Small Details You Missed In Moana 2

As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Moana 2” has been nothing short of a delightful journey. The movie not only showcases the breathtaking animations and captivating storytelling we’ve come to expect from Disney but also offers some intriguing insights into the lives of its characters.

Contains spoilers for “Moana 2”

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the anticipation for “Moana 2” has been off the charts! Ever since the first movie became available on Disney+, my little ones have been belting out “How Far I’ll Go” non-stop. And it turns out, “Moana” has been consistently crowned as the most-watched film across all platforms for quite some time now. So, it doesn’t really surprise me that Disney is keen to dive back into those profitable waters and give us another dose of Moana magic. Let’s hope the sequel lives up to its predecessor!

The accomplishment of “Moana 2” is particularly noteworthy given its initial conception as a TV series on Disney+. Had that plan been executed, there would have been a significant audience, but it seems “Moana” is a franchise better suited for the big screen. Despite the original intention being a modern take on a direct-to-video Disney sequel, it’s evident that great effort and consideration were poured into its creation.

In the upcoming sequel of “Moana,” there are numerous Easter eggs and subtleties that will delight fans. These range from callbacks to the original tale, intriguing possibilities for where the narrative might head next, and even nods to real-world mythologies. So when you (or your children) decide to rewatch “Moana 2,” here are some additional details to keep an eye on.

One line from Maui in Moana 2 just revealed a major timeline issue

In the original “Moana,” Maui (played by Dwayne Johnson) cracks a joke about tweeting, and his ability to foresee future events remains valid in “Moana 2.” In the story, the demigod humorously mentions the concept of butt-dialing, implying that this will make sense in 2,000 years. This detail indicates that the series’ events transpire 2,000 years before the invention of cell phones, which unfortunately contradicts a popular theory about the first movie.

In the opening scene of “Moana,” I, as Moana, aid a tiny turtle to reach the vast ocean. Afterward, this little one encounters a more substantial turtle, hinting at a possible family tie. Some viewers speculated these were Crush and his offspring Squirt from “Finding Nemo.” However, since “Moana” is set 2,000 years ago, it’s clear that can’t be true.

In the current timeframe, “Finding Nemo” features Crush, who is only 150 years old. Given this age, it seems implausible that he has lived that long. However, the turtles in “Moana” could potentially be ancestors of the familiar sea turtles from “Nemo.” If we consider “Moana 2” as happening 2,000 years ago, it would place it around the time Christians believe Jesus Christ existed. This connection is intriguing when considering the various Polynesian gods depicted in the film, which complicates the question of what the one true religion might be. Yet, this is a topic for another discussion, perhaps even a lively debate, at a later date.

Moana 2 has a ton of callbacks to the first movie

It’s likely not unexpected that “Moana 2” is brimming with callbacks to the original film. For instance, Maui transforms into a comical half-shark/half-human creature, just as he did before, and he playfully uses his signature phrase, “You’re welcome,” upon reaching Motunui, echoing his famous song. Additionally, Maui continues to label Hei Hei the chicken (Alan Tudyk) as a “boat snack” and shows even greater excitement about having Pua, the pig, on this journey with them. Lastly, when Moana’s sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), is greeted by the ocean, it playfully tousles her hair in a manner reminiscent of how it greeted Moana in the first movie.

In an interview with CinemaBlend, one of the directors of the film, Jason Hand, discussed a callback that holds particular significance. He noted that in the song ‘Beyond,’ where Moana declares “I am Moana,” she is essentially restating her identity and also setting up the story that will take on new meaning by the end of the movie. Although Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t return to pen the songs for “Moana 2,” it’s interesting to note a brief reprise of the most memorable song from the original film, which serves to link the two stories thematically.

Is Hei Hei a demigod?

Among the fascinating fan speculations about the original “Moana”, one notable idea posits that the character Hei Hei might actually be a demigod. It’s quite extraordinary to consider that this chicken, who seemingly should have perished numerous times from falling off boats, could in fact possess immense power. Interestingly, clues in “Moana 2” seem to support this theory.

In the initial movie, Hei Hei, the chicken, is present during Moana’s toddler years and manages to stay alive until she turns 16, despite chickens usually living up to a decade. This longevity could be due to Hei Hei being an exceptionally old bird. However, this doesn’t clarify how he survives perilous situations that should have resulted in his death, whether from shock or other causes. By the time the second film, “Moana 2,” arrives, Hei Hei is still alive, which also explains why Moana appears slightly changed in the sequel.

