Moana 2‘s initial format would never have worked in the long run, especially considering the sequel’s demigod twist. Moana 2 was a mᴀssive success and proved that Disney made the right call by putting the movie in theaters, with the sequel having earned over $1 billion worldwide. With Moana 2‘s ending setting up new stories for a sequel — including a bigger fight against Nalo, the collaboration with other islands, Matangi’s backstory, Simea’s extended character arc, and Moana joining the realm of the gods — the franchise’s future is brighter and more promising than ever.

With audiences showing a reinvigorated love for Moana and Maui and demonstrating overwhelming interest in new allies and their combined roles, Moana ​​​​​​seems destined for a long life. Particularly, Moana’s demigod twist has major implications for Moana 3, foreshadowing the franchise’s most emotional and core-altering turn. However, Disney’s mᴀssive success nearly didn’t happen, as Moana 2‘s original plans risked wasting the IP’s potential with a release model that would not have been as successful.

Moana Was Meant To Have Her Demigod Transformation On Disney+

The Moana Series Finale Would Have Likely Set Up A Theatrical Sequel

While 2023 was supposed to carry the Wayfinder’s small-screen debut, it instead became the year Disney announced Moana‘s TV show would be reimagined as a movie. Co-directors Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, and David Derrick Jr. spoke with Screen Rant about adapting Moana 2 from a series into a feature film, revealing they had to reduce the supporting character’s storylines in favor of prioritizing Moana’s journey, as well as dedicate extra time to making the animation the best it could be to stand out in the big screen.

Notably, one of the problems with Moana 2 is the sequel’s episodic nature. Given that the creators’ central focus was on Moana’s growth as a leader, it’s almost certain that her sacrifice to reunite her island with other peoples of the sea was originally planned as a key moment in the series. Analyzing the movie’s sections and how each part builds toward this outcome, it’s clear that the Disney+ series’ final episode would have seen Moana becoming a demigod — possibly setting up a theatrical sequel in the process.

Moana’s Demigod Transformation Happening On Disney+ Would’ve Alienated Some Viewers

Fewer People Would Know About Moana Becoming A Demigod

Moana 2‘s format change gave Disney a box office hit, with the sequel grossing nearly double what Moana made. Had Moana 2 remained a series, the studio would have not only missed out on mᴀssive theatrical revenue but also wouldn’t have allowed the story to evolve into a larger franchise. Notably, far fewer people would have watched Moana: The Series, meaning major revelations — such as Moana’s demigod transformation and the introduction of key characters like Simea and Matangi — might have gone largely unnoticed, diminishing their long-term significance in the story.

Additionally, a large portion of viewers would never have learned of Moana’s demigod change if it had happened on the show. If Disney had then released an actual theatrical sequel after the series, many would have been alienated, struggling to connect the dots between the original film’s ending and Moana’s sudden evolution. This would have posed a major challenge for the creators, as transitioning Moana from an amateur wayfinder to a full-fledged demigod without proper on-screen buildup would have felt abrupt and disorienting, potentially weakening the franchise’s narrative and organic cohesion.

Disney Saved Moana By Having Her Journey Continue On The Big Screen

Moana 2 Cemented The Franchise As One Of Disney’s Biggest

After its grand theatrical run, Moana directors confirmed the franchise’s future is in theatres, with Derrick Jr. stating they learned it “begs for the big screen.” Additionally, they ensured all fans of the original movie saw the sequel and caught up with the Wayfinder’s evolving journey. Whether audiences experienced it in cinemas or are now catching up on Disney+, a blockbuster film with box office buzz is far more likely to capture widespread attention than a streaming series that can easily get lost among other and bigger TV releases.

Now, Moana 3 should be even better than Moana 2, as the sequel has firmly established the story as one of Disney’s most promising film franchises. With Moana 2 laying the groundwork for exciting new adventures and the exploration of Moana’s demigod abilities, the Motunui princess has long-term success ensured. On top of that, Moana‘s upcoming live-action has the potential to greatly enhance and inform the material, since a potential sequel to the adaptation could even fix Moana 2‘s missteps. Either way, the Moana franchise is poised for a lasting reign on the big screen.