Moana 2 reveals Nalo as formidable new villain

The animated film Moana 2 has proved to be a big success, earning over $1 billion since its release in November 2024. While the marketing made Matangi the main villain, the true antagonist turns out to be Nalo, a powerful storm god. Nalo is portrayed as a vengeful figure determined to harm humanity, revealing a deeper layer to the story. Nalo’s plot includes an ancient curse that has isolated human tribes across the Pacific Ocean. This dark backstory ties into real Polynesian history. He is seen as a more formidable threat than past villains in the franchise due to his ability to strip powers from demigods, making Moana's journey even more challenging. The movie hints at Nalo being a central figure in a future installment, Moana 3. The post-credits scene shows Nalo with Matangi and Tamatoa, the crab villain from the first film, indicating that he has been orchestrating events for a long time. This alliance raises the stakes for Moana as she battles to unite the tribes. Comparisons are being made between Nalo and Thanos from the Marvel films, as both characters work from the shadows to manipulate events. Moana’s new demigod abilities will be tested in the face of Nalo’s extensive powers. Given Moana 2's commercial success, a third film seems likely to arrive in the next couple of years. Fans can expect Nalo to be a significant and threatening presence in this upcoming chapter.