Moana 2’s End Credit Scene Hints at a Third Movie—Here’s Why

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“Warning! If you haven’t seen it yet, there are spoilers ahead for the recently released Moana 2. You can catch it now on Disney+, or grab a digital or Blu-ray copy!”

Did you catch the end credits of Moana 2? Yes, unlike in most cases where end credit scenes are reserved for MCU films, this Walt Disney Animation sequel featured one. It revealed its main antagonist, Nalo, in person and provided a funny little cameo for Tamotoa. While discussing Moana 2 spoilers such as the death scene of Moana and what Easter eggs to watch out for with two out of three of the film’s directors, Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr., I inquired about the reasoning behind this decision and its potential implications for a potential third movie.

Why Moana 2 Has An End Credit Scene, According to The Directors

Hand stated that their decision to include an end credit scene in Moana 2 wasn’t intended to tease additional movies, but rather it was meant to provide closure and give viewers a sense of completion to the story they had just watched.

There are several elements to it, but the crux of the matter is our affection for that character is immense. Many fans shared this sentiment, and we did too, but finding the right place for him proved challenging. For a short while, he had a significant role at the start, but eventually, he felt more like an adversary for Nalo, whom we could still have fun with. The humor comes from their shared past with Moana, as if they’re commiserating – ‘Oh, we both got the short end of the stick from her.’ This was a delightful character development and offered insight into Nalo, which was crucial too.

In the aftermath of Tamotoa, the colossal coconut crab who charmed audiences with his funny tune “Shiny” in the initial Moana, and was brought to life by the witty Jemaine Clement, becoming a beloved character, the directors faced a challenge when it came to including him in the sequel. They struggled to find a scene where he could seamlessly fit in. Eventually, they decided to include him in a concluding moment, sharing screen time with Nalo.

This scene stands out because Tamotoa, unlike the storm god Nalo, presents a unique kind of villainy. To quote Derrick Jr., “This villain is distinctly different from Nalo.

Initially, it wasn’t meant to be a post-credit scene. Instead, we intended it as an ending. However, we later decided to conclude with a climactic moment featuring Moana and her crew pursuing the horizon. After a brief pause, we wanted to add some excitement by revealing a glimpse of the villains’ ominous side. Lastly, we included a humorous ending to lighten the mood.

In the original script for “Moana 2”, the sequence featuring Nalo, Matangi, and Tamotoa was initially planned to be near the movie’s conclusion. However, later on, they decided it would be more fitting for Moana to complete her journey, making the film officially end with that. The scene with Nalo, Matangi, and Tamotoa was then moved to appear after the credits have begun rolling, serving as a bonus or additional thought following the main storyline’s conclusion.

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What Does The End Credit Scene Mean For Moana 3?

In other words, the sequel to “Moana” raked in approximately $1.059 billion globally, placing it among the top three highest-earning Walt Disney Animation films (outranked only by the “Frozen” series). This success likely sparked creative brainstorming sessions for a potential third installment, and the end credits scene could potentially hint at what’s to come.

Indeed, Jason Hand pointed out that creating Disney movies is a lengthy process, suggesting it might still be premature for them to consider what future projects may lie ahead. When inquired about whether Moana 3 was under consideration during the creation of the end credits scene, this was his response.

It’s very farsighted of you! I appreciate that we cherish the possibility of this character carrying on, should we decide to further develop their story. Our intention was for Moana 2’s ending to convey a sense of completion in her journey. However, the concept that Nalo remains a potential threat could serve as a useful foundation if we opt to explore more in a potential third installment.

Given that Moana 2 is currently thriving on Disney+ and Moana remains a cherished Disney Princess, it’s quite plausible that we might hear about Moana 3 being approved soon. However, the project, initially conceived as a series, took its creators four years to develop. I suppose they could use some time detached from this world before returning to it.

If they proceed with it, the closing credits of Moana 2 imply without a doubt that Nalo is not only alive but also potentially poised to remain the primary antagonist in future storylines.

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2025-03-23 01:37