Lin-Manuel Miranda has written a new original song titled “Along the Way” for Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Moana [1].
This addition signals a significant expansion of the franchise's musical landscape as Disney transitions the animated hit into a live-action format. The move allows the original songwriting team to bridge the gap between the two versions of the story.
Miranda spoke about the project during an interview in Miami, Florida [3]. He said that learning the project was becoming a live-action film felt “like the tide coming back in” [3]. The composer is collaborating with director Thomas Kail on the production [1].
The new track, “Along the Way,” is designed to pass the torch between generations. According to production details, the song features two Moana actresses [1]. This musical collaboration underscores the thematic continuity between the original animation, and the new live-action interpretation.
Disney has scheduled the live-action Moana film for release in 2026 [2]. The project continues the studio's broader strategy of reimagining its animated classics for a modern audience using high-fidelity cinematography, and updated musical scores.
Miranda said he was excited about contributing to the franchise again and working alongside Kail. The composer described the news of the remake's development as a returning tide, suggesting a sense of natural progression for the character's journey [3].
““It felt like the tide coming back in.””
Disney is leveraging the established success of the Moana brand by integrating the original creative talent into its live-action strategy. By pairing the original composer with a new song that features multiple actresses, the studio is attempting to ensure a seamless emotional transition for the audience while expanding the intellectual property's reach in 2026.
