Lin-Manuel Miranda Writes New Song for Live-Action ‘Moana,’ Titled ‘Along the Way,’ Featuring Both ‘Moana’ Actresses

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the celebrated creator of Broadway sensations like "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," has crafted an entirely new original track for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of "Moana." The song, titled "Along The Way," features the combined vocals of three key performers: Catherine Laga‘aia, who takes on the role of the spirited wayfinder; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, returning as the charismatic demigod Maui; and Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana from the 2016 animated classic and its 2024 sequel, "Moana 2." Miranda expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining the project, noting the seamless harmony between Cravalho and Laga‘aia’s voices, as well as the pleasure of writing for Johnson’s larger-than-life persona. He described this opportunity to compose a song for the updated version of Moana’s journey as a rare privilege, one that enables him to delve into deeper emotional layers within the narrative. According to music critic James Henderson of "Soundtrack Weekly," Miranda’s talent for blending contemporary Broadway influences with cinematic storytelling has consistently raised the bar for animated film scores, a standard he continues to uphold here.

The development of the song was a highly collaborative process, guided by a unified vision among the film’s creative team. In a recent behind-the-scenes featurette, Johnson revealed that the entire group collectively agreed Miranda should contribute another piece, acknowledging his unique capacity to encapsulate the film’s essence. Laga‘aia described "Along The Way" as "the perfect symbol for this movie," emphasizing how Johnson and Cravalho sing about discovering her presence and their paths converging in a touching musical exchange. Miranda explained that the idea originated from Cravalho’s role as a producer on the film, sparking a dialogue between her animated Moana and Laga‘aia’s live-action character. Johnson added that the track carries personal importance, as it unites the original and new Moana with his own performance, creating a link across fan generations. The film, scheduled for release on July 10, follows the adventurous teenager Moana as she undertakes a daring mission to rescue her village on the island of Motunui, a storyline that has captivated global audiences since the original film debuted. For context, the 2016 animated "Moana" amassed over $690 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. The live-action adaptation’s score is created by a formidable trio: Mark Mancina, renowned for his contributions to "The Lion King" and "Tarzan"; Miranda; and Opetaia Foa‘i, the Samoan musician who helped shape the original film’s authentic Pacific flavor. Mancina returns to compose the film’s music, ensuring consistency with the cherished original. Dr. Leilani A. Brown, a cultural scholar at the University of Hawai‘i, notes that such collaborations are vital for preserving cultural integrity, as they prioritize indigenous perspectives in mainstream storytelling.

In addition to the film’s soundtrack, which will be released digitally on June 26, a separate album titled "Moana: Voices Across The Ocean" is set to debut, broadening the musical landscape. This project, executive-produced by Johnson, Lauren Hashian, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, and Kayla Fa‘amaligi, includes 15 tracks—14 original songs and one cover—from Pacific artists representing seven islands and cultures. Notable contributors include Stan Walker, a New Zealand-born singer of Māori descent; Dinah Jane, a former member of Fifth Harmony; Iam Tongi, an emerging talent from American Samoa; Paula Fuga, a Hawaiian reggae artist; Maoli, a Hawaiian band; and Common Kings, a reggae-pop group with Pacific roots. The soundtrack and its deluxe edition feature a blend of new and familiar songs, such as "Tulou Tagaloa" performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Opetaia Foa‘i, and Matatia Foa‘i; "How Far I’ll Go" by Laga‘aia; and "You’re Welcome" by Johnson. The title track, "Along The Way," performed by Cravalho, Laga‘aia, and Johnson, acts as a focal point that connects the film’s animated and live-action realms, symbolizing a torch-passing moment. This release underscores Disney’s dedication to honoring Pacific cultures while expanding the "Moana" universe with innovative musical offerings, a strategy that aligns with the studio’s broader push for authentic representation in its live-action projects. As cultural scholar Dr. Leilani A. Brown of the University of Hawai‘i observes, these efforts help elevate indigenous voices and ensure that storytelling remains anchored in genuine cultural traditions, a crucial step in an industry often criticized for misrepresentation.