One of Moana 2‘s new key characters was actually quietly featured in the 2016 Moana movie first. The 2024 sequel introduced several new figures in Moana’s life, which was part of the appeal of the new film. Rather than the hero traveling across the ocean with only Maui, Moana had a whole crew working with her. Additionally, her family at home grew with the introduction of a new sister. Then, the history of Moana’s family became more detailed, with names and more apparent roles assigned to her mysterious ancestors in Moana 2.

https://screenrant.com/moana-2-tautai-vasa-first-movie-role-didnt-realize-factoid/