now a full-fledged leader. It’s time for the brave young woman to take on the leadership of her people. Determined and fearless, she’s out to reunite Oceania. Hence, she has won their hearts, and everyone adores her—especially her younger sister, Simea. She, however, can’t bear to let Moana go when she decides to set out and break the curse of Nalo to reunite the people of Oceania.
Once again, Auliʻi Cravalho voices Moana in every way possible. The stunning Hawaiian actress not only takes on the speaking role but also performs the songs herself. Since Moana, she’s had plenty of time to hone her skills—like her unforgettable performances on Broadway in Cabaret.
Auliʻi Cravalho and Moana are a perfect match. If the rumors about a live-action adaptation sparked before the sequel ever came true, there’s no question—Auliʻi must play Moana. It’s as though the two are the same. Her performance is so authentic, emotional, and compelling that she gives Moana a voice that feels as real as it is beautiful.
Simea
(Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda)
Moana’s younger sister is as adorable as she is determined. She idolizes her big sis and struggles with Moana’s decision to leave on another journey. This is Khaleesi’s big break as a voice actress, and she’s already proving to be a star in the making.
Maui (Dwayne Johnson)
Our favorite demigod is back, still learning what it means to be a true hero. With his magical hook, Maui joins Moana for another adventure, and his shapeshifting powers are more epic than ever.
In the first film, initially, he tried to play the egotistical figure, someone who didn’t care about anything or anyone. But as he and Moana journeyed together, every second and every nautical mile brought him closer to the girl, and in the process, he discovered that he is actually a good-hearted guy.
That development continues in Moana 2. Maui joins Moana once again on a voyage to the far seas of Oceania, aiming to break the curse of the god Nalo. Luckily, the shapeshifting demigod of Te Fiti has regained his magical hook. With it, Maui can transform into practically anything he wants—an incredibly useful skill when fighting a powerful god.
The lovable giant Dwayne Johnson returns to voice Maui. In Moana, he already showed his hidden talents, proving that he’s more than just a cool action star. With his charm, Dwayne continues to captivate both fans and the press. He demonstrates that you don’t need to prove anything to anyone; you just need to be who you truly are.
Fans and friends were naturally thrilled at the Moana 2 World Premiere, which took place last week at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Kapolei, Hawaii. What makes Moana 2 special is that it’s the first film to be shown in New Zealand both in English and Māori, marking a significant cultural milestone.
Fun fact: Dwayne Johnson didn’t just lend his voice this time—he also stepped in as a producer for Moana 2.
MEET THE MOANA 2 CREW – LOTO, MONI & KELE
Kele (David Rodney Fane)
Kele is a grumpy farmer who’s always grumbling and complaining about everything and everyone. But one day, fate takes him from his fields out onto the vast sea. Kele is voiced by David Rodney Fane, a New Zealand actor of Samoan descent, known for his portrayal of this cantankerous character.
Moni (Hualālai Chung)
Moni is what we would call an influencer or “content creator” in today’s world. A bit naïve, Moni is always trying to capture everything on camera, often putting himself in the spotlight. Despite his self-absorbed tendencies, he has a big heart and is an enormous fan of Maui.
So, it’s a dream come true for him when he gets to embark on an adventure with the demigod. Moni is voiced by Hualālai Chung, a Hawai‘i-born actor making his Disney debut.
Hualālai grew up in a family of entertainers and first fell in love with Samoan fire knife dancing before expanding his talents into voice acting.
Loto (Rose Matafeo)
Loto is described by Disney as “brainy but quirky.” A clever inventor, she often takes a step back to think before moving forward with her experiments. When it matters most, though, she rises to the occasion and faces every challenge head-on. Her cheerful and positive personality makes her a fan favorite and a key member of the wayfinding Crew.
Loto is voiced by New Zealand comedian, actress, and TV presenter Rose Matafeo, who is incredibly popular in her home country and has already received multiple international comedy awards. She’s a perfect match for Loto, bringing her quirky energy and charm to the role.
MOANA’S PARENTS SINA AND TUI
Even though Moana’s parents only make brief appearances in Moana 2, they still deserve a mention. Moana’s mother, Sina, is voiced by none other than the multi-talented Nicole Scherzinger. As for Moana’s father, Chief of Motunui Island, the role is once again voiced by Temuera Morrison, who many fans know as Boba Fett or Jango Fett from the Star Wars franchise, including The Mandalorian.
Matangi AND THE OTHERS
The role of Matangi remains somewhat mysterious even at the end of Moana 2. This mystical figure has a bit of a Circe vibe from Greek mythology—charming, seductive, and dangerous all at once. Matangi knows how to use her allure to manipulate others and achieve her own goals. The voice of Matangi is brought to life by Awhimai Fraser.
