Moana 2: A Deep Dive into the Making of Disney’s Epic Sequel
The highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, is almost upon us, set to grace Disney+ on March 12th and physical media in stunning 4K and Blu-ray on March 18th. To satiate the excitement, io9 was granted exclusive access to Walt Disney Animation Studios, offering a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of this oceanic adventure. We journeyed through the intricate process, exploring special features destined for the home release and gleaning insights from directors David G. Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand.
The journey began with a revealing walk-through of the special features, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that brought Moana 2 to life. From the breathtaking visual effects to the directors’ detailed exploration of the final act’s storyboards, we gained a profound understanding of the film’s ambitious scope and the dedication invested in its realization. The transition from a Disney+ series to a full-fledged theatrical feature was a significant turning point, requiring the filmmakers to elevate their vision and amplify the narrative’s impact.
Directors Derrick and Hand provided invaluable context on how the initial series arc evolved into the compelling cinematic experience that Moana 2 promises to be. Hand elaborated, "The next chapter of Moana’s story, ultimately [what] we were planning [for the] series was the story we told in [the] feature. But we were just able to tell it in the biggest most effective way, on the big screen." This shift allowed them to fully realize the story’s potential, immersing audiences in a grander, more immersive adventure.
The overwhelming success of Moana has fueled a fervent desire for more stories within this vibrant world. Derrick acknowledged this enthusiasm, stating, "When we started the story for this, we knew that there were so many more stories that could be told. And so obviously, we wanted to be able to keep the door open if we so desired to want to make more, if the audience’s desire was there." This statement offers a glimmer of hope for future installments, contingent on the audience’s continued support and the creative team’s inspiration.
A key moment in the presentation focused on Moana’s sacrifice, a pivotal scene meticulously crafted to resonate emotionally with viewers. This sacrifice ultimately leads to a transformative moment where her ancestors bestow upon her a significant change. When questioned about whether this transformation was designed to pave the way for future adventures alongside Maui on equal footing, Derrick confirmed that it was a deliberate choice. "We purposely set up that," he explained, emphasizing that it serves as both a culmination of the film’s narrative and a potential springboard for future stories. However, he also stressed the importance of ensuring that Moana 2 stands alone as a complete and satisfying cinematic journey.
Hand echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Moana 2 is designed as a self-contained narrative arc for Moana. "Ultimately our theme is that you never stop choosing who you are, discovering who you are. So it felt also just very appropriate [for] the second film to end on that open question. We know that she has become a demigod. But what does that mean exactly?" This open-ended conclusion invites viewers to contemplate Moana’s evolving identity and the implications of her newfound powers.
The prospect of Moana embracing her demigod status and wielding her magical oar to unite diverse communities is a thrilling concept. While the filmmakers remained tight-lipped about a potential third film, they expressed enthusiasm about seeing Moana in her demigod form at Disney theme parks. When asked about their involvement in future attraction plans, Derrick shared, "We were just working so hard to finish the film and to get it to where it is, the fact that there’s going to be a desire for that within the parks was incredible." Hand added, "Oh my gosh! She’s going to be walking around in the parks [in] flesh and blood. That was really exciting. So any additional thing that comes from that was just that would be incredible."
Another significant reveal lies within the post-credits scene of Moana 2. In this scene, the defeated storm god Nalo convenes a meeting with other angered gods who have crossed paths with Moana and Maui. Among them is Matangi, the Bat Goddess, who despite her freedom, remains subject to Nalo’s authority. The most surprising appearance, however, is that of Tamatoa, the "shiny" crab god and a fan-favorite villain from the original film, voiced once again by Jemaine Clement. This unexpected team-up has sparked considerable speculation among fans regarding its implications for Moana and Maui’s future adventures.
The inclusion of Clement’s cameo was a consistent element in the development of Moana 2, although its placement within the story evolved over time. Hand explained, "We were always planning for a Jemaine cameo within the story. You know, at one point [it] was the beginning." The final decision to position it as a post-credits scene served to both introduce Nalo and hint at potential challenges awaiting Moana and Maui.
Derrick elaborated on the decision to retain the villainous tease after the film’s conclusion. "At one point we ended before the end credits with that—and then we felt like, ‘Oh no, let’s end on that just incredible high of understanding what Moana has become. That she’s going on this new journey, [and] let a few credits roll." Hand added, "Yeah, and then bring it up to kind of set the stage. Let us see these characters and laugh a little bit." He noted that Tamatoa’s return injects a dose of levity into the scene, with Clement’s comedic delivery perfectly capturing the character’s disgruntled perspective on being "screwed over" by Moana.
The release of Moana 2 is imminent, arriving on Disney+ on March 12th and on 4K and Blu-ray on March 18th. Prepare to be captivated by Moana’s continued journey of self-discovery, thrilling adventures, and stunning visuals. The filmmakers have crafted a compelling sequel that honors the legacy of the original while forging new paths for Moana and her companions. The open-ended conclusion and intriguing post-credits scene leave audiences eager for more, suggesting that this may not be the last chapter in Moana’s epic saga.
