‘Moana 2’ Makes Waves: A Discussion with Actor Hualālai Chung and Producer Christina Chen

Disney’s wayfaring princess returns to the big screen Nov. 27 in “Moana 2,” this time older and wiser. When Moana receives an unexpected call from her ancestors, she ventures with trickster demigod Maui and a new crew into unprecedented waters. 

Hualālai Chung — who plays storyteller and crew member Moni — and producer Christina Chen sat down with The Phoenix to discuss the culture and creativity behind the film. Both questions and answers have been condensed for clarity. 

The Phoenix: Moana is back after eight years. What about “Moana 2” feels new and what feels the same as the first?

Chung: This story is definitely a progression of the story from the first film. The first film, you saw Moana trying to identify herself and her belonging as a wayfinder. Now she has a sense of belonging, it’s “What more can she look for? What more can she do to serve her community and the communities that exist beyond?” Not only do we see an expansion of story, but you see an expansion of cast. And there’s so much more culture identified throughout the film and its setting. 

The Phoenix: What would it mean to a little Hualālai to see this representation of Pacific Islander culture?

Chung: To a little me, and to any of the little me’s that are out there, any of our little keiki [Hawaiian word for children] — whether you be Pacific Islander or not — just go for it. I think one of the coolest things in modern years that we’ve seen, thanks to technology and social media, is there’s so much more reach. What ties into the storyline of the film is that you really can go beyond the reef and expand your horizons to reach what your heart desires. I think that’s such a cool undertone and theme of the film that will resonate with all communities, Pacific Islander or not. 

The Phoenix: Now they’re a little more grown up, what do you think the first film’s audience will connect to most?

Chen: It was such a wonderful story to tell about community. It’s really about connection and the fact that we have to go together to see how far we’ll go. It’s also a wonderful way to remind people that community and connection are really what propels society forward. 

Chung: I think the sense of responsibility is a big tone of the second film that is depicted in a different way in the first film. Moana had a responsibility not only to Motunui but to herself. Now she’s on a new adventure and it’s not just her. There’s a sense of responsibility she has to hold outside of herself. I think that’s something that’s so integral about growing up. You’re not just a kid thinking about yourself anymore. Your words and actions have meanings that expand beyond you. That’s something so beautifully depicted in a way that I think is really palatable and welcoming to a lot of kids growing up. 

The Phoenix: Christina, you know the Disney process well, having worked on many of their movies. What about this film and its production was unique?

Chen: We do so few sequels, especially musical sequels. For this film, to be a producer with my fellow producer Yvett Merino, it’s really about earning the love that people have for these characters. There’s such a profound appreciation that people have for this world. That was the most exciting challenge of this — to be able to mix it up and tell more of Moana’s story now that she’s a little older, a little wiser and especially as she has a crew now.

The Phoenix: Hualālai, when you were reading the script for the first time, what about Moni jumped off the page?

Chung: I didn’t know what I was auditioning for. When we had gotten the material, it was white label, like, it said it was a Polynesian animated project from a California-based production company. I had gotten asked to do what they call the meet and greet, and it was in this that our director, David Derrick, was like, “Before we get into the nitty gritty of what’s going on, tell us about yourself first.” I remember saying, “I’m a born and raised local boy from Kāneʻohe, Oahu in Hawai’i. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends, tell stories, joke around, play music, sing, dance. And when I’m not doing any of that, I’m normally on my boat, stuck in the middle of the wake.” And then it was just silent for 12 seconds as I panicked and sweat profusely. Dave comes out and is like, “You literally just explained the dynamic of the character and we didn’t even tell you anything yet.” Ever since then, I was so encouraged by the crew to not try to be anything other than myself. That was not only the most motivating thing, but also one of the most heartwarming, fulfilling things.

The Phoenix: Were there any real “pinch me” moments during the making of the movie? 

Chung: Like, 7:30 this morning and every day since getting the call that I’d get to voice Moni. It’s still such a trip. I was so lucky to watch the full film and bring my mom along. Being able to live out this adventure that seemed like a dream just a mere two years ago is a “pinch me” moment every single day. Representing our people on such a platform is such a “pinch me” moment, and that’s something I’m super grateful is depicted in the film and is shared among our entire crew, our entire cast. 

Chen: Every single day. I joined the project maybe one and a half years ago, and the first time I saw a recording I was like, “Wow, I can’t believe they’re making ‘Moana 2.’” I feel like the pinches get more and more strong. The first time I saw the film, the first time we had our wrap party, being on this tour, is so cool. 

The Phoenix: Will any good karaoke songs come out of the film? 

Chen: I think all of them.

Chung: Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow knocked it out of the park with writing all of our songs. Mark Mancino and Opetaia Foaʻi wrangle a lot of it together and really bring the flavor that is Motunui and that is Disney. All of the songs are — as Auli‘i and Abigail and Emily love to say — they’re all bops. 

The Phoenix: Will audiences need to bring tissues to this movie? Are we going to cry?

Chung: One hundred percent.

The Phoenix: Happy tears? Sad tears?

Chen: Both. 

Catch “Moana 2” in theaters beginning Nov. 27.