In Moana 2, the enchanting universe of Moana is further developed and enriched, with one of the most captivating aspects being the revelation that the goddess Matangi appears to possess greater strength than Maui. Eight years after the original film’s release, Moana 2 revisits the island of Motunui, where Moana has become both a wayfinder and a local icon.
Tasked with the mission to rescue the island of Motufetu and unite the ocean’s inhabitants, Moana embarks on her canoe once more, accompanied by her loyal friends, and uncovers a hidden realm filled with magic and mischievous deities.
Among the captivating characters in Moana 2, Matangi stands out as particularly intriguing. Initially introduced as a villain and serving as Nalo’s enforcer, she resides in a hidden lair within a monstrous clam that protects the Kakamora from their home island.
The first encounter between Moana and Matangi is fraught with tension, especially as Matangi has captured Maui. However, this dangerous meeting leads to an unexpected transformation.
Discontent with her role under Nalo and inspired by Moana’s bravery, Matangi ultimately decides to assist Moana and her team in locating and defeating Nalo. It seems likely that Matangi will become a valuable ally to Moana in any future adventures.
Why Moana 2 Doesn’t Show Maui’s Capture ?
Beyond her redemption arc, Matangi captivates us by triumphing over Maui. When we first encounter her, she is on the verge of confronting Maui, who aims to defeat Nalo. Just as their battle is about to commence, the scene cuts away, and when we next see them, Maui is captured and suspended from the ceiling.
This strongly suggests that Matangi emerged victorious, which might catch some off guard. Despite the formidable abilities he displayed in Moana, Moana 2 serves to humble him, illustrating that he cannot emerge victorious in every battle he engages in.
One might wonder why Moana 2 omits the scene of Maui being captured by Matangi. The simplest explanation is that there wasn’t sufficient time to include it. In fact, the storyline involving Maui and Matangi takes a backseat to Moana’s adventure, only gaining significance with her arrival.
Additionally, the filmmakers may have chosen to skip the on-screen confrontation between Maui and Matangi to facilitate Matangi’s redemption later in the film. While we can overlook her binding Maui, it would be more challenging to forgive her if she caused him real harm. As a result, viewers miss out on witnessing the full extent of Matangi’s abilities.
Matangi’s Portrayal of Maui Indicates That She Is A More Formidable Demigod
The central theme of the conflict between Maui and Matangi highlights Matangi’s superiority in power over Maui. In the 2016 film Moana, Maui is depicted as an immensely powerful demigod. However, Moana 2 diminishes his strength by showcasing Matangi, a full goddess, defeating him.
This narrative choice is logical, as it suggests that Maui is not the ultimate force in the universe, yet his loss is still unexpected. Ultimately, this sets the stage for potential further failures for Maui, especially against more formidable foes.
Maui’s defeat reveals an important truth about him; he thrives in the company of friends. His greatest flaws are his self-centeredness and excessive confidence. After countless ages of striving to reclaim his magic, he ultimately succeeds only with the assistance of a human, Moana.
This pattern continues in his battle against Matangi. While Maui possesses remarkable skill and power, the franchise consistently illustrates that he excels when supported by others. In contrast, he lacks the finesse and authenticity that define Moana’s true strength.
Moana 3 Will Determine Who Is More Powerful – Matangi or Maui
The ongoing debate about Maui’s strength remains intriguing. Should Moana 3 come to fruition, it would present a fresh chance for Matangi and Maui to engage in a playful rivalry, rather than a serious confrontation.
Additionally, Moana 3 could unveil other deities, such as Matangi, who might possess superior or distinct abilities compared to Maui. This would enhance the audience’s understanding of the power dynamics in Moana’s universe.
It is essential for Moana 3 to introduce additional gods and goddesses, not just for Maui but also for Moana herself. By the conclusion of Moana 2, we learn that the main character has ascended to demi-god status through her dedication to raising Motufetu.
If Disney aims to continue this storyline, it must clarify the scope of Moana’s abilities and how they relate to others in the universe. Now is the perfect time for Moana to build upon the events of Moana 2 and outline the mechanics of this enchanting world.