Moana 2 , the sequel to the 2016 superhit Disney movie Moana , finally arrived last year as an answer to the anticipation of many. This follow-up, though it has shortcomings, panned out to be a delightful expansion, hounouring the legacy of its predecessor.

Set three years after the first film the story explores how Moana’s newfound fame impacts her. As the newly appointed master wayfinder, she is entrusted by her people to confront a looming threat. The plot is both complex and straightforward—on one hand, it involves uniting an island chain and battling an unseen supervillain; on the other, the main characters are clear about their roles and expectations.

While Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) assembles a new team alongside her loyal sidekicks (also known as Maui’s “boat snacks”), her best friend, the magic hook-wielding demigod Maui, is held captive by a strange sea creature.

Even though the sequel was not meant to take place, the final scene in Moana 2 serves as an ambitious lead-in for a potential third chapter. It is like a clever, promising, and well-crafted preview for the next film.