Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Moana 2.The latest comments fromMoana 2’s directors heavily suggest Maui won’t be exiting the franchise anytime soon. Despite Dwayne Johnson’s participation in the live-actionMoana,early reactions to the animated sequel questioned whether his character would survive another installment. Not only is he hinted at being replaced by another demigod inMoana 2’s cast, but he is trapped and inactive for half of the movie. On top of that, the character’s shocking fate inMoana 2’s endingseems to suggest he isn’t invulnerable.
Still, the fact that the Demigod of the Wind and Sea had a smaller role didn’t seem to hurt his relationship with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), as it was identified as “the heart of the film” inMoana 2’s reviews. The commentary from co-directors David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller on the special features ofMoana 2’s digital release suggests they agree with this claim. In “A New Voyage,“creators reflect on how essential Maui and Moana’s relationship is to the franchiseand present it as one of their priorities going into a new installment.
Moana 2 Directors Say Moana And Maui’s Relationship Makes The Story Amazing
Creators Loved Revisiting Moana And Maui’s Evolving And Funny Relationship
Jason Hand claims he wouldn’t have worked onMoana 2if the movie didn’t have both Moana and Maui, explaining “the magic of them two together is what makes the story so amazing.” Notably,their opposing personalities not only push the other’s transformation but also account for most of the humor from the first movie — as Moana’s leadership-oriented and responsible nature clashes with Maui’s self-centered and laid-back attitude. ThoughMoana 2’s deleted scenesshow how Maui lost narrative weight, this ended up working in his favor.
Maui’s sole drive in the sequel is to protect Moana, with the challenge for his character coming from realizing he cannot save her — and acknowledging that, just as she needs him, he needs her.
More than Maui and Moana’s funny banter, the directors were eager to revisit their bondand show its evolution. Even if Maui is at first his usual moody self, telling Moana her quest is hopeless, hissongs inMoana 2reveal his growing affection for the Wayfinder. He motivates her to keep fighting and then chants a prayer for her when she is struck by Nalo’s (Tofiga Fepulea’i) lightning. Maui’s sole drive in the sequel is to protect Moana, with the challenge for his character coming from realizing he cannot save her — and acknowledging that, just as she needs him, he needs her.
The Directors' Comments Indicate Maui Won’t Die In Future Moana Sequels
Moana 2 Directors Believe Maui’s Powerful Arc Is Essential To Moana’s Journey
Considering he comes close to losing his demigod powers inMoana 2, there has been speculation aboutMaui’s possible future death inMoana 3. Though Nalo’s ability also threatens Moana’s powers,reactions to the sequel note that the Demigod of the Wind and Sea is now expendable.Notably,Maui’s reduced screen time inMoana 2and the franchise’s new characters support the idea that he won’t be as important, or necessary, for future installments, with Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) and Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) having the potential to play a larger role in Moana’s next quest.
Moana 3has not yet been officially confirmed by Disney.
However, the comments on how essential Maui and Moana’s relationship is to the story indicate it’s unlikely that they will write him off entirely, as their journeys are hinted to always be reliant upon each other. Additionally, it’s clear creators love further exploring Maui’s character and working with actor Dwayne Johnson, not to mention he is a fan favorite. ConsideringMoana is a demigod and has powers now,Moana 3could even see her and Maui work closer together and go on an adventure to the realm of the gods.
How Moana 3 Can Keep Maui & Still Make His Story Feel Fresh
Moana 3 Could Pair Maui With New Characters Or Expand On His Past
Making Maui an essential part ofMoana 3isn’t without its challenges. The third installment of the franchise runs the risk of navigating too many new characters, with Simea, Matangi, and Nalo all warranting further development. Additionally, Maui and Moana’s relationship could fall into the trap of being more of the same, which is why havingMatangi team up with Moanaseems like the better option. However, there are several ways thecreators could still integrate Maui into the story and do something new.
Every God & Demigod In The Moana Movies
Moana introduced some gods and demigods inspired by Polynesian mythology and history, and now Moana 2 introduces even more of these deities.
Although the franchise has suggested Maui’s past battles and sorrows, the story could venture deeper into his origins, human ancestry, or demigod relations. His dynamics with other characters also hold plenty of promise. The next installment could revealMaui’s history with Matangiby having them work side by side. He could even end up paired with Simea, as the two have already had hilarious interactions. Luckily, theMoana 2team recognizes the potential for Maui’s future within the Disney universe and values his connection to the Motunui Tautai.
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.
