By Jocelyn Buhlman
Moana has charted a course to our hearts ever since we first met the brave wayfinder in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 feature, Moana. Now, we’re preparing to follow her next journey in Walt Disney Animation Studio's Moana 2, in theaters November 27. Featuring music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, this tuneful new adventure takes Moana across the ocean with faces both familiar and new. Before we dive into the film and join Moana on her quest, find your way to the characters who bring this adventure to life:
Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho)
Last time we saw Moana, she’d just restored the Heart of Te Fiti and taken on a new role as leader and wayfinder to the people of Motunui. In Moana 2, we see Moana in full adventurer mode—returning from her latest exploration and ready to face her next. Her ancestors have called out to her to break a curse and adventure to a mysterious island hidden in a storm. It’s up to Moana to step onto the sand of the island and reconnect the people of Oceania. . It’s a daunting mission across the ocean—but she won’t be alone this time. She’s recruiting a crew to join her on this perilous journey—as well as her favorite demigod.
Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)
Everyone’s favorite demigod is back and ready for action! Moana’s journey to the mysterious island reunites her with Maui three years after the events of the original Moana. Maui is just as strong-willed and beautifully coiffed as we remember him, covered in magical tattoos commemorating his mighty feats. As a shapeshifter, Maui uses his mighty hook to turn into any animal—which gets him into trouble as often as it gets him out of it. His friendship with Moana has evolved—he respects her. He will always tease her, but he’s also rooting for her every step of the way.
Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda)
With the ancestors urging her to venture out on a dangerous mission, Moana knows she must leave Motunui. But it’s harder to go now that she has an adorable little sister, Simea, who thinks the world of Moana and misses her terribly when she’s gone on her wayfinding journeys. While there may be an ocean in between them, their bond is unbreakable no matter where Moana goes.
Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo)
This time, Moana’s not adventuring alone. She has a crew supporting her with various skills and talents. Loto, a brilliant but quirky engineer, maintains their canoe. Loto’s always thinking about the best ways to improve her designs, often enacting the changes in real time, whether the rest of the crew is ready or not.
Kele (voiced by David Fane)
It’s a long journey to find the lost island that will break the curse and reconnect the people of the Pacific, so Kele joins Moana’s crew to grow and maintain their food. As an elder on Motunui, Kele isn’t as passionate about adventure as the rest of the crew. But he is passionate about the plants he grows!
Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung)
As a storyteller on Motunui, Moni knows all about the legends and lore, and will surely tell the tale of Moana’s journey for years to come. He is a huge fanboy when it comes to Maui and Moni’s size and stature make him a powerful asset to Moana’s crew.
Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser)
Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) Matangi is a mysterious figure who challenges everything Moana thinks she knows about herself. Surrounded by flying foxes, Matangi is one with her airborne cohort, which makes it a bit tricky to work with her.