Moana 2‘s digital release includes seven deleted scenes, offering a fascinating look at alternate versions of the script. Moana 2′s positive reviews confirm these moments weren’t essential for crafting a complete and compelling story, yet they still present intriguing what-if scenarios. Though the core plot remains consistent — Moana setting out to find Motufetū and reunite the people of the sea — the journey unfolds in strikingly different ways across drafts. Moana 2′s ending features a satisfying final battle, but these deleted scenes introduce elements of mystery and deeper emotional stakes for the Wayfinder’s mission.
Giving every Moana 2 character a moment of glory, the scenes that didn’t make the final story demonstrate that some of the magic was inevitably lost in its transition from a TV series to a film. While the directors made the right choices to prioritize the movie’s strongest elements, it’s hard not to wish that some of the funnier and more heartfelt moments had made the final cut. From new monsters and Maui’s heroic rescue to a touching Simea scene, Moana 2‘s deleted scenes heighten the anticipation for the franchise’s third installment.
7
Moana’s “Call to Motufetū” Is More Ambiguous
Moana Finds Her Path In The Cavern Of The Wayfinder
The first deleted scene belongs to an earlier version of the movie, where Moana receives the call to go to Motufeū in the cavern of the Wayfinder. As she tries to decipher the carvings on the walls, hoping to find which stars to follow, the ocean invites her to the water. Moana then swims behind a path of sand until she reaches an underwater space that shows her a fire in the sky and the constellation of stars on top of the island of Motufeū.
The final draft of the movie ended up replacing this scene with Moana 2′s vision from Tautai Vasa, which shows Nalo’s storm, Motufeū under the stars, and tells the Motunui leader to follow the fire in the sky. Director David G. Derrick Jr. explains that “Call to Motufeū” was more ambiguous regarding why and how Moana was supposed to reach the island. Though they added it to the teaser trailer because of how beautiful it is, Derrick concludes that the scene didn’t fit within the overall structure of Moana 2.
6
Maui Is “Late To The Party”
Maybe Maui Wouldn’t Have Been Captured
Just before leaving for Motufetū with her crew, Moana tries asking Maui for help by talking to his siapo. While in the final film, he had already been captured by Matangi, in the deleted scene, Maui goes to Motunui after hearing Moana’s call. However, he reaches it a bit too late, as the young Tautai has already left. Maui sees all of Moni’s fanfic siapos and gets weirded out and, upon discovering Moana has set sail for Motufetū, he runs to catch up with her.
Director Lana Ledoux Miller explains the lighthearted moment belongs to an early version of the movie. It was likely cut after the creators decided Maui was going to be held hostage by Matangi. However, it could also have been the moment leading up to his capture, as it would explain why Maui was trying to reach Motufetū at the beginning of Moana 2. Either way, the movie works without it, and Maui’s meeting with Moni repeats the crazy fan joke.
5
Moana And Her Crew Bicker On A Kakamora Cell
“Crew’s In For A Brusin” Spent More Time On The Kakamora Barge
Moana’s Wayfinding crew was supposed to spend more time trapped in the Kakamora ship. The deleted scene shows a glimpse into how the sequence would play out. Moana is the only one who has been darted, and she lies sprawled on the floor, while Moni, Kele, and Loto are in one big cage, and Pua in a smaller one. As the Motunui leader tries to reᴀssure them she will get them out once the blue toxin wears out, her crew’s mind is preoccupied with their isolated obsessions. Finally, the Kakamora open the door above them.
The previous scene likely belonged to an episode from the Moana Disney+ show before it was changed into a movie, which would explain why it spent more time exploring the Kakamora.
Director Jason Hand states they decided against spending too much time on the Kakamora barge. In the final version, all characters get darted and the Kakamora quickly see the Motufetū siapo, leading them to ally with Moana. The cut allowed the sequence to flow more naturally and smoothly, successfully jumping to a more important beat, the entrance to the giant clam. The previous scene likely belonged to an episode from the Moana Disney+ show before it was changed into a movie, which would explain why it spent more time exploring the Kakamora.
