Moana 2 turned out to be a major success for Disney upon it’s release in November 2024. It shattered Box Office records, outpacing Frozen II and achieving the highest-grossing Thanksgiving weekend opening in history. Following a successful theatrical run, this acclaimed sequel has now made it’s way to Disney+, allowing an even broader audience to enjoy its colorful cast of characters and infectious new songs.
Among the standout tracks from the sequel is “Get Lost,” performed by Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), who serves as Nalo’s enforcer and Maui’s rival. However, many fans might have overlooked the song’s profound significance.
Similar to numerous Disney films that came before it, Moana 2 is packed with Easter eggs and nods to the studio’s previous works. Among these is the song “Get Lost,” which features various references to lines spoken or sung by other Disney characters, especially the antagonists.
While fans might have overlooked these on their initial listen, the inclusion of these quotes in the song’s lyrics positions Matangi to become yet another treacherous Disney villain. Nevertheless, as the narrative unfolds, Moana 2 astonishes audiences by steering the bat lady’s character in an unexpected direction.
‘Get Lost’ Celebrates The Legacy of Classic Disney Villains
Even though Matangi’s role in Moana 2 is brief, she certainly leaves a lasting impression with her swarm of bats and catchy song. In her performance, she motivates Moana to expand her wayfinding abilities by exploring uncharted waters.
Initially, Moana doubts this guidance, but faced with few alternatives, she ultimately chooses to follow it. While Maui’s claim that Matangi is “the worst” and her connection to the malevolent god Nalo might raise concerns about Moana’s safety, there is another element that could have influenced the audience’s perception of the bat lady.
The lyrics of the song contain three nods to other Disney villains that might easily be overlooked.
The first reference appears in the verse when Matangi sings, “put your trust in me.” Fans of The Jungle Book will recognize that “Trust in Me” is the title of Kaa’s song, which he performs for Mowgli just before attempting to devour him.
The second reference is found towards the end of the bridge, where Matangi sings, “I know you’re scared, but life’s unfair.” This line recalls Scar’s famous quote in The Lion King when he tells a mouse he’s about to eat, “Life’s not fair, is it?”
The final hidden gem is in the very next lyric, which states, “It’s full of choices, big and small.” This line mirrors what Ursula tells Ariel in The Little Mermaid while persuading her to strike a deal – “Life’s full of tough choices, innit?”
Through these references, “Get Lost” seems to connect Matangi with some of Disney’s most sinister characters. Moreover, a common trait shared by all these Disney villains is their initial portrayal as allies to the hero, only to later betray them.
Take Kaa, for example, who attempts to persuade Mowgli that he poses no threat, while in truth, the python is merely lulling him into a deceptive sense of safety to devour the boy. Scar feigns the role of a loving brother and uncle, yet he murders Mufasa and instructs Simba to flee, allowing him to declare himself king.
Ursula deceives Ariel into exchanging her voice for human legs, subsequently undermining her at every opportunity. In Moana 2, the audience is already inclined to be suspicious of Matangi due to Maui’s remarks.
By having her reference these treacherous Disney characters in “Get Lost,” viewers are led to assume she will betray Moana in a similar fashion. However, the sequel ultimately surprises audiences by unveiling that Matangi is not as villainous as she initially appears.
Moana 2’s Matangi Surprises Viewers With Unexpected Twists
It appears that Matangi is not attempting to deceive Moana in any way. Although she previously trapped Maui in Moana 2, Matangi holds no resentment towards the demigod; she was merely keeping him there so that he and Moana could journey to Motufetu together.
In fact, she may even have feelings for Maui, as she remarks to one of her bats that he looks attractive after he and Moana depart. One could argue that Matangi was still pursuing her own interests, as she wanted Moana and Maui to succeed in order to finally escape the giant clam, and she also led Moana and her crew into perilous waters.
Nevertheless, Matangi also discloses that she is taking a significant risk by assisting the wayfinder, as her superior, Nalo, will punish her if he discovers her actions.
This prediction is fulfilled in the post-credits scene of Moana 2, where Nalo reveals that he is aware of Matangi’s deeds and punishes her with lightning. Despite the numerous Disney villain references in “Get Lost,” Matangi is not the villain she seemed to be at first.
Interestingly, this indicates that Matangi adheres to a common theme found in several recent Disney films, where a character initially perceived as a villain turns out to be misunderstood. A prime example is the first Moana film, where the volcano monster Te Kā is ultimately revealed to be the goddess Te Fiti, who was merely attempting to reclaim her heart after Maui took it.
Another well-known case is Bruno from Encanto, who is first depicted as a more ominous character until Mirabel encounters him and discovers that he is also trying to assist their family in his unique way. This narrative device often results in these films lacking a definitive villain, yet in this regard, Moana 2 once again defies expectations.
While Matangi may indeed be a genuine ally, Nalo emerges as the film’s primary antagonist, as he seeks to thwart Moana and Maui from lifting his curse. If the post-credits scene is any indication, it seems likely that Nalo will continue to play the role of the villain should Moana receive a third installment.
‘Get Lost’ Introduces A New Significant Twist In Moana 2
While the Easter eggs featuring Disney villains are more noticeable in “Get Lost,” the song also makes a nod to one of the studio’s most celebrated heroes. Just before Matangi enters the second chorus, she tells Moana, “you’ve got potential to travel the distance.”
This could be a direct reference to Moana’s exceptional wayfinding abilities and her journey to locate Motufetu, but it also brings to mind the iconic song, “Go the Distance,” from Hercules. Unlike the other Easter eggs in the song that leave audiences speculating about Matangi’s true motives, this particular reference subtly hints at a surprising twist in Moana 2’s conclusion.
As Disney enthusiasts are aware, Hercules concludes with the hero making the ultimate sacrifice by plunging into the River Styx to save his beloved, Megara. However, rather than perishing, Hercules’ selfless act of bravery restores his divine status, granting him immortality.
In a similar vein, Moana plunges deep into the ocean to reach the submerged island and rescue her friends, but she is struck by Nalo’s lightning. It seems as though she has died, yet her ancestors bring her back to life by transforming her into a demigod.
Unlike Hercules, who chooses to forgo his godhood to be with Meg, Moana seems to embrace her status as a demigod. This musical Easter egg not only hints at Moana’s adventure, but it is Matangi who provides crucial guidance.
In the opening of “Get Lost,” Matangi advises Moana that there is always an alternative route to reach her destination. Although Moana is uncertain about trusting the bat lady, she chooses to follow her advice, leading her to find Maui and access the portal to Motufetu.
Matangi’s counsel resurfaces during the climactic battle against Nalo. As Maui struggles with his diminishing demigod powers and cannot bring Motufetu to the surface, Moana recalls Matangi’s words and opts to dive down to the island instead.
This pivotal choice sets her on a path reminiscent of Hercules, a fate also foreshadowed by the bat lady’s song. Despite the subtle Disney villain references that might turn audiences against her, Matangi surprises everyone by aiding Moana in achieving victory.
Her song may have implied otherwise, yet it appears that Matangi is indeed a genuine ally, and the outcome of Moana 2 could have been drastically different had she not chosen to support the heroes.