Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Moana 2.Moana 2‘s shocking demigod transformation may have been secretly working to fix the one issue with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Simea’s (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) relationship. A surprising new addition to Moana 2‘s characters, Simea has already claimed an exciting place in the franchise. The young girl’s cheeky personality contrasts beautifully with her older sister’s kind nature, especially as both share a curious and rebellious spirit. Simea’s relationship with Moana has been described as “the heart of the film” in Moana 2‘s reviews, which praise the sisters’ endearing bond and the potential it creates for future sequels.
Despite what audiences would have wanted, Simea’s younger age made it impossible for her to join Moana on her adventure to find Motufetū. More than ever, Moana’s ties to Motunui show how challenging her journey is, as her wish to give her sister a future takes her far away from her. While the pair reunite at the end of Moana 2, Moana’s demigod status is set to worsen the separation between her and her people. However, creators can also use the demigod change to their advantage, and work to unite Moana and Simea in a way that wasn’t possible before.
Moana And Simea’s Age Gap Wouldn’t Work In The Long Run
The Franchise Cannot Raise Simea’s Age Without Hurting Moana
Moana and Simea’s 16-year age gap creates a charming dynamic, with Moana’s sᴀssy little sister being amazed at everything she does. It also works perfectly within Moana 2‘s plot, as Simea’s younger age is both a source of motivation and pain for the Wayfinder — as she aches to leave her but does it so she guarantees her future. However, even if Simea and Moana’s age gap suits this sequel, it would have complicated the future of the franchise, becoming more pronounced as Moana enters adulthood while her younger sister remains in her early teens.
When Simea is 14, for example, an age more appropriate to go out into the sea, Moana would be 30.
Considering the three-year time jump between Moana and Moana 2, as the new Motunui goes from 16 to 19, the next installment is likely to do the same. However, jumping another three years would mean Simea is still too young to join Moana’s adventures, which could downplay how essential she has come to be and how much expectation there is for Moana’s sister to play a larger role in Moana 3. When Simea is 14, for example, an age more appropriate to go out into the sea, Moana would be 30. While this could work, it’s not the best scenario.
Moana Being A Demigod Will Lessen Her Age Gap With Simea
Simea Being Closer In Age To Moana Would Allow For A Fresh Moana 3 Adventure
Though Moana being a demigod brings a sad reality, it also opens a world of great possibilities for additional installments. Not only will the Motunui Tautai explore the realm of the gods, but she will also maintain eternal youth. Moana is set to remain 19 years old for as long as she is a demigod, meaning her age gap with her sister will lessen. If Moana 3 decides to do a bigger time jump until Simea is older, this wouldn’t affect her relationship with Moana but work to enhance it.
As Maui (Dwayne Johnson) almost loses his powers and tattoos, writers can still reverse Moana 2‘s demigod change. While this will ensure Moana doesn’t outlive her family, creators should take advantage of her demigod qualities. It would be interesting to see Simea and Moana’s relationship evolve as their age gap lessens, as it paves the way for Simea to join the quest. It also offers rich and fresh situations for them to navigate. For example, if Moana starts feeling time differently, she may fail to recognize her sister’s maturity, and Simea might feel isolated as they walk different paths.