4
Moana Asks Monsters For Help In Her Quest
“Help Wanted” Introduces New Creatures Inside The Giant Clam
As the Motunui Tautai wakes up after falling inside the giant clam, she is met by small crawling creatures that ᴀssimilate the Kakamora, although these use large masks and make strange sounds. Having failed to communicate with them, Moana fights them for her oar, getting herself surrounded. Trying to escape, she bumps into giants that recognize she is a human. Moana then explains her mission and asks who will help her — getting only a bat sound in response, which makes the monsters flee in terror.
The sequence was likely to come before Moana 2′s bat lady introduction and focused on offering a glimpse into new creatures. Director David G. Derrick Jr. confesses they had intended to explore the monstrous side of the giant clam before deciding to give center focus to Matangi. However, the alternate Kakamora and the giants might come back in future installments, considering the sad reality of Moana being a demigod will probably get her to meet all kinds of monsters.
3
Moana’s Crew Falls Prey To “Odd Birds”
The Giant Clam Was Filled With Strange And Funny Threats
Like Moana, her crew encounters a strange monster inside the giant clam. As Loto manages to move their ship on top of a structure, it gets the attention of a giant two-faced bird, who mistakes its shape for another bird. The odd creature laughs and starts making sinister sounds that, to everyone’s surprise, turn out to be part of a hilarious mating dance. Hei Hei gets charmed by the dance and follows along, making Moni accidentally destroy the frail structure and ending up with the monster spotting them.
Perhaps the funny scene would have taken too long and distracted the viewer from the main quest, or it would have added a plot point, with the crew having to defeat the monster.
Derrick argues the scene didn’t work within Moana 2‘s story, possibly because of the reduced focus on monsters that came with the movie. Perhaps the funny scene would have taken too long and distracted the viewer from the main quest, or it would have added a plot point, with the crew having to defeat the monster. In the final version, Moana’s Wayfinding crew does find a strange monster that makes them fall to where Maui is trapped, however, the blue creature has minimal focus and is quickly forgotten.
2
Moana, Her Crew, And Maui Are “Reunited” In A Battle Against Monsters
Moana Has A Secret And Maui Saves The Day
This sequence gives a different ending to the adventures inside the giant clam. Moana suddenly appears from a cloud of bats and reunites with her friends on their boat, which Moni got back in a stream of water. The Motunui leader is pleasantly surprised to discover her crew worked together, however, she seems nervous about telling them something. Before Moana gets to reveal what happened on her side of the adventure, she is interrupted by the giants and the two-faced bird from the previous deleted scenes.
Maui was initially supposed to say “Too-hoo” instead of “Che-hoo.”
The Wayfinders begin a race to the portal of the Gods. Maui makes a glorious entrance and fights off the monsters, who are led by the talking bird. Victorious, Maui joins the team’s boat and tells them “Motufeū doesn’t exist.” This sequence reveals the movie had a very different script, with Moana’s secret adventure and Maui’s revelation hinting at a larger plot twist. In the final version, Maui is the one who has to be saved, prioritizing the empowerment of Moana and the development of Matangi.
1
“Simea’s Chant” Reaches Moana When She’s Fighting A Storm
The Scene Sets Up Simea’s Possible Communicative Powers
The last deleted scene shows Simea singing a short acappella version of an epic song from Moana 2′s soundtrack. Hoping to reconnect with Moana, Simea calls out to the ocean, singing “Tulou Tagaloa (Si e Va’ai Mai).” Her parents and the people of Motunui soon join in, sending their support to Moana and her crew. The beautiful moment is intercutted by images of the brave Wayfinders facing up against a storm. Moana seems to be able to hear the chant, finding the courage to endure.
It also hints at Simea’s possible future powers, as her chant makes glowing waves in the ocean.
The chant, translated from Samoan, asks the sea God, Tagaloa, to look upon the world, and encourages travelers to stand tall against hardship. One of the creator’s favorites, the beautiful Moana 2 scene is meant to capture “the bond between the two sisters.” It also hints at Simea’s possible future powers, as her chant makes glowing waves in the ocean. Ledoux Miller explains it was cut because it no longer fit into the story. Notably, the sequence opens many questions that would have needed to be developed and answered.
