Moana 2 star Auli’i Cravalho and co-director David Derrick Jr. talk about how Moana and Maui’s relationship is different from the first film. Voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is a 1,000-year-old demigod who stole Te Fifi’s heart and caused her to transform into the evil Te Ka. In Moana, the eponymous heroine sets out to find Maui and convinces him to join her in the quest to restore Te Fiti’s heart. The two are about to reunite in Moana 2 on a new journey to break the curse of the god Nalo on the island of Montufetu.
Cravalho and Derrick talk to Screen speech about how Moana and Maui’s relationship has changed from the original film. The director explains that Moana being the only human Maui cares about gives him “a vulnerability,” and Moana 2 will see”growth“in your relationship. Cravalho adds that although their relationship Moana was “more hierarchical“, the sequel sees them as “pairs” Who “respect each other.” Check out what they said below:
David Derrick Jr.: Maui has never cared about people before, and he cares about Moana, and that gives Maui a vulnerability. What I love is the growth of their relationship. There’s a moment where Maui has to give Moana an encouraging speech, and it’s an amazing song. “Can I get a Chee Hoo?” And it’s really Maui returning the favor that Moana gave him in the first film.
Auli’i Cravalho: I feel like in the first film Moana and Maui’s relationship was a little more hierarchical because Maui is a demigod. But this time, it looks like they are the same. They respect each other. Moana still sees Maui as a mentor, but Maui sees Moana as a Tautai, a master navigator who can hold her own.
In the first film, Moana takes Maui out of his routine. And this movie is upside down. Their friendship is very strong.
What does this mean for Moana 2
Moana 2 explores new dynamics between Moana and Maui
Taking place three years after the events of the first film, the sequel reunites Moana and Maui on a new journey. THE Moana 2 The trailer teased a more adult version of Moana, as well as a full team that will accompany her and Maui on the new adventure. Cravalho and Derrick’s comments provoke a new dynamic between the main characters that could show new aspects of these characters. At the same time, love, affection and respect will still be at the center of your friendship and guidance.
Moana and Maui will also face some very interesting villains on the way. Disney is already promoting the new antagonist Matangi, who is considered the exact opposite of Moana. With their roles reversed by Maui helping Moana with her confidence in the sequel, it also means the titular heroine could face a similar difficult task to the one Maui had to overcome. In MoanaMaui has been on a personal journey. He was in bad shape when Moana found him, and their journey together helped Maui come out of his shell.
Our opinion on Moana and Maui’s stories in Moana 2
Moana and Maui could be different
With Moana 2 hitting theaters on November 27th and arriving on Disney+ sometime later, fans will soon be able to return to the world of Moana and see what the ocean has in store for both protagonists. The growth of Moana and Maui’s relationship is exciting to look forward to. Moana was around 16 years old in the first film. With the sequel set three years after the first film, she will be an adult in Moana 2.
At the same time, Maui spent more time connecting with his human side. His bond with Moana also softens him over time. With growth on each side, Moana and Maui’s relationship may look very different in Moana 2. It will also be fun to see what they have been up to so far and how it has impacted their dynamic. This sequel seems poised to offer something familiar but new at the same time.