Lin-Manuel Miranda has penned a brand-new song for Disney’s live-action *Moana*. The song, titled *Along the Way*, features vocals from both Moana actresses alongside Dwayne Johnson. Auli’i Cravalho, who originated the role of Moana in Disney’s 2016 animated film and returned for Moana 2, joins Catherine Laga’aia, who plays Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation, and Dwayne Johnson on the new track.
In a featurette for the making of *Along the Way*, director Thomas Kail said that the team “really wanted to do something that could be distinct to this film” and came up with the idea of having both Moanas sing together. Kail is best known for directing Broadway’s *Hamilton* and the Disney+ filmed version of the acclaimed musical. His long-standing creative partnership with Miranda has continued on the live-action *Moana*, where the pair have reunited to help bring a fresh musical dimension to Disney’s beloved story.
Miranda said, “It was such a joy to drop back into the world of *Moana* again and write *Along The Way*. Auliʻi and Catherine’s voices blend so beautifully, and writing for Dwayne as Maui is just pure fun. I’m grateful that we were able to create something special for this brand-new version of our wayfinder’s story.” Johnson added, “We all agreed that Lin-Manuel Miranda should write one more song.”
Laga’aia explained that the song is “the perfect symbolism for this movie. Dwayne and Auli’i sing about finding me along the way, and our journeys colliding.” Miranda also revealed how the idea for the song developed. “What’s really wonderful is Auli’i is a producer on this film. So we thought, what if there’s a musical conversation between Auli’i’s Moana and Katie’s Moana? That became the idea for the song.”
Johnson added that the track was special to him because “it’s our OG Moana and your live-action Moana coming together, and then it’s your boy coming in.” Cravalho’s involvement in the project extends beyond the recording booth. After voicing Moana in the original animated film and its sequel, she is serving as a producer on the live-action adaptation. The actress has previously spoken about supporting the next generation of Polynesian performers, with the new film allowing her to remain closely involved in the franchise while passing the lead role to Laga’aia.
The film also marks the biggest role to date for Catherine Laga’aia. The Australian actress and singer was selected to lead Disney’s live-action adaptation following an extensive casting search. She becomes the first performer to portray Moana in live action after Cravalho established the character as one of Disney’s most beloved modern heroines.
Disney has also unveiled the film’s soundtrack lineup, which combines many of the songs that helped make the 2016 animated film a global success. Tracks including How Far I’ll Go, You’re Welcome, We Know the Way, and I Am Moana will return alongside the newly written *Along the Way*, giving audiences a mix of familiar favorites and original material created specifically for the remake.
The soundtrack also features performances from Olivia Foa’i, Opetaia Foa’i, Te Vaka, Rena Owen, Jemaine Clement, John Tui, Frankie Adams, and several other returning contributors from the Moana universe.
The live-action adaptation of Moana arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026. The film stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui from the animated franchise. Lin-Manuel Miranda returning to contribute new music and Disney unveiling an original song for the adaptation, anticipation continues to build ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
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