Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Moana 2!
Moana 2 narrowly avoided a Maui decision that it was too scared to make, but Moana 3 has perfectly set itself up to finally be able to do this. While Maui was a major character in the original Moana, he was sidelined for much of Moana 2‘s story, with him being separated from the main wayfinding party for the majority of the film. Although Maui did play into the climax of Moana 2‘s story, the movie didn’t make one decision that it seemed to be setting up, something that Moana 3 can redeem.
Moana 2 reveals that Moana and Maui have gone on separate paths after the end of the original Moana, with the тιтular protagonist staying on the island of Tefiti. Meanwhile, Maui is at sea continuing his demigod adventures, with him being on a quest to find Motufetu at the beginning of the film. Moana’s wayfinding party eventually crosses paths with Maui, realizing that the two protagonists of Moana 2 have the same goal. While Maui helps them accomplish this goal, one choice at the end of Moana 2 makes Maui unnecessary to the franchise going forward.
Moana 2 Came Close To Killing Maui
When He Lost His Demigod Powers
In the world of Moana, Maui is one of the most powerful demigods that the films have shown off, meaning that audience members have never had to worry about him being in danger. However, the end of Moana 2 almost changed this. In the climax of the film, Maui begins to lift up Motefetu, preparing to save the island. As this is happening, Nalo strips Maui of his demigod powers, turning him into a normal human. Without his increased strength or shape-shifting abilities, Maui is left vulnerable to all of the dangers of the sea, meaning that he may die.
Moana 2 doesn’t end up killing Maui, but it seemed like a real possibility for a second there. Having Maui die at the end of the film would have made narrative sense, with the sacrifice of his demigod powers having a greater impact if this had happened. Although he survived the fight, it also seemed like he might die when chanting over Moana’s seemingly ᴅᴇᴀᴅ body, as he could have transferred his life energy to her. However, Maui not only survives, but he also gets his demigod powers back, subverting these expectations.
Moana’s Demigod Status Makes Maui Expendable To The Franchise
He Isn’t Needed Anymore
In the first two Moana films, Maui was essential to the franchise due to his demigod status. Since he is a demigod, he served as the link between the people of Tefiti and the mythological realm, with him allowing characters like Te Kā and Tamatoa to enter Moana’s circle of influence. This is continued in Moana 2, as Moana’s plan to save Motefetu is completely reliant of Maui’s demigod powers. Without Maui’s demigod status, the story of the first two Moana movies couldn’t have happened. However, he isn’t needed anymore.
Moana 2 ends with a shocking twist, one that makes Maui expendable in Moana 3. After Maui is stripped of his demigod powers, Moana jumps into the ocean in an attempt to touch Motefetu. After she does this, she is struck by lightning, with it seeming like she is ᴅᴇᴀᴅ for a second. However, Maui revives her. Moana not only comes back to life, but she comes back to life as a demigod, with her gaining all kinds of new powers. This upgrade will undoubtedly play into the story of Moana 3, changing her character forever.
Now that Moana is a demigod, she has a link to Moana‘s mythological realm, taking the one major thing that Maui contributed to the franchise. If Moana 3 were to kill off Maui now, it wouldn’t hurt the narrative potential of the franchise all that much. Any monsters or gods that will be needed for future Moana stories now have a link to the тιтular protagonist, cutting out the Maui middleman.
Moana 3 Killing Maui Could Give The Film An Emotional Climax
Giving It A Tragic Ending
After doing the Moana death fake-out in Moana 2, Maui’s death in Moana 3 could give the film an emotional climax. Maui is one of the most well-liked characters in the Moana franchise, and killing him off would be a gut punch to fans. Since Maui is so powerful, his death would be completely unexpected, with it acting as a perfect twist. Maui’s death would have to be handled well, with it being more likely that he sacrifices himself for Moana rather than him being caught off guard by Moana 3‘s main villain.
Disney is no stranger to killing off major characters, with deaths in films like Bambi, The Lion King, Big Hero 6, and more being remembered for how emotional they are. Since Disney tends to make family movies targeted at younger audiences, it is always surprising when the company pulls off a move like this. Killing Maui off would catch many viewers off guard, but it wouldn’t be completely out of line with what Disney has done in their previous animated films.
Why Moana 3 Killing Maui Is Unlikely
Moana Can’t Lose The Rock
Although it would be an interesting choice that makes narrative sense, it is incredibly unlikely that Moana 3 will kill Maui. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is the biggest star in the Moana franchise, and losing his ability to market future Moana movies is a move that Disney would most likely not take. The Rock’s involvement in Moana has been at the forefront of the marketing campaigns for both Moana and Moana 2, and while the franchise has other talented actors, none of them are as much of a draw as the iconic movie star.
Even if Disney did want to retire Maui, killing him isn’t the only option. It is possible that Moana 3 could have Maui lose his powers again, with him deciding to live his life in peace as a human. He could also go the opposite direction, becoming a fully-fledged god and leaving the mortal realm. Or it could be that Maui remains a recurring character in every Moana film from here on. There are tons of paths forward for the character of Maui, and after Moana 2, it will be interesting to see how Moana 3 handles the beloved demigod.
