Last month, I indulged my inner child with a Saturday morning screening of Moana. Since it’s release in 2016, I never got the chance to watch the fan favorite Disney animation. The film’s vibrant colors, catchy tunes, rich Polynesian culture and heartwarming story quickly captivated me, making me understand the excitement surrounding it. So, when the opportunity arose to interview Hualālai Chung (“Moni”) & Christina Chen (Producer) from the upcoming Moana 2, I couldn’t resist. Although I haven’t seen the second film yet, the anticipation for its release was palpable.
Moana 2 reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. The filmmakers emphasized the importance of honoring Polynesian culture and mythology, ensuring that the sequel would be both entertaining and respectful.
I was curious about the new adventures that awaited Moana and her friends. The original film beautifully explored themes of courage, family, and cultural heritage, and I hoped the sequel would continue this tradition.
One of the most exciting aspects of Moana 2 is the return of the iconic characters. Auli‘i Cravalho reprises her role as Moana. “She really embodies Moana,” says director Jason Hand.
“There’s a quality that she alone brings to this character—Auli‘i is a leader, she’s kind, she’s funny—she really cares deeply for this character. And wow, can she sing.” Dwayne Johnson once again brings Maui to life. Says producer Christina Chen, “Dwayne brings so much humor and charm to the character of Maui—there is something so fun about watching Dwayne in the recording booth having the time of his life.”
New Moana Adventure, Introduces New Characters
The sequel also introduces new characters, promising fresh perspectives and storylines while still ensuring to incorporate Polynesian traditions. Moni, played by Hualālai Chung, is the designated storyteller. Inspired by the oral storytelling cultures of Pacific Island peoples, Moni is a keen observer—and a huge fanboy when it comes to Maui. His size and stature make him a particularly powerful asset to Moana’s crew.
During our interview, Chung shared his excitement about being part of this iconic animation, saying, “I grew up being such a Disney kid. My grandparents were huge Disney people. We spent every summer at a park. They would have all the posters on the walls in their house, and so on. So, if anything, it was more about calming my nerves and calm my anxieties, thinking, ‘Oh, I’m actually in a Disney movie!’ Which is cool because that character and energy is who Moni is so I got to channel a lot of it into voicing him.”
After enjoying the original film, I’m eager to see how Moana 2 expands upon the beloved story. With its stunning animation, captivating music, and powerful messages, the sequel has the potential to be another Disney classic.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, Moana 2 is sure to be a magical cinematic experience hitting theaters November 27th
What's Your Reaction?
