The Real Reason Lin-Manuel Miranda Didn't Write The Songs For Moana 2: A Deep Dive Into Disney's Musical Shake-Up

The question has lingered among Disney fans and musical theater enthusiasts alike since the sequel's announcement: why is Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative genius behind the original film's iconic songs, not the primary songwriter for Moana 2? As of December 11, 2025, the definitive answer is clear, and it lies in a surprising transition from a streaming series to a major theatrical release. This behind-the-scenes decision led to a new, Grammy-winning musical team taking the helm, creating a completely fresh soundtrack that still honors the spirit of Motunui.

The absence of Miranda's signature lyrical style from the new original songs has been one of the most talked-about elements of the highly anticipated animated sequel. While the composer of Hamilton and Encanto remains a key figure in the Disney family, his non-involvement in the sequel’s music was a result of timing and a fundamental shift in the project's scope, allowing new voices to define Moana’s latest adventure.

The Shocking Truth: Why Lin-Manuel Miranda Wasn't on the Moana 2 Soundtrack

The primary reason for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence from the Moana 2 soundtrack is rooted in the film's origin as a Disney+ television series. When the project was initially conceived, it was developed for the streaming platform, and a new musical team was brought on board to write the episodic songs.

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Miranda, who earned an Oscar nomination for the original 2016 film's song "How Far I'll Go," confirmed the situation himself. He explained that by the time Disney decided to elevate the project from a series to a feature film for a theatrical release, the new songwriters were already deeply involved. As he put it, there was "never an opportunity" for him to return to the sequel's music. This candid explanation clears up any speculation about creative differences, highlighting that the change was purely logistical.

The original Moana (2016) soundtrack was a massive success, blending Miranda's Broadway sensibilities with the authentic Pacific Island rhythms of Opetaia Foaʻi and the sweeping orchestral scores of Mark Mancina. The new creative direction for Moana 2 meant an evolution, not a rejection, of that musical legacy.

• Project Origin: Started as a Disney+ TV series.
• Timing Issue: New songwriters were already hired before the theatrical upgrade.
• Miranda's Status: Not a creative choice, but a logistical one—he was not offered the opportunity.
• Returning Composers: Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi returned to score and write some original songs, maintaining a connection to the first film.

Meet the New Musical Architects: Barlow & Bear's Grammy-Winning Legacy

Stepping into the massive shoes left by Lin-Manuel Miranda are the GRAMMY Award-winning songwriting duo, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Their involvement in Moana 2 marks a significant moment for the industry, as the pair brings a fresh, contemporary energy to the beloved Disney franchise.

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Barlow & Bear gained international recognition for their viral TikTok musical, The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, which won the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Their innovative approach to musical storytelling, often utilizing social media to workshop and develop their songs, made them a compelling choice for Disney's evolving musical landscape.

For Moana 2, Barlow and Bear collaborated with the returning musical veterans, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi. This partnership aimed to create a soundtrack that felt both familiar and new. Early reviews of the Moana 2 soundtrack highlighted that the new songs, while different from Miranda’s work, were "perky and appealing," retaining the "electrified island drum bounce" that fans expect from the Polynesian-inspired world of Motunui.

The key challenge for Barlow & Bear was to capture the adventurous spirit of Moana and the demigod Maui, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, respectively, while introducing new musical themes for the film’s expanded scope and characters. Their success in this endeavor has been a point of pride for Disney, showcasing the studio's commitment to fostering new, diverse musical talent.

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The Legacy Continues: Miranda's Support and the Live-Action Future

Despite not being involved in the sequel’s music, Lin-Manuel Miranda has been an outspoken supporter of the new creative team. When the film was released, and some fans expressed initial disappointment over the change in songwriting, Miranda publicly defended Barlow & Bear, praising their work and the vibrancy they brought to the soundtrack.

This show of support from one of the most influential figures in modern musical theatre helped to validate the new direction and encouraged fans to embrace the fresh sound. Miranda’s actions underscored the idea that the world of Moana is bigger than any single songwriter, and the focus should remain on the Polynesian culture and the powerful story being told.

Furthermore, Miranda’s relationship with Disney remains incredibly strong. While he was absent for the Moana 2 animated sequel, he has been confirmed to return for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana. This separate project will see him revisit his original material and potentially develop new songs for the live-action format, assuring fans that his musical touch will once again define the franchise's future on the big screen.

The Expanding Disney Musical Universe

Miranda’s involvement in other major Disney projects, such as his Oscar-winning work on Encanto and his contributions to other soundtracks, demonstrates his ongoing topical authority within the studio. His absence from Moana 2 was a momentary shift that allowed the spotlight to shine on new talent, rather than a permanent departure from the Walt Disney Animation Studios family.

The Moana 2 soundtrack, featuring the work of Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foaʻi, is a testament to the fact that the musical heart of the franchise beats on. Songs like "Tulou Tagaloa (Sei e Vaʻai Mai)"—a returning piece of the musical score—anchor the film in its original spirit, while the new compositions propel Moana and Maui into their next great oceanic adventure.

The transition from a TV series to a blockbuster sequel inadvertently created a unique opportunity for musical evolution. While the initial surprise of Lin-Manuel Miranda's non-involvement was a talking point, the final product proves that the magic of the Pacific Islands can inspire greatness from multiple creative voices. The new soundtrack successfully blends the familiar orchestral grandeur with innovative, modern pop sensibilities, cementing Moana 2 as a worthy musical successor, even with its unexpected change in creative leadership.