Disney's highly anticipated 'Moana 2' sees the return of beloved characters Moana and Maui, along with the introduction of a new fan favorite, Moana's little sister, Simea.
- September 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - The ocean once called her beyond the reef, but in "Moana 2", it's her familial ties and leadership that anchor her journey. The highly anticipated sequel sees Moana, now a young leader of her people, growing alongside her audience. Set to release on November 27, the film introduces Moana's little sister Simea, and delves deeper into the protagonist's evolving role within her community and her family.
Simea, a fiery and optimistic three-and-a-half-year-old voiced by young actress Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, is noted to be Moana's "mini" version. According to Entertainment Weekly, her relationship with Moana is paramount. "Moana is not only her big sister, she is a guardian and a leader to her, but she has this unique relationship where she's the only one who can speak to Simea as a peer and get to the core of her," explained Kevin Webb, one of the lead animators.
Returning voice actress Auli'i Cravalho has also grown with her character. "In that first film, I was so excited to go beyond the reef and be flown to Burbank, Calif. I'd never been to Burbank, and that was the coolest thing ever," Cravalho reflects. This sentiment underscores the connection between Moana's fictional journeys and Cravalho's real-life adventures.
The pivot from a Disney+ series to a full theatrical sequel signifies the scope and ambition of the story. Co-directors admitted that the series' initial scripts were too grand to be confined to the small screen. "It was getting bigger and bigger and more epic, and we really wanted to see it on the big screen," noted Jennifer Lee, Disney Animation's chief creative officer.
This time, Moana is not just a voyager but a leader on a mission to connect with other island communities, a quest that mirrors her voice actress's own growth. With a crew, including Heihei the rooster and Pua the pig, by her side, Moana's responsibilities are elevated. "Is she going to be somebody who tries to do everything on their own despite having a team of capable people with her?" adds co-director Dana Ledoux Miller.