Initially, Hei Hei climbs up the mountain ahead of Moana. Later, when Moana, Pua, and Hei Hei fall from somewhere high, it turns out that Hei Hei discovers pottery, implying there are other people on other islands. This discovery sets the entire story in motion, hinting that Hei Hei might be a kind-hearted semi-divine being, helping Moana unite various islands. It’s plausible that Hei Hei is actually a demigod disguised as a chicken, feigning stupidity to hide his true identity. This could potentially answer some questions we have.

A funny moment from the Moana 2 trailer is missing

In trailers for movies like “Moana 2,” it’s often the case that certain scenes shown aren’t present in the final film. This could be because of several reasons, but given that “Moana 2” was initially planned as a series, it’s likely many scenes were removed to fit the 100-minute runtime. One such scene from the trailer that didn’t appear in the movie was when Maui arrived on a boat, surprising Moana. He joked about Hei Hei being a “boat snack” before realizing Pua was also there, calling him an “upgrade.” Delighted to have both, he said he now had “bacon and eggs,” wondering why Moana hadn’t brought the pig with her on their previous adventure.

It’s a funny moment that nonetheless ended up on the cutting room floor, although there are other moments where Maui has fun at Pua’s expense. At one point, he overfeeds Hei Hei and Pua in a clear attempt to fatten them up, but the “bacon and eggs” line is gone. Another trailer moment that’s absent from the film is when Moana makes percussive noises, only to hear what sounds like someone drumming back to her. She then looks down and finds Hei Hei striking the same drum.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that there are undoubtedly additional scenes waiting to be unveiled in the future Blu-ray edition. Here’s hoping that they come packaged with insightful commentary, as learning more about the intricate process of transforming a TV series into a film would be nothing short of fascinating!

You can call these voice actors … The Pebbles

In a heartwarming turn of events, I found myself deeply involved in a family project when “Moana 2” came along. My lovely girls, Jasmine and Tiana Johnson, lent their voices to some enthusiastic members of Moana’s fan club, the Moana-Be’s. This marks their first voiceover roles, making it a fitting debut into acting for these princess-named princes-sses of mine.

It’s certainly a sweet example of “nepo babies” getting work, and Johnson spoke with E! News about the joy of watching the finished film with them. “They loved it,” Johnson said. “Loved, loved it. They hadn’t seen it before. They knew they were in it, and they were sitting on the edge of their seats, literally, and just waiting. And then their scene came up, and they’re just like, ‘That’s me!’ It was so cool.”

Perhaps Jasmine and Tiana Johnson are embarking on promising acting careers. Meanwhile, Johnson’s daughter from his first marriage, Simone Garcia Johnson, has chosen a different path. Known by the ring name Ava, she’s made her mark in World Wrestling Entertainment, just like her father did initially.

Moana 2’s Matangi voice actor is a Disney mainstay

In “Moana 2,” Dwayne Johnson’s daughters aren’t the only new characters lending their voices. The character Matangi, voiced by Awhimai Fraser, offers a complex portrayal that aids Moana in her voyage. Initially appearing as a seemingly straightforward antagonist upon tying Maui up, Matangi actually encourages Moana to persevere during moments of doubt about the next step forward. She’s not your typical villain but brings charm and depth to the film through Awhimai Fraser’s exceptional singing abilities.

Fraser has been employed by Disney for quite some time now, although many people may be encountering her voice for the first time. She lent her voice to Elsa in the Maori language version of “Frozen,” sharing with The AU Review how voicing Elsa helped her prepare for Matangi: “[Elsa] was a significant character to immerse myself in, and the songs in that movie were quite large too,” she stated. Essentially, she felt grateful to have had that experience as a foundation for her work on ‘Moana 2’.

She can also be heard in the Māori version of “Encanto,” where she provides the voice for Dolores. Unsurprisingly, Disney chose her to voice the Māori interpretation for “Moana 2” too, since Fraser will once again take on the role of Matangi for that sequel.

Moana 2 references an actual Maui myth

In the animated movie “Moana”, you might not be aware that Maui has an extensive mythology, which is only briefly explored in the film. In Polynesian traditions, he’s believed to have bestowed fire upon mankind and raised the sky to provide more space for humans on Earth. Additionally, a casual mention in “Moana 2” hints at another one of his significant deeds.

