Top 10 Things You Missed in Moana 2

“Moana 2” establishes early on that we’re back, submerging us in references to the previous film. As Moana sings another “I want” song, the sequel revisits many familiar spots, including the sacred place where the island chiefs place their stones. Moana also introduces her little sis Simea[a] to the ocean in a moment echoing the first film’s opening. Maui works in plenty of callbacks as well. The demigod brings levity to a serious scene with the return of his half-shark/half-man hybrid. Maui later takes on the form of a small fish, pretending to have performance issues again. While we don’t get a “You’re Welcome” reprise, Maui name-drops his song upon arriving at Motunui. Tamatoa even resurfaces in the post-credits, although he’s seen shinier days.

Moana already survived one dangerous voyage. Considering that Hei Hei made it back in one piece, though, some may question just how treacherous Moana’s last adventure truly was. Even by chicken standards, Hei Hei’s intelligence isn’t high in the pecking order. Yet, he walks away from numerous life-threatening scenarios unscathed. Some might call this dumb luck, but perhaps Hei Hei himself is lucky. Case in point, when Moana’s crew encounters the Kakamora, they manage to blowdart everybody other than Hei Hei. Somehow, they miss the chicken, who aids his crew in a brief moment reminiscent of the first film. Considering that voice actor Alan Tudyk has been described as Disney’s good luck charm, it’d be appropriate if that luck rubbed off on Hei Hei.

After clashing with Matangi[b], Maui is hung out to dry. We mean that literally, as Matangi hangs the demigod from his own weapon, waiting for the prey to come along and take a bite. Maui has transformed into fish before. Yet, it’s easy to miss the irony that he’s dangling from an actual fish hook. We guess Matangi did what Ursula never could: make a hero wriggle like a worm on a hook. Adding to the irony, if Maui could just reach his hook, he could transform into a worm and get out of this predicament.

There’s a moment in the first film where Maui references tweeting - writing with a bird that is. The joke’s a little dated since Twitter has since become X, but it hinted that Maui might know a thing or two about the future. “Moana 2” enforces this theory when Maui mentions butt-dialing. Everyone else looks at him with confusion, having never heard of a phone - let alone a dial. Maui assures them that it’ll make sense in another 2,000 years. It’s similar to Merlin’s references to modern-day technology in “The Sword in the Stone.” It’s still unclear if Maui can see the future or if he’s been there. If he’s ever visited Bermuda, though, maybe he ran into Merlin blowing off some steam.

It’s customary for animated characters to own only one outfit they inexplicably wear every day. Although a few years have passed since the first film, Moana is still sporting her iconic red and white ensemble. Once Moana sets out on another perilous journey, she decides that new garments are long overdue. Upon reuniting with Maui, the demigod can’t help but notice that Moana has a change of clothes. Had Maui known Moana was adopting a fresh look, he likely would’ve switched up the leaves he’s been wearing for who knows how long. It’s a sly jab at how weird it is that animated characters have such limited wardrobes. When you’re making a sequel, though, a new outfit is one way to sell new toys.

Matangi is among the sequel’s most memorable new characters. This can be partially attributed to her batty design, complete with vampire-like fangs, a Dracula-esque cape, and a tendency to hang upside down. Matangi isn’t as bad as she seems. Her voice actress is also more than meets the eye. Awhimai Fraser[c] is a name that most North American audiences probably aren’t familiar with. Yet, she previously voiced two major Disney characters, albeit not in the English language. For the Māori dub of “Frozen,” Fraser lent her voice to Elsa. Disney kept Fraser in mind while casting the Māori dub for “Encanto,” enlisting her to voice Dolores. Matangi is her first English-speaking Disney role, although Fraser also voices the character for the Māori version.

When the original “Moana” came out, the titular character’s pet pig Pua was heavily featured in everything from the posters to the trailers. Some were surprised when Pua barely appeared in the film, getting left behind as Moana embarks on her adventure. The filmmakers considered having Pua accompany Moana, but writer Jared Bush felt it would be more powerful if the heroine left everyone she loved behind. While it made sense in terms of character development, many felt Pua’s prominence in the ads was false advertising. “Moana 2” establishes from its opening scene that Pua is coming along this time. There was even a moment from the teaser that didn’t make it into the finished film where Maui asked Moana what we were all thinking: “Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?”

Simea isn’t the only one obsessed with her big sister. Moana has something of a fan club back on her island. They even have their own Pua, although this pig has been more well-fed. When Maui arrives on Motunui, he gives the girls a clever name: the MOANA-BE’s. This joke is even wittier knowing who voiced two of the young fans. They’re Dwayne Johnson’s daughters, Jasmine and Tiana (who fittingly share the same names as two Disney princesses). While their screen time is brief, Jasmine and Tiana show they’ve inherited their father’s sass, telling Maui that he isn’t as big as they imagined. Maybe Maui is just jealous that Moana is a bigger deal on this island than him.

One of the best in-jokes from the first film saw Maui lay out all the reasons why Moana is a princess, despite technically being a chief’s daughter. Maui brings up the argument again in the sequel with Moana continuing to insist that she’s not a princess. In possibly the most meta moment, Maui responds, “A lot of people think you are.” It’s true, as viewers generally regard Moana as a princess even if she’s not royalty. Can you blame us? She appeared alongside the Disney princesses in 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” The following year, Disney officially made Moana part of their princess lineup. You can deny it all you want, Moana, but we don’t think you’re a princess. We know you are.

During the climax, it appears Moana might’ve met her end. As her ancestors appear, Moana is not only revived, but she comes back stronger than ever. This is signified through the tattoos that now run up her arm. Moana’s new tattoos are similar to Maui’s, but tailored specifically to her. Maui mentioned in the first film that each of his tattoos is a tribute to his victories. Likewise, Moana’s tattoos represent everything she’s accomplished over the past two movies. With even more adventures on the horizon and newfound demigod powers, Moana’s entire body could one day be covered with tattoos. Until we inevitably get “Moana 3,” the character’s arm of achievements is a testament to how far she’s come and will continue to go.


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[b]Mah-TAHNG-ee (don't say guh): https://youtu.be/V-oyk099TYk?si=URvDi6XVqvj0zY0k&t=411
[c]https://youtu.be/bSV71HabbAM?si=MI0Kc05MJryjih9_