Moana 1 Vs. Moana 2: 5 Shocking Side-by-Side Differences That Change Everything For Disney's Wayfinder

The return of Moana and Maui in Moana 2, released on November 27, 2024, has sparked a massive debate among fans and critics alike: Is the sequel better than the original, or does it fall short of the 2016 classic? This isn't just a simple continuation; it's a major shift in scope, character dynamics, and even the core creative team, making a side-by-side comparison essential for any true Disney enthusiast. The film, which was originally planned as a Disney+ series, has been elevated to a full theatrical release, expanding the world of Motunui and Oceania in ways we never expected, but also introducing significant differences that define its own distinct identity.

The core intention of Moana 2 is to prove that the original's "wayfinding" spirit is not a one-off adventure but a generational calling. Set three years after the first film, the sequel finds Moana, now a young adult, receiving a mysterious call from her ancestors that compels her to reunite with the demigod Maui for an epic quest to the lost island of Motufetu. From a completely new songwriting duo to a more complex, multi-layered villain, here are the five most significant side-by-side differences between Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024).

Moana 1 and Moana 2: Character Evolution and Full Cast List

The greatest difference between the two films is the maturity and experience of the title character. In Moana (2016), Moana of Motunui is a naive, curious teenager driven by an innate desire to sail and save her island, a journey of self-discovery where she earns her "wayfinder" title. In Moana 2, she is a seasoned Wayfinder, having spent the three years since the first film inspiring her people to embrace their seafaring heritage. Her journey is no longer about finding herself, but about uniting the scattered peoples of Oceania.

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Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, also shows a subtle but important evolution. He is less arrogant and more of a mentor figure, though his signature bravado remains a core part of his charm. The return of beloved characters like Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison) and Sina (Nicole Scherzinger), and the wisdom of Gramma Tala (Rachel House), firmly roots the sequel in the established world.

Key Cast and Character Differences:

• Moana's Age and Role: She evolves from a reluctant hero to a confident leader and established Wayfinder. Her outfit also changes to a darker red, reflecting her new maturity and the film’s expanded scope.
• Maui's Arc: His development is less about ego and more about partnership, solidifying his bond with Moana.
• New Wayfinding Crew: Moana assembles a new crew for her journey to Motufetu, including the new characters Moni, a young wayfinder who idolizes Maui, and Kele, a farmer who joins the seafaring adventure.

Returning Main Cast:

• Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana
• Dwayne Johnson as Maui
• Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui
• Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
• Rachel House as Gramma Tala

• Hualālai Chung as Moni
• David Fane as Kele
• Rose Matafeo as Matangi (Voice)
• Kelemete Misa as Nalo (Voice)

The Shift in Antagonists: From Te Fiti's Curse to Gods of Storms and the Underworld

The original Moana had a unique approach to its central conflict. The main "villain" was the environmental devastation caused by Maui’s theft of the Heart of Te Fiti, which manifested as the volcanic demon Te Kā. The conflict was ultimately resolved not through combat, but through emotional connection and restoration. This was a powerful narrative choice that elevated the film beyond a typical Disney princess story.

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Moana 2 takes a more traditional—and complex—route by introducing two new mythological entities as antagonists, signaling a deeper dive into Polynesian mythology:

• Nalo, the Angry God of Storms: Nalo serves as the primary antagonist, a force of nature and chaos that Moana and her crew must confront. He is described as the true villain of the film.
• Matangi, the Mysterious Underworld Goddess: Matangi is a more nuanced figure, initially presented as an antagonist but later revealed to be an unwilling ally, imprisoned by Nalo. Her character adds a layer of moral complexity, suggesting a "misunderstood" character arc that echoes the Te Kā twist but with a different mythological foundation.

This side-by-side difference means Moana 1 focused on environmental healing and self-correction, while Moana 2 leans into a more direct mythological confrontation with powerful gods, expanding the scope of the magical threats beyond the island of Motunui.

The Controversial Soundtrack Comparison: Miranda’s Magic vs. Barlow & Bear’s Fresh Take

Perhaps the most talked-about side-by-side difference is the soundtrack. The music of Moana (2016), primarily written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa'i, was a cultural phenomenon, featuring iconic songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome." Miranda's involvement was a key selling point for the original film.

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For Moana 2, the primary songwriting duties were handed to the duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. They are notably the first female songwriting duo and the youngest composers hired by Disney for a feature film, bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to the score. While Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i returned to maintain the authentic Pacific Islander sound, Miranda's primary role was absent.

• Moana 1 Soundtrack: Defined by Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway-style energy, memorable earworms, and a deeply personal, powerful ballad ("How Far I'll Go").
• Moana 2 Soundtrack: Features a new, distinct sound from Barlow and Bear. The critical reception is mixed; some critics found the songs less immediately catchy or memorable than the original, while others praised the new composers for their fresh take, noting that they were in contact with Miranda during the process. This shift represents a major creative risk for a Disney animated sequels.

Visuals and Animation: Expanded World-Building vs. Original Detail

Both films utilize stunning 3D animation, but a side-by-side view reveals a difference in focus. Moana 1 was praised for its revolutionary animation of water and hair, setting a new bar for the industry. The focus was on the vibrant, intimate beauty of Motunui and the open ocean.

Moana 2, however, is lauded for its expanded world-building and even more breathtaking scale. The journey to Motufetu takes Moana and her crew to new lands and environments, showcasing a wider variety of Polynesian cultures and landscapes. This visual difference is key:

• Moana 1 Visuals: Focused on hyper-realistic water physics, the detailed texture of characters' skin and hair, and the lush, familiar beauty of one island.
• Moana 2 Visuals: The sequel prioritizes the vastness and diversity of Oceania. While the animation quality is still high, some critics felt the overall style "leveled off," suggesting a possible shift in resources or focus from minute detail to grand scope, especially given its origins as a series. However, the overall visual spectacle of the new locations is undeniable.

The Critical Reception: A High Bar for Disney Animated Sequels

Finally, the side-by-side critical reception is a major talking point. Moana (2016) was a near-universal critical darling, holding a remarkable 95% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Moana 2, while generally liked by audiences, received a notably lower critic score, hovering around the 66% mark. Critics often cite the plot as feeling more episodic, a common critique for films that started life as a TV series. The consensus is that while the film rides high on a wave of stunning animation and the charisma of its returning cast, the narrative and soundtrack don't quite reach the heights of the original's "perfect storm" of creative talent.

Ultimately, Moana 2 is a worthy, expansive sequel that deepens the mythology and Moana's journey, but it faces the challenge of all Disney animated sequels: living up to the original magic created by a once-in-a-generation team. It is a must-watch for fans to see the next chapter of the Wayfinder's story, but the original remains the undisputed classic.