The highly anticipated Moana 2 has finally arrived, taking audiences back to the beloved world of Motunui and the adventures of Moana and Maui. While fans are thrilled to dive into this new chapter, some may notice a familiar voice missing from the soundtrack: Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda, the lyrical genius behind the original Moana‘s unforgettable songs, did not return to compose music for the sequel. So, why didn’t Lin-Manuel Miranda contribute his musical talents to Moana 2?
Miranda himself addressed this question at the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere, offering clarity on his absence. Speaking to PEOPLE, the award-winning songwriter explained that his involvement in Moana 2 was simply “never an opportunity.” This wasn’t due to a lack of interest or creative differences, but rather stemmed from the unique evolution of Moana 2 itself. Initially conceived as a television series, the project already had songwriters attached before it transitioned into a feature film.
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Moana and Maui embark on a new voyage in Moana 2, with Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their voice roles.
As Miranda elaborated, “there was never an opportunity to be on Moana 2.” He clarified that the production had “already had their songwriters” in place because of its initial development as a TV series that later morphed into the theatrical release fans are now enjoying. Disney CEO Bob Iger officially announced the Moana 2 film in February 2024, solidifying its path to the big screen.
Despite not being directly involved in the Moana 2 soundtrack, Miranda expressed genuine enthusiasm for the team who took the musical reins. He voiced his pride in the composers who stepped in, namely Opetaia Foa’i, Mark Mancina, Abigail Barlow, and Emily Bear. This talented quartet brought their own unique styles and expertise to the film, ensuring that the music of Moana 2 would be both fresh and respectful of the original’s spirit.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda at the premiere of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King in Los Angeles, discussing his projects with Disney.
While Moana 2 might not feature Miranda’s musical imprint, fans can still experience his ongoing collaboration with Disney. He has returned to the world of Moana to contribute to the upcoming live-action remake, ensuring that the beloved songs will resonate with a new generation. Furthermore, Miranda has been deeply involved in Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to the classic animated film, for which he composed the soundtrack alongside Lebo M.
Miranda described composing for Mufasa as a “labor of love,” highlighting his admiration for director Barry Jenkins. He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with Lebo M, the original Lion King songwriter whose iconic Zulu chants are integral to the film’s musical identity. By working on Mufasa, Miranda has taken on the challenge of living up to the original Lion King‘s legendary soundtrack, a task he approached with both respect and his own innovative style. He even revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he wrote a villain song for Mufasa, inspired by online comments suggesting he doesn’t write villain songs, showcasing his dedication to pushing his creative boundaries within the Disney universe.
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Mufasa takes center stage in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel exploring his origins and legacy.
In conclusion, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence from Moana 2‘s songwriting team was not due to choice but rather the pre-existing trajectory of the project. Originally planned as a TV series, Moana 2 already had its musical direction set. However, Miranda’s ongoing relationship with Disney remains strong, with his involvement in the live-action Moana remake and his significant contribution to Mufasa: The Lion King. While Moana 2 showcases the talents of new composers, Miranda’s fans can eagerly anticipate his future Disney projects and the magic he continues to bring to the world of animated film soundtracks.
