Moana's Alliance with Matangi in Moana 3

Here's a breakdown of Matangi's motivations and actions: 
Enforcer for Nalo: Matangi is trapped by Nalo and forced to guard the portal of the gods, which leads to the cursed island of Motufetū. Nalo's curse prevents the island tribes from uniting, believing this will increase his power. 
Hoping for freedom: Matangi believes that if Moana can break Nalo's curse on the ocean by touching the sunken island, she will also be freed from Nalo's grasp and her imprisonment within the giant clam. 
Aiding Moana's quest: Instead of hindering Moana, Matangi helps her on her quest to reach Motufetū. She gives Moana crucial advice, telling her to "let go and allow herself to get lost," trusting her instincts to find the way. 
Facilitating reunion: Matangi also ensures Moana is reunited with Maui and the rest of her crew, even though she initially held Maui captive. 
In essence, Matangi's actions are driven by a desire for her own liberation from Nalo's control, and she sees Moana's success in breaking the curse as the means to achieve that freedom. While she appears to be an antagonist at first glance, her true intentions are revealed to be more complex, driven by self-interest and a hope for emancipation. 
Moana and Matangi in Moana 3 
Matangi, a mysterious and morally ambiguous demigod, is likely to play a crucial role in Moana 3, following her introduction in Moana 2. 
The following details Matangi's potential interactions with Moana in Moana 3: 
Antagonist Turned Ally: Matangi is introduced as an enforcer for Nalo, the primary antagonist in Moana 2, according to Screen Rant. However, her actions suggest more complexity. She seems to be an unwilling servant of Nalo, possibly trapped and guarding the portal to Motufetū. 
Helping Moana for Self-Interest: Matangi aids Moana and her crew in Moana 2, despite capturing Maui initially. This may be due to her own desire for freedom from Nalo's control. 
Uncertain Allegiance in Moana 3: The mid-credit scene of Moana 2 shows Matangi under Nalo's control, which leads to speculation about her role in the upcoming film. 
Potential Ally: Many fans believe Matangi could become a powerful ally to Moana and Maui against Nalo in Moana 3, according to Screen Rant. Her knowledge of the ocean's depths and the gods could be invaluable. This would be a significant development, especially since Maui seems to distrust Matangi, while Moana sees her as a potential ally. 
Potential Antagonist: Alternatively, Matangi could become a formidable adversary, possibly the main antagonist of Moana 3. If she remains under Nalo's control, she might betray Moana. It is even speculated that she might manipulate both Nalo and Moana. 
Exploring Her Character: Moana 3 is likely to explore Matangi's character, including her backstory and motivations. This could involve exploring her potential past with Maui and her ties to wayfinding. 
In summary, Matangi's role in Moana 3 is expected to be multifaceted. She will likely be a key player in the struggle against Nalo, and her ultimate allegiance, as friend or foe to Moana, will be a central aspect of the story. 
The mid-credits scene of Moana 2 shows Matangi still under Nalo's influence, suggesting her story is not over and setting her up as a potential character in Moana 3. 
In Moana 3, it's likely that Moana will try to save Matangi from Nalo's control, possibly by breaking the lightning cuffs that bind her. there's a good chance Moana will try to help Matangi in Moana 3, as the Moana 2 post-credits scene suggests Matangi is still trapped by Nalo and will be forced to serve him. 
In Moana 3, it's likely that Moana will need to save Matangi from the clutches of Nalo, the lightning god.