In the thrilling finale of “Moana 2”, Maui endeavors to hoist the island of Motufetu so that Moana can reach it and reestablish a bond with all the other islands. Maui jokes that it’s been some time since he last lifted an island, reminding us of the Hawaiian tale where Maui, along with his brothers, rowed vigorously while he pulled up the Hawaiian islands from the ocean floor. This legend has a parallel in Māori culture, where Maui is said to have drawn the North Island of New Zealand from the seabed. Regardless of the angle you look at it, Maui’s island-lifting skills add weight and significance to the climax of “Moana 2” within Polynesian culture.

It’s quite possible that there are many other Maui stories that Disney could potentially tell, which might explain why he was initially slated as the main character for “Moana.” However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Maui won’t have his own standalone story at some point in the future to delve deeper into those tales.

Moana’s ‘death’ mirrors Maui’s origin

In the climactic finale of “Moana 2”, the moment that left me utterly astounded occurs when Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i) unleashes a bolt of lightning, seemingly taking Moana’s life as she reaches for Motufetu. Swiftly diving into the sea, Maui intervenes and with the aid of Moana’s ancestral spirits, she is miraculously resurrected. To cap it all off, Moana undergoes a transformative change, gaining an extraordinary tattoo that hints at her ascension to a demigoddess, much like Maui did when he earned his awe-inspiring powers.

As a fervent admirer, let me share a fascinating aspect of the first “Moana” narrative – it reveals a striking parallel between Moana and Maui. You see, much like Moana, Maui was born as a mortal, yet his parents cast him away into the sea, believing he would perish. But fate had other plans; the gods rescued him and bestowed upon him the enchanted hook, imbuing it with extraordinary powers.

In a fascinating twist, a fan theory about the original “Moana” gets challenged – a revelation that could significantly alter your viewing experience! The theory hinted at Moana perishing prior to reaching Maui’s island; however, it seems more plausible that she survives throughout the initial film and only briefly passes away in the second movie. But fear not, as she swiftly earns the esteemed title of demigod shortly afterward!

Moana 2 hints at Zootopia 2

In the middle of the credits for “Moana 2,” there’s a hint about what could be expected in a possible future “Moana 3.” For those patient enough to watch until the end, they’ll catch a sneak peek of a new Disney character – Gary the snake, who will make his debut in “Zootopia 2” set for release in 2025. This charming character will be voiced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan.

At the very end of the closing credits, a picture of Gary that seems to have been woven into a tapestry is shown. It’s not unusual for Disney, as they often tease upcoming movies in their end credits. For instance, in 2022’s “Strange World,” there was a hidden image of Star from “Wish” in the closing credits as well.

In “Zootopia 2,” Gary remains enigmatic, as the teaser doesn’t reveal much about his character. However, during an interview on the Red Carpet, executive producer Jennifer Lee gave some insights about Gary. She mentioned that he is rumored to be a criminal, but there might be more depth to him than one would initially assume. Lee also shared that Gary will be the first reptile character in the movie, and Ke Huy Quan will voice him. This hints at the charming, mysterious quality of a snake, which we can expect from Gary.

Does Moana have her own … Thanos?

Midway through the credits of “Moana 2”, a scene unfolds introducing Nalo, the deity of storms, whom we hadn’t previously met face-to-face. Seated ominously on his throne, he discusses seeking vengeance against Moana for restoring harmony among the islands. Interestingly, Tamatoa, the radiant crab from the initial movie, joins in as well, harboring a grudge against Moana too. This scene suggests that a potential “Moana 3” may arise, where Moana, now a demigod, might confront other gods displeased by her actions.

Nalo’s quiet planning reminds one of Thanos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in early MCU films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” where he was often seen plotting sinisterly. However, the mid-credits scene for “Moana 2” could have had a slightly different outcome, according to co-director Dana Ledoux Miller. She told Collider that there was a last-minute change and it continued to evolve as the story did. Essentially, they wanted to add a demigod and a god to the world, which is something they found intriguing.

Given the considerable earnings of “Moana 2” so far, it appears logical that Disney might wish to prolong their success by initiating production on “Moana 3”. Just as Moana embarks on her journey without knowing its limits, it’s hard to predict how far this franchise may travel.

2024-12-04 00:00