Moana 2 is the newly-released sequel to the beloved 2016 Disney film, and let's just say the ending is… a lot. It's an emotionally-charged finale which not only changes Moana forever, but teases viewers with future sequels.
ICYMI: The original Moana film is inspired by Polynesian myths, and is about strong-willed Moana, who is the daughter of a village chief chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti. When Moana's island is struck by a blight, she sets sail to find the legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and save her people.
Moana 2 follows a similar theme with the heroine setting sail once again, this time in search of a hidden island. You can expect even more stunning animation and supercharged emotion than in the first film, all set to the backdrop of original songs (and Dwayne Johnson rapping, who wouldn't want that?).
The film comes to a climax with a massive twist, so here's EYNTK about the ending of Moana 2.
What is Moana 2 about?
The film's plot synopsis reads as follows: “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.”
Did Moana die at the end of Moana 2? What happens?
Moana 2 is centred around Moana's mission to locate the island, and hits its climax when Maui tries to raise the island out of the water, but is stripped of his powers by the movie's villain Nalo before he can do so.
So our heroine Moana quickly jumps into action. She leaps into the water, to touch the shore to break the curse. While she succeeds in doing so, Nalo hits her with lightning.
This does appear to kill her, but the spirits of Moana's ancestors restore her to life, in the process transforming her into a demigod just like Maui. The assumption is she will also now be immortal as well.
Her oar also now appears to be adorned with scripture and an extension of her powers, with Moana also gaining more tattoos after her ascension, which have been referred to in the past as signs of achievements as a demigod.
What will happen in Moana 3?
This twist sets up a rather interesting story for Moana 3. After his failure to kill Moana and her crew, we see Nalo, Moana 2's mostly-absent villain, and his fury and vow for revenge in the film's mid-credits scenes, suggesting he'll be back for the third instalment. Nalo states that this is “only the beginning” – menacing, and pretty much guaranteeing his return for Moana 3. He won't be alone, though, as we know that he has maintained control over Matangi, and villainous crab Tamatoa may also be back to settle a score.
But with the upgrade in Moana's powers, we're confident that she can give them a good fight. Expect epic things from Moana 3.
