Is ‘Moana 2’s Villain Crushing on Maui? Dwayne Johnson’s Kid Thinks So!

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As an avid moviegoer who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of Disney animations and their enchanting characters, I must admit that the dynamic between Matangi and Maui in Moana 2 is nothing short of intriguing. The subtle hints at romantic tension between these two intriguing figures have left many viewers, including myself, speculating about their relationship.

Could it be more than just a casual affection? That’s what many viewers are pondering after watching Moana 2, due to the enigmatic new villain, Matangi, and her apparent feelings towards Dwayne Johnson’s character, Maui. Even Johnson’s own daughter seems to believe that there might be something more between Matangi and her father’s on-screen persona.

In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Johnson, along with co-directors David G. Derrick, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, discussed the strained interactions between the characters and shared their perspectives on the origin of this dynamic. According to Derrick, there is a significant past that influences their relationship, while Miller noted it’s subjective.

Hand remarked, “These entities have been quite familiar to us for some time now.” He found it extremely amusing and lively. “In many instances, Matangi outsmarts Maui, which is simply laugh-out-loud funny,” he continued, adding that “Maui remains the most enjoyable character in this context.

Who Is Matangi And Why Is She The Villain of ‘Moana 2’?

Miller only responded with, “She’s been isolated in a cave for quite some time,” when asked if there was any romantic connection between Matangi and Maui. As for Johnson, much like his character, he exhibits a confident swagger. He playfully quipped, “Everyone’s got a crush on Maui.

To bolster his argument, the actor referenced a scene in the movie and the response of his co-star and daughter, who also acted in the film, to it. Johnson recounts that Matangi “uttered one line: ‘Maui was looking quite attractive.’ Instantly, my 6-year-old at the premiere exclaimed, ‘Daddy, does she have a crush on Maui?’ To which I replied, ‘Perhaps. Perhaps.’

It turns out that the enigma surrounding Matangi is intentional and adds to the excitement. As Auli’i Cravalho, the main actress, put it, “Matangi is an intriguing adversary whose intentions remain unclear – is she helping or working against us?” However, Disney villains often have complex backgrounds, and Matangi wants Moana to recognize this, stating, “You believe you know your path, and think it will be straightforward. You assume this journey will resemble the last. But you are mistaken! You must get lost in order to find your way.

[Screenwriter] Jared [Bush] and I have often discussed our desire to create characters that are just as intricate and multifaceted as real people,” Miller shared. “Even the most wicked villains act based on beliefs they consider right. I’ve always been drawn to delving into a character’s depths. I believe no one is defined by a single trait.

Title character Moana is seen three years after the events of the initial movie, no longer a naive young girl but a skilled navigator and an older sister. Driven by her ancestors’ call, Moana embarks on a fresh journey with her crew to unite the communities scattered across Oceania. The film aims to resolve a perplexing curse that may be hindering their goal of unity. The movie will be released in theaters on November 27, 2024.

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2024-11-27 23:01