If you walked into the theater for the sequel expecting that specific, syncopated, "Hamilton-esque" wordplay that defined the first film, you probably noticed something was... different. Not necessarily bad, just different. The biggest question trailing the voyage of the Wayfinder lately isn't about the Kakamora or the mysterious island of Motunui. It’s about the guy who wasn't on the boat.
Why wasn't Lin-Manuel Miranda in Moana 2?
Honestly, the internet has been swirling with rumors. Some thought there was some massive falling out with Disney. Others whispered that he’d grown "too big" for the franchise. The truth is actually much more about a chaotic production schedule and a project that completely changed its identity halfway through development.
The Scheduling Conflict Nobody Expected
Let’s be real: Lin-Manuel Miranda is arguably the busiest person in show business. When Disney first started moving on the sequel, it wasn't even a movie. It was a TV series.
At the start of 2022, while the Moana series was getting its sea legs, Miranda was knee-deep in a different pride land. He had just finished Encanto and jumped straight into writing the music for Mufasa: The Lion King. He’s gone on record saying that when he got the script for Mufasa, he was all in.
Because Moana 2 was originally meant for Disney+, the studio went in a different direction for the music. They hired Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. If those names sound familiar, it’s because they’re the duo behind the viral Unofficial Bridgerton Musical. They are young, they are hungry, and they were already "cooking" (as Miranda put it) by the time Disney CEO Bob Iger decided to pivot the show into a theatrical feature film.
By the time the decision was made to put Moana 2 on the big screen, the soundtrack was largely established. You can’t just swap out a whole musical foundation once the ship has left the harbor. Miranda basically said there was never even an opportunity to join because the team was already set.
Does the Music Hold Up Without the "Miranda Magic"?
This is where things get spicy. Critics have been pretty vocal about the shift in tone. Owen Gleiberman from Variety called the new tracks "imitation-Lin-Manuel knockoffs," which is a bit harsh, don't you think?
The new team—Barlow, Bear, and returning legends Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina—had a mountain to climb. The first movie gave us "How Far I’ll Go" and "You're Welcome." Those aren't just songs; they’re cultural milestones.
The new anthem, "Beyond," tries to capture that same lightning in a bottle. It’s technically difficult. It’s sweeping. Auli’i Cravalho absolutely crushes the vocals. But it lacks that specific "Miranda-isms"—those dense, rhythmic internal rhymes and the theatrical pacing he’s known for.
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- The Vibe: The sequel's music feels more like modern pop-theatre.
- The Connection: Barlow and Bear were actually Moana’s age (early 20s) when they wrote this, which they claim helped them tap into her "older and wiser" mindset.
- The Legacy: Opetaia Foa'i remains the soul of the franchise, ensuring the Pasifika roots and Pacific rhythms stayed intact.
Honestly, Miranda has been nothing but supportive. He’s been seen praising the new duo, even mentioning how he gave them advice and sent them books on Sondheim during the process. He isn't bitter; he’s more like a proud older brother watching someone else take the wheel.
The "Mufasa" Factor
There is a bit of a silver lining here. If Miranda had done both Moana 2 and Mufasa, we might have reached "peak Lin-Manuel." The industry calls it oversaturation.
Composer Mark Mancina pointed this out recently, suggesting that having Miranda’s voice on two massive Disney tentpoles released within weeks of each other would have watered down the impact of both. By stepping away from the islands, he was able to focus entirely on the Lion King prequel, which let Barlow and Bear make history as the first all-female songwriting team for a Disney animated feature.
What This Means for Future Moana Projects
Don't count the man out just yet. While his absence from the animated sequel was a matter of bad timing and a shift in project format, he isn't done with Motunui.
We know for a fact that the live-action Moana remake is on the horizon. Miranda is heavily involved in that project, helping to adapt the original songs and potentially writing new material for the live-action cast (including The Rock, who is returning as Maui).
The lesson here? Sometimes the "original" voice has to step aside for a franchise to grow. Whether you love the new songs or find yourself pining for the Hamilton energy, the transition from TV show to movie changed the DNA of this sequel's music forever.
If you're looking for that classic Miranda fix, you'll have to look toward the Pride Lands for now. But for the animated Moana, the torch has officially been passed.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to judge the music for yourself, go listen to "Beyond" and compare the lyrical density to "How Far I'll Go." You'll notice the new track relies more on long, sustained notes and emotional swells rather than the quick-fire lyrics Miranda is famous for. Also, keep an eye on the credits for the live-action remake—that's where the "Miranda Magic" will officially return to the sea.
Key Takeaways on the Lin-Manuel Miranda Moana 2 Situation
- No Drama: There was no "feud" or creative fallout; it was a timing and structural issue.
- The Pivot: Because the project started as a TV series, Disney hired different talent (Barlow & Bear) early on.
- The "Mufasa" Conflict: Miranda was already committed to Mufasa: The Lion King when the Moana sequel ramped up.
- Future Involvement: He remains a key player for the live-action Moana movie.