One of the standout new characters in Moana 2 deserves a more prominent role in future entries of the Moana franchise, beginning with Moana 3. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson headline the impressive cast of Moana 2, which also includes voice talents like Awhimai Fraser, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, and Jermaine Clement.
In Moana 2, Moana embarks on an adventurous journey across the vast seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected summons from her ancestors. She departs from her home island of Motunui, determined to seek out other oceanic communities with the aim of reuniting them.
It is unveiled that Nalo, a malevolent and formidable storm god, had submerged a vital island known as Motufetu deep beneath the waves to hinder the islanders’ connections. Moana’s mission is to locate Motufetu and unite all the people of the ocean.
As depicted at the conclusion of Moana 2, Moana successfully breaks Nalo’s curse, allowing individuals from different islands to travel to Motunui, where her younger sister Simea eagerly awaits her return.
Simea Plays An Essential Role In The Film, Despite Having Limited Screentime
Simea, Moana’s younger sister, is a fantastic new character in the Moana universe played by young actress Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. Sadly, she remained on Moana’s home island of Motunui while Moana embarked on her adventurous journey in Moana 2, which limited her role in the film.
Despite being just above toddler age, Simea brings humor and sass, providing a delightful contrast to Moana’s vibrant and inspiring personality. The chemistry between the two sisters shines through in their limited scenes, particularly during their touching reunion in the film’s final moments.
Since Simea is a fresh character introduced in Moana 2, it was somewhat anticipated that she would have a more significant presence in the film. Considering her youth, it’s understandable that Moana would prefer to shield her from the perils of the open sea while she, Maui, and the crew confront the formidable storm god Nalo.
However, given that Moana 2 is primarily an animated feature aimed at children, it’s probable that few would have questioned the narrative reasoning behind Simea joining the adventure. Consequently, Moana 2 feels a bit deprived of one of it’s most promising new supporting characters, while the others accompanying Moana and Maui tend to be more forgettable.
Simea Should Have A Significantly Larger Role In Moana 3
Simea is an essential new character in the Moana Universe and deserves a more prominent role in future franchise installments. With her introduction in Moana 2, it seems almost guaranteed that Simea will play a larger part alongside her sister in the anticipated Moana 3.
The profound love and bond between Simea and Moana are clearly established in Moana 2, and this connection should serve as the fundamental basis and springboard for Moana 3 to build upon. Simea is brought to life by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who made her debut in feature films with Moana 2.
This talented newcomer hails from Kaneohe, Hawaii, located on the Island of Oahu. Much like her character, Khaleesi is described as “lively, feisty, energetic, and deeply caring for her family and friends”.
Given the young age and relative inexperience of the voice actress, it becomes clearer why Simea did not play a larger part in Moana 2. Nevertheless, this seems to mark the start of a bright acting journey for Lambert-Tsuda, who will likely be nearing her teenage years by the time Moana 3 is released.
How Moana 3 Can Enhance Simea’s Role ?
It is almost a certainty that Moana 3 will broaden the Moana Universe even more than Moana 2 did, potentially introducing a variety of new characters who will confront a possibly greater threat from Nalo and Matangi. Simea might play a more significant role in Moana 3 if the storyline takes a substantial time leap, integrating her into the crew.
Given that there are eight years between Moana and Moana 2, along with a live-action Moana set to release in 2026, it is likely that Moana 3 won’t arrive in theaters until 2028 at the earliest. The franchise could position Moana 3 in the future, allowing Simea to mature and take on a more prominent role alongside her sister.