By replaying a pivotal moment from the franchise, Moana 2 hints that its most tragic storyline could unfold in the third installment. The sequel cleverly parallels a key scene from the first movie, subtly revealing a deeper meaning behind Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Simea’s (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) bond. Reviews praise Moana 2 for its emotional core, anchored by the sisters’ relationship, which has touched viewers’ hearts despite having few on-screen moments. Simea swiftly became one of the best characters from Moana 2, sparking excitement for her expanded role in the upcoming sequel.
Though small, there is one Moana 2 scene that foreshadows the sisters’ future conflict, highlighting how Simea echoes the franchise’s core themes and traditions. While she may not have played a crucial role in Moana 2‘s ending, Simea has been firmly established as an essential character in Moana 3, as her hinted struggles inform Moana’s, and vice versa. When she meets the spirit of the Ocean, it seems she is merely understanding her sister’s responsibilities. However, the moment emphasizes Simea’s own destiny and duties, setting up a devastating but thematically resonant storyline for the next chapter.
Simea Meeting The Ocean In Moana 2 Is Deeper Than You Realize
The Moment Reveals Simea & Moana Ground Each Other To An Opposite Realm
Echoing the baby Moana scene that foreshadows her character arc, Moana 2 brings Simea to meet the spirit of the Ocean. At first sight, the moment appears to be a heartwarming nod that echoes the Wayfinder’s inner conflict of feeling torn between two realms. Notably, in the first movie’s scene, Moana reveals a struggle to choose between her responsibility to Land (a turtle), and her desire to respond to the Ocean’s calling. Now, as she reᴀssures Simea that the ocean connects them, Moana 2 demonstrates how the sisters’ bond works to advance the franchise’s themes.
Furthermore, Simea’s introduction to the franchise allows for a deeper and more complex exploration of Moana’s initial conflict, showing its evolution. While Simea stays in the Land, Moana goes out to sea, and their relationship connects the other to an opposite realm, keeping them grounded to both Land and Ocean at all times. This completely changes Moana’s struggle, as she must stay connected to her island, no matter how far she goes. By reusing such an important moment, Moana 2 hints that this dynamic will continue in future installments, and inform the sisters’ relationship and conflict.
Simea Could Cause Conflict For Moana In Moana 3
Simea Might Resent Moana’s Bond To The Ocean, Hurting Her Ties To Land
Just as Moana’s inner turmoil evolves, it’s interesting to consider what this will mean for Simea’s arc. She has inherited a relationship and responsibility to the sea through Moana, which might create unwanted internal conflict. Notably, Simea has already shown dissatisfaction with her older sister leaving their home so much. This friction is set to escalate, as Moana’s demigod status and powers will take her to a third and farther away realm. If the sisters’ relationship suffers because of the distance, it will hurt their respective connections to Land and Ocean.
Notably, Simea has already shown dissatisfaction with her older sister leaving their home so much.
If Moana feels a pull towards the realm of the gods to fulfill larger responsibilities, Simea might be pushed to step up as Motunui’s full-time leader. While Simea’s teased powers in Moana 2 suggest she’d be a good leader of her people, she might struggle with the high expectations imposed upon her. Additionally, Simea might start to resent her older sister’s priority connection to the ocean, which should in turn heighten Moana’s inner conflict — especially if being a demigod makes her feel detached from her human side.
Moana 3 Putting Moana & Simea At Odds With Each Other Would Be Very Emotional
Moana & Simea’s Reconciliation Could Restore Balance Between Land & Sea
As Moana 3 is set to present Nalo’s (Tofiga Fepulea’i) revenge quest, it’s more than possible that Moana will be forced to leave Motunui to keep it safe. Though the talented Wayfinder tends to find a way to save the Land by going farther than she’s ever traveled, Simea might not understand this. Scared of losing her forever, Moana’s little sister could either ask her to stay on their island or ask her to let her join her on her travels. However, the parallel scene with the spirit of the Ocean confirms the sisters can’t escape their opposite journeys.
Simea and Moana’s initial Moana 2 dynamic has already established a possibly heartbreaking fate for the sisters, as they are meant to be separated, one on Land, the other out at sea.
Simea and Moana’s initial Moana 2 dynamic has already established a possibly heartbreaking fate for the sisters, as they are meant to be separated, one on Land, the other out at sea. As Moana is hinted to be Disney’s Frozen replacement, it makes total sense that the third installment should focus on an emotional sisters’ story — especially as it will depict a magical sister and a normal one. Following the franchise’s tradition, Moana and Simea will need to embrace their dual responsibilities, learning that balance is essential for the Land and sea to thrive together.
