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Moana is back with a brand-new adventure in “Moana 2,” and it’s time to set sail on yet another breathtaking journey through the South Pacific! Our favorite non-princess heroine, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, has grown up since her debut in 2016, and she’s ready to inspire a new generation of young girls who affectionately call her “Moanabes.”

Now a young adult at 19-20 years old, Moana has earned the respect and admiration of her community, but her biggest fan is her adorable little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), who is just 3½ years old. With a significant 16-year age gap, Simea looks up to her sister as a true idol, showcasing the powerful bond of sisterhood.

“Still not a princess!” Moana exclaims as she prepares for her next daring quest to save her friends and reunite her scattered community. Although she is the daughter of a tribal chief on the island of Motunui, Moana’s true identity lies in her role as a wayfinder—a navigator of the seas, tasked with exploring new islands and connecting isolated populations.

As Moana gears up to receive her title as Chief, a sudden lightning strike interrupts the ceremony, sending her a vision from her ancestor, Matai Vasa. In this vision, she sees her ancestors searching for the mythical island of Motufetu, which holds the key to her island’s survival. The stakes are high: if she fails to find it, Motunui could face dire consequences.

Moana’s quest in this sequel is nothing short of monumental. She embarks on a daring journey to locate Motufetu and reconnect with humans separated by the curse of the god Nalo. While Simea is heartbroken to see her sister go, Moana reassures her that their bond remains strong, no matter the distance.

In a refreshing twist for Disney, the villain Nalo doesn’t make his appearance until the mid-credits scene, a bold move that shifts the focus from a traditional antagonist to the formidable forces of nature itself. The film emphasizes that sometimes the true enemies are not easily seen, but rather the challenges we face in our environment.

Moana doesn’t go on this journey alone. She’s joined by her loyal friend Moni (Hualalai Chung), the village’s engineer-in-training Loto (Rose Matafeo), and the wise farmer Kele (David Fane). And of course, we can’t forget her quirky animal companions—Heihei the chicken, with his clumsy antics, and Pua the pig, who adds even more charm to the adventure.

Fans will also be thrilled to see the return of the tattooed demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who provides comic relief while facing his own challenges in the first half of the film. Their friendship deepens as they navigate the trials ahead, showcasing that while Moana has grown into a capable leader, the strength of their bond remains vital.

“Moana 2” is a visually stunning sequel that highlights Moana’s growth and evolution. As she faces daunting challenges that test her abilities, she learns to embrace her inner strength and resilience. The film beautifully illustrates that the real villain can sometimes be the elements we cannot control, reminding us that nature can be as threatening as any antagonist.

As Moana discovers new tribes along her journey—tribes that are not Polynesian but have also been cursed by Nalo—the film emphasizes the importance of community and connection. This echoes themes from other epic tales, like “Avatar 2,” where distant tribes come together in unity.

The introduction of this new tribe hints at exciting possibilities for a potential “Moana 3,” where we may learn more about Nalo’s motivations and the interconnectedness of these communities. The film powerfully reinforces that heritage and history are vital, showing us that even when separated by oceans and curses, we remain connected through shared experiences and legacies. Sometimes it takes just one wayfinder to break a generation of curses.

In the end, “Moana 2” is not just about adventure—it’s about understanding who we are and the strength we gain from our ancestors and communities. As Moana discovers throughout her journey, “It’s Always Another Way!” So, grab your oars and get ready for a thrilling ride with Moana—because her story is far from over!