Who Are the New Villains inMoana 2? Meet the Angry God of Storms and Mysterious Underworld Goddess on Moana’s Next Adventure

Mar. 15, 2025

Maui faces off against Matangi in “Moana 2”.Photo:Walt Disney Animation Studios

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Moana is going up againsttwonew Disney villains inMoana 2.

In 2016’sMoana, starringAuli’i Cravalhoas the voice of the titular character, the brave future chief of Motonui and the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) work together to return “the heart” to Te Fiti — the goddess of creation and life. To do so, they must go up against Te Kā, a demon of earth and fire, who is poisoning the ocean. Little do Moana and Maui know that Te Kā is just Te Fiti without her heart.

“This is a film about Moana learning. She’s growing up and learning that you never stop choosing who you are. That’s what we say in the film, but it’s what we really believe,” director and writerDana Ledoux MillertoldNerdistin October 2024. “She went on this journey and now she’s looking towards the future. And you know, as we all grow up, we think we know exactly who we are, and then something changes.”

Here’s everything to know about theMoana 2antagonists and what the cast has said about the highly-anticipated sequel.

Who are the new villains inMoana 2?

Nalo, the god of storms, in “Moana 2”.Walt Disney Animation Studios

There are two main villains inMoana 2: Nalo and Matangi.

The former, a seemingly voiceless antagonist, is the god of storms and the primary villain. In the trailer forMoana 2, Nalo is seen guarding the island of Motufetu with menacing clouds, lightning and tornadoes. Moana and Maui, seeking to step foot on Motufetu and break the centuries-long curse, must find a way past his stormy barrier.

“We’ve talked about how Te Kā was scary, wait until you see this god of storms,” director David G. Derrick Jr. toldComicbookin October 2024.

“Matangi, who’s in the early parts of [the movie], she’s more complicated than she seems,” Miller told Comicbook. “There’s more to this story, this mysterious figure. But that’s part of what’s exciting about this world. People have an expectation of what it might be, and we have found new and exciting characters that feel very much integral and a part of this space, but take on new dimensions we haven’t seen before.”

While speaking withEntertainment Weeklyin September 2024, Johnson teased that Maui and Matangi have a shadowy past. “It starts off with Maui getting himself in trouble as he typically does,” the actor said, referring to a run-in between the two characters.

Who voices Matangi?

Moana and Matangi in “Moana 2”.Walt Disney Animation Studios

During a red carpet interview at the Australia premiere ofMoana 2in November 2024, Fraser spoke about her mysterious character and echoed the producer’s hints that there is more to Matangi than meets the eye.

“I think there’s a reason she is who she is and I’m really excited for people to [decide], ‘Is she a villain or is she misunderstood?’ I really loved playing so many layers to this character,” she toldScreen Brief.

Fraser went on to discuss “Get Lost,” the moving solo she recorded for the Disney sequel.

“I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old, so to be singing on a stage this large is a dream come true,” she said.

What has theMoana 2cast said about Moana’s next adventure?

Moana alongside other villagers in “Moana 2”.Walt Disney Animation Studios

While the backstories of Nalo and Matangi remain a mystery, the cast ofMoana 2has talked extensively about Moana and Maui’s next adventure, which takes place three years after the original film.

“In the first film, Moana is focused on reconnecting with the past, and this film is really about connecting with the future. It is the first time in Disney history that a Disney princess has been allowed to age,” Cravalho toldGood Morning America. “A big theme in our film is growing up, but also realizing that the path ahead is not straight. You might want to control it as best you can, but you simply can’t.”

For Johnson’s character,Maui, there are strong themes of friendship and vulnerability.

“You can be strong, you can be big, you can be independent, but it’s okay to ask for help,” the actor toldEntertainment Weeklyof his character who finally lets his guard down inMoana 2. “When you do finally ask for help, the universe and your loved ones have a way of meeting you halfway. Even the strongest of people need help.”

Cravalho added: “[Maui and Moana are] much more comrades. There isn’t as much of a hierarchy and power between demigod and human. He trusts her to make large decisions, and she trusts Maui to listen to her.”

source: people.com