Disney’s live-action Moana can redeem the sequel’s most disappointing aspect. The original Moana is a Disney triumph of the 21st century. It was a box office hit and has shown longevity on streaming, as the most-watched film on any platform in 2023 and 2024. A Disney+ show was planned but the studio wisely made it a movie.
Moana 2 was released on Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 and was more successful at the box office than the first film, grossing $1.059 billion worldwide. However, the movie was largely seen as inferior to the first, especially by critics. The first film received a 95% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, while the sequel received a 60%.
While the 2016 film wasn’t as profitable at the box office, its stellar soundtrack grew its popularity, with songs written by Mark Mancina, Opetaia FoaŹ»i, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda didn’t return for Moana 2, and its music doesn’t have the same staying power. However, the Hamilton creator’s involvement with Moana’s live-action remake should get the music back on track.
Moana 2’s Soundtrack Needed Lin-Manuel Miranda
Moana looks confidently ahead in Moana 2Image via Disney
Disney’s most successful animated films tend to have great soundtracks, and Moana has one of the studio’s best. “How Far I’ll Go” became an instant classic, and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 89th Academy Awards. Other songs like “You’re Welcome” and “We Know the Way” remain popular almost 10 years later.
Moana’s music has become a major part of the Disney brand, and can be heard frequently in its parks and cruise ships. Unfortunately, the sequel’s soundtrack didn’t connect with audiences as strongly. Miranda didn’t return for the sequel, and songwriting duties were taken over by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.
Moana 2’s soundtrack isn’t terrible, but its songs pale in comparison to the original. “Beyond” doesn’t have the same power as “How Far I’ll Go” and “Can I Get A Chee Hoo” isn’t nearly as infectious as Maui’s other big number. The songs lack the catchy choruses and rhythms that Miranda brought to the first film.
Miranda’s Return Is Key For The Remake’s Success
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hermes in Percy Jackson and the Olympians
While Miranda was absent for Moana 2, he has still been busy with Disney. He developed another impressive soundtrack with Encanto, and recently wrote additional songs for 2023’s The Little Mermaid, as well as the music for Mufasa: The Lion King. He has become Disney’s golden goose, and isn’t splitting with the studio anytime soon.
Miranda is attached to the live-action Moana, but as a producer. It’s unclear if he’ll write any new songs for the film, but Dwayne Johnson hinted at it in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“Lin Manuel Miranda’s coming back. We’re doing the music. Tommy Kail is our director, who directed Hamilton. You put everybody together and you want to put the best team together and then you really go for it.”
Disney’s remakes traditionally have a few extra songs thrown into the soundtrack, adding more musical numbers from their animated counterparts. It’d be surprising if Miranda doesn’t create any new songs, but he can still ensure the remake does the original Moana soundtrack justice.
Release Date
July 10, 2026
Director
Thomas Kail
Writers
Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams, Don Hall, Pamela Ribon, Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell, Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller