One key new character is making their debut inMoana 2, and their introduction is more than likely evidence of Disney trying to set up a potentialMoana 3. There will certainly be a plethora of new characters joining thecast ofMoana 2, given the fact that Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) is on a whole new adventure that spans across the sea. While familiar characters such as Maui (Dwayne Johnson) will also be returning, it’s these new characters that will add the necessary amount of enrichment to help this movie soar - perhaps even above the original.
One success, however, isn’t all that Disney would plan forMoana 2. WithMoanabeing such a believed franchise, it’s reasonable to believe that Disney has plans to continue with a third movie, shouldMoana 2perform, and resonate with the audience, well enough. The set-up for a potentialMoana3clearly lies with one of the brand-new characters: Moana’s little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lamber-Tsuda). The latest member to joinMoana’s family treecould put a fresh spin on the story moving forward, even afterMoana 2’s premiere.
Moana 2 Introducing Moana’s Sister Is A Great Way To Tease Moana 3
Simea Offers Many New Storytelling Opportunities
The biggest indicator of Simea teasingMoana 3is that she looks to be key to the story of the sequel, given how the relationship between her and Moana is portrayed throughout all ofMoana 2’s teasers and trailers. Simea, like Moana, already seems to have a bond with the ocean, which meansshe will likely be more than capable of wielding all the same power and strength as her older sister. Simea may not be joining Moana on this adventure - which is for the best, considering the danger of it and Simea’s young age - but her role in the story is already crucial.
Moana 2takes place 3 years afterMoana, which means Simea is no more than 3 years old inMoana 2.
Simea will be a driving emotional force for Moana in this movie, something that’s evident in the way the trailers have Moana promise that she will return to see her sister again. This importance that’s being placed upon Simea, however, is so much more than just a plot element that’s meant to help Moana fight even harder to survive and return to her family on Motunui. This relationship between them has more depth, which acts as further evidence of it only growing in importance over the course ofMoana 2- and into the future.
Moana 3 Could Be An Adventure With Moana & Her Sister
Growing Closer & Stronger Together
The bond that’s formed between Moana and Simea likely foreshadows a future where the two of them do actually get to go on an adventure together. In some ways, it’s almost as if Simea is being prepared to take on Moana’s role should she ever need to, not that Disney has any intentions of replacing Moana herself anytime soon.It would not only allow for higher stakes inMoana 3, but it would also expand the core cast of theMoanafranchisein a very compelling way. It would bring Moana’s story full-circle by having more of her family embrace their wayfinding ancestry.
Why Moana Looks So Different in Moana 2
The recent Moana 2 teaser trailer offers a glimpse at the franchise’s leading character, Moana, who looks much different after the first film.
Should Moana’s sister join her on an adventure, it would bring out a whole new side of her that would be fitting for the kind of development a character should experience in their third movie. Moana’s no stranger to responsibility, given that she’s had the fate of her island on her shoulders before, butthe responsibility of looking out for her sister would be something entirely different. The bond between them would become even stronger, and that would lend itself perfectly to whatMoana 3will likely be seeking to accomplish.
Moana 3’s Focus On Sisters Is What Disney Will Need
Disney Will Likely Be Past Frozen
Around the time ofMoana 3’s premiere, Disney would no doubt be in need of another pair of close sisters, asFrozen 3 and Frozen 4would already be done by then. Moana and Simea would be an advantageous replacement to this sister dynamic, continuing a trope that the Disney audience has obviously grown fond of.Simea being so young would also allow Disney to keep telling her story for years to come, even when, or if, the story is ready to move beyond just Moana. This is even what theirFrozen-esque sister bond could be based upon.
Either way, Disney should certainly take the opportunity to develop another sister bond, given how much Anna and Elsa’s relationship has resonated amongst audiences. It’s clear that this kind of sibling relationship is something that’s treasured by viewers, andMoana 2is already putting a unique spin on it by introducing sisters with a larger age gap. Disney has to know what they’re doing by introducing Simea inMoana 2, and this teasing ofMoana 3is certainly good news for anyone who wants to see Moana on yet another oceanic adventure.
Moana 2
Cast
Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.
