One of Moana 2The new main characters of were introduced discreetly in 2016 Moana film first. The 2024 sequel introduced several new figures into Moana's life, which was part of the new film's appeal. Instead of the hero traveling across the ocean with just Maui, Moana had an entire team working with her. Furthermore, their family at home has grown with the introduction of a new sister. Then, Moana's family history became more detailed, with more apparent names and roles assigned to her mysterious ancestors in Moana 2.
Moana's mission in Moana The sequence was to unite the people of the ocean who had been divided for centuries by Nalo's curse. Her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, gave Moana a vision in Moana 2, explaining that if she failed in this, the people of Motunui would eventually die. Vasa was one of the last Tautai on the island of Moana, and this implies that he died trying to reach the island of Motufetū to break Nalo's curse. Her guidance was critical to Moana's success, which makes her character deeply important to Moana 2. Still, this isn't technically the Tautai's first introduction.
Tautai Vasa was actually in Moana before Moana 2
Vasa was shown several times in Moana
Moana 2 is the first that Tautai Vasa was given a name, but he was first seen by Moana and the audience in the 2016 film. When Moana first entered the cave that contained all of Motunui's boats, she played the drum and received the first vision of their ancestors. Tautai Vasa was among those she saw leading the people of Motunui across the ocean. He is also seen passing the chief's necklace to his son in Moanawho then went on to lead his people. At the time, he was simply a nameless ancestor, but Moana became much closer to Vasa's story in Moana 2.
Moana 2 makes Tautai Vasa a much bigger character in the franchise
Tautai Vasa is essentially the leader of Moana's ancestors
It was clear that Vasa was a chief in Moanabut Moana 2 gave it the additional title of “Tautai.” Chief Tui explained that Tautai were the village's main travelersresponsible for teaching people how to navigate and explore the sea. Tui rightly felt that Moana deserved this title and honor, and a ceremony was held that officially made her Tautai Moana. The moment Moana took this on, Tautai Vasa gave her important insight and explained what she must do to save her people. Still, this was not the extent of his role in Moana 2.
Tautai Vasa continued to guide Moana on her journey, and at the end of Moana 2, he was among the ancestors who came together to make their descendant a demigod. Vasa appears to be the Tautai among the Tautai – a leader of the deceased members of his lineage. He takes the form of a glowing whale shark, similar to how Tala became a manta ray, and appears when Moana needs him most. It is clear that such a character will continue to be important in any future Moana sequels and spinoffs – and it all started with his unnamed appearance in the first film.