Of course, Moana’s grandmother, Tala, makes a return, once again voiced by New Zealander Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House. Though he doesn’t speak, the bumbling rooster Heihei is back, bringing plenty of squawks and silliness, with his “voice” provided by Alan Tudyk.
Finally, Tautai Vasa, Moana’s ancestor, is voiced by Gerald Ramsey, adding another layer of history and wisdom to the Wayfinding Crew.
BIGGER THAN THE OCEAN – THE MOANA 2 REVIEW
While Moana 2 dazzles with stunning visuals of the Pacific and delivers some heart-pounding action, the heart of the story lies in its message.
After the first movie celebrated the wonders of nature—especially the ocean—and highlighted the urgency of preserving it, Moana 2 dives into a completely new theme: unity and connection between people.
THE MISSION & MESSAGE OF MOANA 2
This time, Moana’s mission isn’t just about protecting her home—it’s about bringing people together, no matter their background or culture. For her, humanity is inherently connected, and she’s determined to break down barriers that keep us apart.
It’s a beautiful message, and not just for Disney fans. Honestly, world leaders everywhere—whether in the U.S., Russia, Germany, Israel, or anywhere else—should take a seat and watch Moana 2. Why? Because, in true Disney fashion, its message is wrapped in stunning visuals, heartfelt songs, and a story that’s easy to follow yet profound.
Maybe, just maybe, the world’s decision-makers could learn something from this film: that instead of alienating each other or waging wars, we could choose to live in peace, help one another, and build a brighter future together.
Moana 2 doesn’t sugarcoat the journey, though—it’s clear that unity and peace aren’t easy to achieve. They require standing up for what matters, fighting for our values, and working together despite the challenges.
With her humanity, determination, innocence, and selflessness, Moana becomes a beacon of hope. She reminds us all—especially those who constantly put themselves in the spotlight—that it’s not about ego; it’s about us. It’s about society as a whole.
The movie delivers these powerful messages in a way that feels accessible, blending them with lots of heart, action, humor, and, of course, music. While the soundtrack is solid, it doesn’t quite reach the iconic level of the original by Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” are still endlessly catchy, but the new tracks in Moana 2 mostly serve to support the story without stealing the show.
SOME CRITICISM
The storyline itself feels familiar. While the messages are inspiring and much needed, the plot does meander a bit, lacking fresh ideas and relying heavily on callbacks to the first film. Some jokes land, while others fall flat.
Connecting emotionally with Moana is effortless, though. This is partly thanks to her lovable personality but also to Auliʻi Cravalho, who once again brings Moana to life with her voice. Her performance is emotional, warm, funny, and deeply relatable.
Auliʻi voices Moana in both English and Hawaiian, while in the German version, Lina Larissa Strahl reprises her role. Lina is also preparing for a music career, though there’s no word yet on when she’ll perform live. Meanwhile, Auliʻi can currently be seen on Broadway in Cabaret as Sally Bowles—don’t miss it if you’re in New York!
MOANA 2 IN SHALLOW WATERS?
As for the supporting characters, they don’t quite match Moana’s energy or depth. Many feel a bit one-dimensional, though there are bright spots like the bubbly Loto and the dreamy Moni.
Moni, in particular, feels relatable, as he reminds us on an everyday person that is always glued to the phone, capturing everything on camera. Thereby, like so many people today, he often misses the beauty of the moment. But maybe, just maybe, he’ll learn to see the world with his own eyes—and it’s worth it!
A BREATHTAKING DIVE INTO MOANA’S WORLD
Because, the visuals in Moana 2 are simply spectacular. While the first film already wowed us with its stunning animation of Polynesian islands and the surrounding ocean, this sequel takes it to another level. The imagery truly captures the spirit of the South Pacific, making us dream of far-off places and leaving a lasting impression on our hearts.
MOANA 2 RETURNS AT THE RIGHT TIME
And even with its flaws, the music still resonates, adding to the movie’s emotional core. Disney has delivered a holiday season highlight that feels especially relevant in these turbulent times.
With political systems in several countries facing instability and conservative or far-right leaders doubling down on outdated priorities—like fossil fuels and nuclear power instead of environmental protection, education, and human rights—it’s more important than ever to remind the next generation of what truly matters.
Moana 2 makes it clear: there’s more that unites us than divides us. Kids seem to understand this better than adults. But if you’ve managed to keep the child in your heart alive—or if you’ve traveled the world and experienced its beauty firsthand—you’ll appreciate the film’s message and the joy of sharing it with others.
Despite a few shortcomings in the soundtrack and story, Moana 2 is a strong follow-up to the original, with its heroes Moana and Maui once again leading the way. We give it a solid 7 out of 10. So, what are you waiting for? Hoist the sails and head to the cinema—this is one adventure you don’t want to miss!
Text: Marco Kokkot, Photos: Disney 2024. All Rights Reserved.
