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5 Shocking Reasons Why Lin-Manuel Miranda Did Not Write The Songs For Moana 2

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The question of whether Lin-Manuel Miranda returned to write the music for Moana 2 has been one of the most persistent and curious mysteries surrounding the highly anticipated Disney sequel. As of the film's release in late 2024, the definitive answer is no: the creative genius behind the original film's iconic songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome" did not contribute any new tracks to the sequel. This revelation has shocked fans and sparked considerable discussion, especially given the monumental success of the first film's soundtrack.

This article, updated for the current date of December 21, 2025, dives deep into the exclusive reasons for Miranda's absence, introduces the groundbreaking new musical talent taking the helm, and provides a complete breakdown of the entire creative team that brought Moana’s next great voyage to life, ensuring you have the freshest, most up-to-date information on this major Disney production.

The Creative Team: Who Wrote the Music and Screenplay for Moana 2?

The original 2016 film, Moana, was a critical and commercial smash, largely due to its unforgettable music. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who had just achieved global fame with Hamilton, penned the seven original songs, earning him an Academy Award nomination. His absence from the sequel is a major deviation, but it allowed a new, history-making team to step into the spotlight.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Exclusive Reason for Absence

In a candid interview, Lin-Manuel Miranda himself clarified the situation, explaining that his non-involvement was not a matter of choice but of timing and opportunity. He stated simply that for the sequel, "there was never an opportunity to be on Moana 2." This suggests that the production schedule or the internal creative process at Walt Disney Animation Studios had already moved forward with a new team before he could commit or be approached for the project. At the time of Moana 2's production, Miranda was deeply involved in several other major projects, including his directorial debut with Tick, Tick... Boom! and his ongoing work with Disney on other films, such as providing music for Encanto. His packed schedule, combined with Disney's internal decision to fast-track the project (which originally started as a Disney+ series), created a scenario where a return was not feasible.

The New Songwriting Sensation: Barlow & Bear

The monumental task of writing the new original songs for Moana 2 was entrusted to the Grammy Award-winning duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known professionally as Barlow & Bear. This choice is significant for several reasons:

  • History-Making Team: Barlow & Bear became the first all-female songwriting team to create all the songs for a Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film.
  • Viral Success Story: The duo gained international fame by writing *The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical*, which originated on TikTok and won the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2022. Their unique, modern approach to musical storytelling was seen as a fresh voice for the next chapter of Moana’s journey.
  • New Songs: Barlow & Bear penned several key tracks for the sequel, including the powerful song "Beyond," which perfectly encapsulates Moana’s fearless sense of adventure, and "We're Back," an early highlight.

Returning Musical Pillars

While Miranda is absent, two crucial members of the original film's music team did return to maintain the authentic Pacific Islander sound and epic scope:

  • Mark Mancina: The veteran film composer returned to write the film's orchestral score, ensuring a sonic continuity with the first movie.
  • Opetaia Foaʻi: The founder and lead singer of the Oceanic band Te Vaka, Opetaia Foaʻi returned as a songwriter and performer. His contributions, including the track "Tulou Tagaloa (Sei E Va'ai Mai)," are vital for grounding the film in the music and languages of the South Pacific.

Moana 2: A Deep Dive into the Sequel's Cast and Plot

The creative overhaul extends beyond the music, with a new team of directors and writers taking the helm to continue the story of Motunui's brave wayfinder.

The Voice Cast Reprises Their Iconic Roles

The heart of the franchise remains intact with the return of the beloved main cast. The chemistry between these actors is a cornerstone of the film’s appeal, and their return ensures emotional continuity for fans.

  • Auliʻi Cravalho returns as the voice of Moana, now older and established as the island's chief wayfinder.
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, bringing his signature charm and powerful vocals back to the character.
  • Alan Tudyk is back as the hilariously unintelligible rooster, Hei Hei.
  • Fan favorites Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina) also return to complete the core family unit on Motunui.
  • New cast members include Hualālai Chung as Moni and Rose Matafeo in an undisclosed role.

The New Creative Leadership and Story Details

While the original film was co-directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the sequel introduces a fresh set of directors. The film is co-directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with Miller also serving as a writer. Long-time Disney collaborator Jared Bush, who wrote the original film and co-directed *Zootopia*, returned as the screenwriter and an executive producer.

The plot of Moana 2 centers on a new, epic quest. Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, compelling her to embark on a perilous new journey. This voyage takes her to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters, a challenge that will redefine her role as the leader of her people. The goal is to reunite the fragmented people of the ocean, a task that has a much larger scope than her first adventure to restore the heart of Te Fiti.

The Legacy of Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Future of Disney Music

The shift in songwriters for Moana 2 underscores a significant trend in Disney's modern musical strategy: a commitment to embracing diverse, new voices while still honoring the foundational sounds of a franchise. While Miranda’s music for the first film—which also included the powerful "Shiny"—is undeniably a masterpiece of modern Disney music, the studio is clearly keen on cultivating a new generation of musical storytellers.

The decision to hire Barlow & Bear, who rose to prominence through the modern, decentralized platform of social media (TikTok), shows Disney's willingness to tap into contemporary cultural phenomena. Their Grammy win for an independent project signals a profound faith in their ability to deliver the emotional depth and catchy hooks required of a major animated feature.

Ultimately, while Lin-Manuel Miranda did not write the songs for Moana 2, his influence remains in the template he helped establish: a blend of traditional Polynesian music with modern, Broadway-style show tunes. The returning talents of Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi ensure the powerful Oceanic score remains, while Barlow & Bear’s fresh perspective promises to deliver a new set of earworms for a new generation of Disney fans. The film, which premiered on November 27, 2024, is poised to be a major holiday event, regardless of who penned the tunes.

did lin manuel miranda write moana 2
did lin manuel miranda write moana 2

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