One key new character is making their debut in Moana 2, and their introduction is more than likely evidence of Disney trying to set up a potential Moana 3. There will certainly be a plethora of new characters joining the cast of Moana 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 for Moana 2. With Moana being such a believed franchise, it's reasonable to believe that Disney has plans to continue with a third movie, should Moana 2 perform, and resonate with the audience, well enough. The set-up for a potential Moana 3 clearly lies with one of the brand-new characters: Moana's little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lamber-Tsuda). The latest member to join Moana's family tree could put a fresh spin on the story moving forward, even after Moana 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 teasing Moana 3 is that she looks to be key to the story of the sequel, given how the relationship between her and Moana is portrayed throughout all of Moana 2's teasers and trailers. Simea, like Moana, already seems to have a bond with the ocean, which means she 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 2 takes place 3 years after Moana, which means Simea is no more than 3 years old in Moana 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 of Moana 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 in Moana 3, but it would also expand the core cast of the Moana franchise in a very compelling way. It would bring Moana's story full-circle by having more of her family embrace their wayfinding ancestry.
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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, but the 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 what Moana 3 will 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 of Moana 3's premiere, Disney would no doubt be in need of another pair of close sisters, as Frozen 3 and Frozen 4 would 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 their Frozen-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, and Moana 2 is 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 in Moana 2, and this teasing of Moana 3 is certainly good news for anyone who wants to see Moana on yet another oceanic adventure.
Moana 2
Not Yet Rated
Animation
Adventure
Moana embarks on a thrilling new quest to safeguard her island from an emerging ancient threat. With the demigod Maui by her side, along with her trusted companions, she navigates treacherous waters and explores mysterious new lands. Along the way, Moana uncovers hidden truths about her ancestors and deepens her understanding of the ocean's magic.
- Director
- Dave Derrick Jr.
- Release Date
- November 27, 2024
- Studio(s)
- Walt Disney Pictures , Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Distributor(s)
- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Runtime
- 107 Minutes
- Franchise(s)
- Disney
- prequel(s)
- Moana
- Where To Stream
- Disney Plus