Moana 2 spoilers follow.
Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho have explained the surprise tattoo reveal in Moana 2.
The Disney sequel takes viewers on another ocean adventure, as Moana (Cravalho) receives an ancestral call from Tautai Vasa and sets out to find the underwater island of Motufetu.
Moana almost dies after breaking the storm god Nalo's curse, but is rescued by Maui (Johnson) and her ancestors who help breathe life into the hero. She later wakes to discover a new tattoo of the mountain peaks and stars above Motufetu.
Related: Why Moana 2 proves that Moana is the best Disney Princess
Tattoos hold significant meaning in Polynesian culture and can represent an individual's family, history, and cultural legend. Moana's new tattoo was first seen etched onto a piece of pottery, which set her journey in motion.
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So, what exactly does the magical tattoo symbolise?
Though the movie didn't directly address the meaning – instead making a joke about Maui's tattoos being cooler – Johnson believes Moana has joined the ranks as a demigod.
The actor told Entertainment Weekly that he thinks "it's safe to assume...that she becomes a demigod," adding: "I really appreciate how it was executed and how it was written."
Related: Moana 2 lands lower Rotten Tomatoes rating than Moana
Cravalho pointed out her character's ever-changing status, as Moana was given the new title of Tautai in the latest instalment. "That means she's a master navigator," she explained.
"I love that we have this Indigenous history on the big screen, but without spoiling too much, Moana's title changes a few times. Is she a princess? Is she a Tautai? Is she something more?" she hinted.
Meanwhile, the movie's co-writer and co-director Dana Ledoux Miller confirmed that Moana's tattoo does, in fact, signify her demigod status. "But we don't know exactly what that means for her future yet," he teased.
Moana 2 is out now in cinemas.
Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
