Matsuya Onoe, the voice actor who plays Maui in "Moana 2," talks about their strong bond

Disney Animation Studios' latest film "Moana 2" (directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and others) will be released on December 6th. This film further strengthens the bond between the "partner duo" of the main character Moana and her partner, the demigod hero Maui. Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe, who voices Maui in the Japanese version, and others talked about the strong bond between the two. "Moana 2" is a sequel to the previous film "Moana" produced in 2016. Three years after the previous film, Moana, who has become the leader of the island, is spending time with her family and friends, but when she learns of a legend that "if she reaches an island at the end of the sea, the curse will be lifted," she decides to go on a dangerous voyage to regain her bond. The film depicts Moana once again embarking on an adventure with Maui, the demigod who she adventured with in the previous film, and new companions. In the previous film, Moana, a girl who dreams of sailing out to sea, encounters a storm on her first voyage and arrives at a deserted island where she meets Maui, a half-god, half-human hero who controls the sea and wind. Moana, who has never left the island, and Maui, who is confident and bold, often clash over their opinions, but as they face many hardships together, they come to terms with each other and form a unique and strong bond. In this sequel, Moana, who has been chosen as a "guide" once in a millennium, reunites with Maui for the first time in three years and sets out on a great adventure to connect the future once again. During the journey, Maui encourages Moana when she is depressed, and Moana relies on Maui to fight enemies, and the film depicts the emotional bond between the two, who trust and help each other, deepening. Matsuya said, "I think their trust in each other has become much stronger. In this film, Maui's trust in Moana has become even stronger. Even if Moana gives up, Maui never lets her do so, and I think the structure of supporting Moana has become deeper." He spoke about Moana and Maui, whose trust has deepened after the adventures of the previous film. Director Dave Derrick Jr. commented, "Moana's story cannot be told without Maui. They make each other better. Maui's strength and bravery, combined with Moana's selflessness and empathy, connect all the oceans and people." Ryan Green, who was in charge of the story, said, "By experiencing a big adventure together, they have come to respect each other, and now their relationship is stronger. As always, there are pranks, conflicts, and humor, but it is definitely clear that the two of them care deeply for each other," showing his confidence in the story of the bond between the two, which has been further strengthened from the previous film. What awaits Moana as she embarks on an adventure with Maui and her new friends to protect her loved ones and connect the future? In this film, we want to focus on the emotional bond between the two characters, told alongside heart-stirring music.