How Moana & Maui's Relationship Has Evolved In Moana 2 Explained By Director & Star

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 movie. Voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is a 1,000-year-old demigod who stole the heart from Te Fifi and caused her to transform into the evil Te Ka. In Moana, the eponymous heroine sets sail to find Maui and convinces him to join her on the quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti. The two are set to reunite in Moana 2 on a new voyage to break the god Nalo’s curse on the island of Montufetu.




Cravalho and Derrick talk to Screen Rant about how Moana and Maui’s relationship has changed from the original movie. The director explains that Moana being the only human Maui cares about gives him “a vulnerability,” and Moana 2 will see “growth” in their relationship. Cravalho adds that while their relationship in Moana was “more hierarchical,” the sequel sees them as “peers” who “respect each other.” Check out what they said below:

David Derrick Jr.:
Maui’s never really cared about people before, and he cares about Moana, and that gives Maui a vulnerability. The thing I love is the growth in their relationship. There’s a moment where Maui needs to give Moana a pep talk, and it’s in an incredible song. “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” And it’s really Maui returning the favor that Moana gave him in the first movie.

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 around, it feels like they’re peers. They respect each other. Moana sees Maui still as a mentor, but Maui sees Moana as a Tautai, a master navigator who can hold her own.

In the first film, Moana gets Maui out of a rut. And this film, it’s turned on its head. Their friendship is really strong.



What This Means For Moana 2

Moana 2 Explores New Dynamics Between Moana And Maui

Taking place three years after the events in the first movie, the sequel reunites Moana and Maui on a new voyage. The Moana 2 trailer has teased a more grown-up version of Moana, as well as a full crew who will accompany her and Maui on the new adventure. Cravalho and Derrick’s comments tease a new dynamic between the lead characters that could show previously unseen aspects of these characters. At the same time, love, care, and respect will still be at the core of their friendship and mentorship.

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Moana and Maui will also face some very interesting villains on their way. Disney has already been hyping new antagonist Matangi, who is said to be the exact opposite of Moana. With their roles reversed by Maui helping Moana with her confidence in the sequel, this also means that the titular heroine could be put through a tough task similar to the one Maui had to overcome. In Moana, Maui underwent a personal journey. He was in a bad shape when Moana found him, and their journey together helped Maui come out of his shell.

Our Take On Moana And Maui’s Stories In Moana 2

Both Moana And Maui Might Be Different

Moana and Maui gazing upwards, astonished at something in the sky in Moana 2
Image via Disney


With Moana 2 coming to the theaters on November 27 and dropping on Disney+ sometime after that, fans will soon be able to tap back into the world of Moana and see what the ocean holds for both protagonists. The growth in Moana and Maui’s relationship is something exciting to look forward to. Moana was around 16 in the first movie. With the sequel set three years after the first film, she will be an adult in Moana 2.

At the same time, Maui has spent more time connecting to his human side. His bond with Moana also softens him over time. With growth on each side, Moana and Maui’s relationship might look very different in Moana 2. It’s also going to be fun to see what they’ve been up to until this point, and how that has impacted their dynamic. This sequel appears poised to offer something familiar, but new at the same time.