Warning: This article contains spoilers for Moana 2.Moana 2 does two things that complicate its potential future sequels, thwarting Disney's efforts to repeat its more popular musical franchise's success. Moana 2's new characters not only bring rich layers to its themes of purpose and community but also create a series of paths forward that could be key in making it into the studio's next most popular title. Simea's introduction, specifically, elevates the franchise's emotional impact considerably. The audience's encouraging response to Simea foreshadows more projects featuring her touching relationship with Moana, as well as ones that delve into her personal journey.
Reviews for Moana 2 point out the sisters; bond becoming the heart and future of the franchise. However, there is one thing that could complicate this from being further developed. As the Moana 2 ending sees the new Motunui Tautai transcend into a demigod, a revealing separation between her and her family takes form. Notably, this means Moana will now have connections and responsibilities to a magical and dangerous realm that her living family cannot be a part of. Moana and Simea's conflicted future relationship would echo Disney's most popular pair of sisters, although creating a big problem for the franchise.
Moana 2 Introducing Simea Set Up The Franchise As A Frozen Replacement For Disney
Moana's Sequels Could Focus On Disney's New Pair Of Sisters
Disney is no stranger to sister relationships making great stories, the main example being Anna and Elsa. Their bond, unique personalities, and history are responsible for their franchise's $2.7 billion success. With Frozen 3 and 4 in development, the studio will likely end their story in the next three years, creating a void only one active franchise can fill. Moana 2's heavy and continued focus on Simea in both narrative and advertisement efforts hints at a deliberate effort to make her relationship with Moana a main focus going forward.
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Moana 2's sister's introduction sets up more sequels, successfully foreshadowing it replacing Frozen as Disney's new popular sisters' story. Simea's curious mind and young age allow for her story to be developed in the years to come, possibly even with her own movie or TV show, while she grows enough to join Moana in her adventures. It's clear the character's main interest right now is being close to her big sister, which already creates a lot of conflict considering Moana's demigod status is certain to take her, again, far from home.
Moana's New Demigod Status Makes Its Frozen Comparisons More Clear & Complicated
Moana's Immortality Threatens Her Relationship With Simea
Moana didn't originate with a sister relationship but, now that it has been introduced, its similarities to Frozen can't be ignored. Not only are the new Disney sisters introduced at the right time before the bigger franchise ends, but they copy the magic and normal sibling dynamic that informs the latter's success. Moana becoming a demigod gives her powers just like Elsa, while Simea remains a normal human like Anna. Also borrowing from Frozen's conflict, magic has already become a threat to the sister's growing bond.
While in the short term, it would be interesting to reduce their age gap as Simea grows and Moana doesn't, their approaching separation is sure to affect the relationship.
Moana 2 puts a spin on the Frozen relationship, as Moana is now immortal, whereas Elsa's powers don't affect her mortality. Moana 2's demigod twist has a sad reality, as it dooms the Motunui Tautai to outlive her family, complicating the franchise's focus on the sisters. While in the short term, it would be interesting to reduce their age gap as Simea grows and Moana doesn't, their approaching separation is sure to affect the relationship. Perhaps Disney could have Moana revert to human, although having Simea also become a demigod is an alluring alternative.
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Moana 2
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.
Release Date November 27, 2024
Runtime 100 Minutes
Director David G. Derrick Jr. , Jason Hand , Dana Ledoux Miller
Studio(s) Walt Disney Pictures , Walt Disney Animation Studios
Character(s) Moana , Maui , Hei Hei , Tala , Chief Tui , Sina , Moni , Kele , Loto , Matangi , Tautai Vasa , Simea
Writers Dana Ledoux Miller , Jared Bush , Jason Hand , Ron Clements , John Musker
Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
English (US) ·