Warning: This article contains spoilers for Moana 2 and Frozen 2. Despite some recent theatrical missteps, Disney’s Moana 2, released last year, has reignited excitement for its franchises, proving their box office potential remains robust. Although critical response to the sequel was more mixed compared to its predecessor, audiences were clearly drawn to the film, achieving over a billion dollars in box office earnings, thereby positioning it among Disney’s most lucrative franchises, alongside the storied Frozen series.
While Disney has yet to confirm any continuation of Moana’s story, the monumental success of Moana 2 all but guarantees further entries in the franchise. Following the anticipated live-action remake of Moana next year, the potential for a Moana 3 seems increasingly likely. Notably, the post-credits scene of Moana 2 leaves intriguing plot threads that a sequel could explore, one of which appears to draw intriguing parallels with fan theories surrounding Frozen 2.
Frozen 2: The Possibility of Anna Gaining Powers
Theories Surrounding Anna’s Magical Potential
Leading up to the release of Frozen 2, one prevalent theory suggested that Anna might develop powers akin to her sister Elsa’s, albeit with a summertime twist rather than Elsa’s winter magic. This speculation emerged from a variety of storytelling dynamics, with many fans perceiving it as an engaging narrative route. Since the original Frozen centered heavily on Elsa’s magical abilities, it seemed logical for a sequel to delve into Anna’s potential for magic.
Trailers for Frozen 2 further fueled these theories, hinting at a mystical expansion of the story. With Anna consistently depicted in warmer hues, juxtaposed against Elsa’s cooler palette, expectations grew that Anna would evolve in a unique direction. However, as the film unfolded, Anna ultimately did not acquire any magical powers, which surprised many fans.
Moana 3: Exploring New Storylines
Giving Moana and Simea Unique Powers
The absence of magical abilities for Anna in Frozen 2 creates an exciting opportunity for Moana 3 to explore this narrative avenue instead. Although the film’s release is still several years away, the potential exists for Moana to acquire more powers, aligning her trajectory with that of characters like Maui. By the time Moana 3 arrives, her sister, Simea, may also experience a similar arc.
Although Simea is relatively young in Moana 2, her interactions with the primary characters suggest she has a pivotal role in Moana’s journey. At just three years old, there is a significant age gap between her and the eighteen-year-old Moana. The unique dynamic between them draws distinctions from the Elsa and Anna relationship, yet elements of their bond could still resonate and evolve in future sequels.
Differentiating the Franchises: Unique Powers for Moana and Simea
Ensuring Unique Identities for Both Franchises
The divergence in age between Moana and Simea provides an opportunity for their story to unfold distinctively from Anna and Elsa’s narrative. Should the Moana series explore a time skip, allowing Simea to mature, the introduction of magical abilities could serve to further separate their storyline from that of the Frozen sisters. With both franchises likely to continue for the foreseeable future, maintaining their unique identities will be crucial.
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Anna | Kristen Bell |
| Elsa | Idina Menzel |
| Moana | Auli’i Cravalho |
| Simea | Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda |
With a three-year time lapse between Moana and its sequel, there’s potential for even more development before Moana 3 emerges. Should Simea age up in subsequent films, filmmakers have a rich foundation to explore her character’s growth and perhaps even introduce enchanting abilities, akin to her sister Moana.