Raya and the Last Dragon 2 (2025) – Detailed Review
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Overview

Raya and the Last Dragon 2 (2025) is the much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s critically acclaimed animated film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, the film continues the story of Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) and the Last Dragon, Sisu (voiced by Awkwafina) as they face new challenges, explore uncharted territories, and deepen their bond of friendship in a world that remains fractured by distrust and division.

Following the events of the first film, where Raya united the fractured kingdoms of Kumandra to defeat the ancient evil Drunn, Raya and the Last Dragon 2 expands the world of Kumandra and introduces new characters, conflicts, and themes of reconciliation, leadership, and environmental harmony. This sequel promises to deliver breathtaking visuals, heartwarming moments, and an engaging storyline that touches on timely and universal themes.

Storyline

The story of Raya and the Last Dragon 2 takes place a few years after the events of the first film. Kumandra has begun to heal, with each of the five tribes—Heart, Fang, Spine, Talon, and Tail—slowly rebuilding and reconnecting. However, the world remains fragile, and old wounds still linger between the tribes. While peace has been restored, distrust among the factions still threatens the harmony that Raya and Sisu fought so hard to achieve.

As the story begins, Raya, now the guardian of Heart, is tasked with leading the kingdom into an era of cooperation and unity. However, new tensions rise when a mysterious force appears—The Ashen, a dangerous new faction that seeks to capitalize on the lingering divides between the tribes. The Ashen are determined to harness the powers of the Drunn for their own gain, and they threaten to undo all the progress Kumandra has made.

With Sisu’s death still fresh in her heart, Raya is forced to confront her own fears of losing the last piece of hope she has for her kingdom. She embarks on a journey to discover ancient secrets and meet new dragons who may hold the key to Kumandra’s salvation. Along the way, she will be joined by familiar allies, such as Boun (voiced by Izaac Wang), Tong (voiced by Benedict Wong), and Little Noi (voiced by Thalia Tran), as well as new faces who will challenge her understanding of leadership and what it means to truly unite the tribes.

The central conflict revolves around trust, both on a personal level between Raya and her companions, and on a larger scale between the different tribes of Kumandra. Raya must decide how much she is willing to risk to protect the world she loves, and whether there is still hope for true unity or if division is inevitable.

In this sequel, the theme of self-discovery plays a major role as Raya learns more about her own abilities and how she can lead in new and unexpected ways. The film also explores themes of healing, environmental balance, and the importance of community, as Raya realizes that it is not enough to simply defeat the Ashen; she must also foster understanding between the tribes to prevent future conflict.

Characters and Performances

• Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) – Raya continues to be a fierce, courageous, and resourceful hero, but in Raya and the Last Dragon 2, we see her in a more mature light. As the leader of the Heart Tribe, Raya must balance her responsibilities with her personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Kelly Marie Tran brings warmth, strength, and vulnerability to the role, embodying Raya’s growth as both a warrior and a leader.
• Sisu (Awkwafina) – Though Sisu sacrificed herself in the first film, her presence continues to be felt in Raya and the Last Dragon 2. Sisu’s spirit, wisdom, and magical influence play a key role in Raya’s journey. Awkwafina’s voice acting brings an emotional depth to Sisu’s character, mixing humor with profound moments of guidance and comfort.
• Boun (Izaac Wang) – Boun, the resourceful and kind-hearted boat operator, returns as one of Raya’s closest allies. In the sequel, Boun continues to be the moral compass of the group, offering optimism and a sense of hope even in dark times. His loyalty to Raya and his sense of humor will bring levity to the film’s more serious moments.
• Tong (Benedict Wong) – The towering and battle-hardened Tong, who was introduced in the first film, is back as a protector of the group. As someone who has experienced great personal loss, Tong’s character arc focuses on healing and learning to trust others again. Benedict Wong’s performance is a perfect mix of tough exterior and heartfelt vulnerability.
• Little Noi (Thalia Tran) – The adorable, clever, and mischievous little thief from the first film returns as a trusted ally. Her bond with the group grows as she proves her worth in the fight against the Ashen. Little Noi’s intelligence and creativity continue to be key assets to the team.
• The Ashen (New Antagonists) – The Ashen are a new faction introduced in the sequel, and their leader is a mysterious and cunning villain who seeks to exploit the chaos and power vacuums created by the Drunn’s defeat. The leader of the Ashen will be a compelling character, possibly voiced by a well-known actor with a chilling, authoritative voice. Their desire to control the Drunn power creates tension, as they believe the only way to secure peace is through dominance.
• New Dragons (Various Voice Actors) – In Raya and the Last Dragon 2, Raya encounters ancient dragons who were believed to be lost after Sisu’s death. These dragons, each with unique abilities, will play a central role in the film’s plot, offering both wisdom and magical assistance to help defeat the Ashen and restore balance to Kumandra. Expect new, exciting characters who add a sense of wonder and mystery to the world.

Themes and Direction

The sequel delves deeper into the themes of unity and trust. While the first film centered on the idea of overcoming betrayal and reuniting the tribes of Kumandra, Raya and the Last Dragon 2 focuses on maintaining that unity and moving beyond the scars of the past. Raya is tasked with proving that true peace doesn’t come from defeating a common enemy but from collaboration, understanding, and the willingness to embrace diversity.

The concept of balance also plays a major role in the film. Kumandra, which was once divided by greed, fear, and competition, must now heal from the chaos caused by the Drunn. Raya’s journey will challenge her to question whether balance can truly be restored or if the world is destined to be torn apart by the same forces that have plagued it for centuries.

The film also explores the theme of leadership in a world that is still healing. Raya must come to terms with her leadership style, realizing that being a leader isn’t about being invincible or always in control, but about fostering trust and understanding within the community.

The presence of the new dragons introduces a sense of wonder and the unknown, expanding the world-building of Kumandra and revealing more of its ancient lore. These dragons, representing the different elements of nature, also touch on environmental themes, including the responsibility of caring for the world and the importance of sustainability.

Visuals and Animation

Visually, Raya and the Last Dragon 2 is set to be a stunning continuation of the first film’s breathtaking animation. Kumandra’s rich, diverse landscapes—ranging from lush jungles to arid deserts and mystical mountains—will be further explored. The filmmakers will likely push the boundaries of animation technology to bring even more intricate details to the world, including new dragons, magical effects, and breathtaking action sequences.

Expect visually rich, fluidly animated fight scenes and magical moments, where Raya and her team face off against new foes while also discovering hidden secrets and ancient knowledge.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Raya and the Last Dragon 2 will continue to blend traditional Southeast Asian influences with epic orchestral scores. James Newton Howard, who composed the original score, may return to craft a soundtrack that amplifies the emotional stakes of the story while also celebrating the culture and history of Kumandra.

Expect powerful musical numbers to accompany the film’s more action-packed and emotional moments, including new songs that focus on themes of unity, redemption, and self-discovery.

Conclusion

Raya and the Last Dragon 2 (2025) promises to be a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and thematically rich continuation of the story of Kumandra and its heroic protector, Raya. With its exploration of trust, leadership, and unity, the film is bound to be a touching journey that emphasizes the importance of healing and understanding in a fractured world. With the return of beloved characters and the introduction of new, exciting ones, this sequel is poised to offer a fitting next chapter in Raya’s saga.