Moana 2 ending explained: What happens to Moana in the end?

Moana 2, a sequel to the 2016 Disney movie, Moana, was released in theatres on November 27, 2024. It follows the events of the first film, but the ending of Moana 2 sets up an exciting future by resolving key conflicts while leaving room for new adventures.

After her transformation into a demigod, Moana successfully raises Motufetu with Maui’s help, breaking Nalo’s curse. The island becomes a beacon and draws tribes from across the ocean to reunite and rebuild connections. The sight of hundreds of boats arriving at Motufetu signals a new era of exploration and unity for the ocean’s people.

However, the mid-credits scene teases lingering threats. Nalo, furious over his defeat, vows revenge. He imprisons Matangi, showing that his powers remain formidable despite Motufetu's loss. The scene also brings back Tamatoa, the crab villain from the first film, hinting at a possible alliance between him and Nalo.

Disclaimer: This article will contain spoilers from Moana 2. Discretion is advised.

Moana’s newfound demigod status, coupled with her ability to navigate uncharted waters, positions her as the ideal hero to confront these threats in a sequel.

At the end of Moana 2, Moana faces her most dramatic challenge yet. While attempting to break the curse on the lost island of Motufetu, she sacrifices herself by diving into the ocean and reaching the island’s shores. Nalo, the storm god, strikes her with lightning, appearing to kill her.

However, her ancestors' spirits intervene, resurrecting her and transforming her into a demigod. This grants her tattoos symbolizing her achievements and supernatural abilities tied to her oar, now a powerful weapon.

Moana 2 : How does Moana’s quest to find Motufetu begin and why is it critical?

Moana’s quest to find the lost island of Motufetu begins when her ancestors, led by the spirit of her grandmother Tala and a legendary Wayfinder named Tautai Vasa, warn her of an impending disaster. The island, once a vibrant hub connecting the ocean's tribes, was cursed by the storm god Nalo and submerged beneath the sea.

The curse not only isolates Moana's people on Motunui but threatens the survival of other scattered tribes. If the island remains lost, the people of the ocean could face extinction due to a lack of resources and unity.

Moana’s call to action is rooted in her role as a leader and her sense of responsibility to her people. Knowing the stakes, she assembles a crew including loyal villagers Loto, Moni, and Kele, along with the returning demigod Maui. Together, they build a sturdy boat and set sail into uncharted waters.

The mission is critical for Moana’s tribe and for reconnecting humanity across the vast ocean. As the film progresses, this objective transforms into a deeper exploration of Moana’s identity and her bond with the ocean, making the mission both personal and pivotal to the story’s stakes.

Moana 2: What challenges do Moana and her crew face on their journey to Motufetu?

Moana and her crew face relentless challenges, both physical and emotional, during their journey to Motufetu. The villainous Nalo, although rarely seen in person, orchestrates many of these obstacles. Massive sea storms, summoned by Nalo’s powers, threaten to capsize their boat, forcing the crew to rely on quick thinking and teamwork to stay afloat.

Additionally, the Kakamora, the coconut-armored pirates from the first film, return as adversaries. They ambush the crew in an attempt to steal supplies and sabotage their mission.

One of the most intriguing hurdles is their encounter with Matangi, a bat-like god who initially appears as a villain. She traps Maui and seems determined to halt Moana’s progress. However, it’s revealed that Matangi is a victim of Nalo’s control, offering cryptic guidance that Moana eventually deciphers to chart a new course.

Internal struggles also arise, as Maui doubts Moana’s ability to handle the mission, and tensions brew within the crew under the stress of their perilous voyage. Each challenge tests their physical endurance while strengthening Moana’s resolve and leadership, proving her capability as a Wayfinder even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Moana 2: Does Moana die during her mission, and how does she become a Demigod?

Yes, Moana dies during her mission, but her story takes an extraordinary turn. As they reach Motufetu, Maui attempts to raise the island using his magical fishhook, but Nalo strips him of his powers, leaving the crew vulnerable.

With no other options, Moana dives into the ocean, determined to reach the island's shores and break the curse. Just as she touches the island, Nalo strikes her with a bolt of lightning, seemingly killing her in an emotional and shocking moment.

However, the ocean and her ancestors intervene to bring her back to life. In a visually stunning sequence, Moana’s grandmother Tala and Tautai Vasa appear in spiritual form, chanting ancient incantations. The act of resurrection revives Moana and transforms her into a demigod like Maui.

She gains golden tattoos symbolizing her heroic deeds and enhanced abilities tied to her iconic oar, which becomes her weapon. The transformation signifies a new chapter in Moana’s life, granting her partial immortality and powers to control the tides.

Moana 2 is running in theatres across the US.

Edited by Madhur Dave