Lin-Manuel Miranda, world famous playwright of some of the most successful shows including In the Heights, Hamilton, and Encanto, will not be spearheading the music for the upcoming sequel to Moana.
When Disney announced the live-action adaptation of Moana, many fans assumed that Miranda would return to make another hit soundtrack like the previous film for which he wrote popular songs such as the empowering “How Far I’ll Go” and the iconic “You’re Welcome.”
Miranda has left an enduring legacy in the music industry and is in high demand as he is currently involved in multiple projects including new musical compositions, directorial efforts, and collaborations in theater and film. It appears that his creative plate is simply too full for Moana and fans are disappointed to see that he will not be back for another round.
With Miranda not coming back, Disney has decided to hand the torch to Opetaia Foa’i, who co-wrote many of Moana’s original songs. Foa’i is the frontman of the Polynesian fusian band Te Vaka and is known for his incorporation of the Pacific Islander sounds in Moana. He is now expected by fans to bring more Polynesian culture to Moana’s music.
Even so, many fans are disappointed and sad that he will not be adding his signature tone to the new Moana movie. Miranda has become a huge figure in Disney fandom with his amazing ability to weave storytelling into catchy, emotionally resonant songs. Many fans speculate that the new music will not be able to compare to the expectation that Miranda left.
“I was really looking forward to more Lin-Manuel Miranda music,” Emilia Borges ‘27 said. “His songs made Moana unforgettable.”
“I love Hamilton and Moana,” Sienna Argamasilla ’27 said. “Lin-Manuel Miranda just has a way with music that anyone can distinguish. I hope the sequel can live up to the expectation he left.”
While there are many uncertainties about the future of the upcoming Moana film, one thing is certain: the music will remain a main component of the Moana experience.
