He changed the sound of Disney movies for good – but will Lin Manuel Miranda return for Moana 2? Here’s what we know.
First came In The Heights, then came Hamilton, then came world domination. Lin Manuel Miranda is now a household name, which is certainly helped by his involvement with Disney.
By now, he’s soundtracked two of the most notable animated Disney movies in recent years, beginning with Moana in 2016 and then Encanto in 2021.
If your kids didn’t stop singing We Don’t Talk About Bruno, you have this man to thank – but will Lin Manuel Miranda be returning for Moana 2? Here’s everything you need to know.
Will Lin Manuel Miranda return for Moana 2?
No, Lin Manuel Miranda won’t be returning for Moana 2.
Lin-Manuel Miranda will not return to co-write songs on ‘MOANA 2’. pic.twitter.com/FGzwdT9y7a
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 7, 2024
According to the first teaser of Moana’s surprise sequel, it doesn’t appear that the Hamilton mastermind will be returning to co-write any songs for the new movie.
Miranda originally contributed music, lyrics, and vocals to 2016’s Moana, resulting in two Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for ‘How Far I’ll Go.’
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His handiwork in Encanto later resulted in the soundtrack becoming the second longest-reigning number-one album of the 2020s decade on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
For fans of the original movie, Lin Manuel Miranda’s lack of involvement doesn’t seem like a good thing.
“Oh man. That’s a red flag if I’ve ever seen one,” one fan posted on X/Twitter in response to the news. A second added “That’s sad news. Moana 1 songs were absolutely soothing and love.”
On the other hand, some fans think that Miranda’s disappearance means that Moana 2 can return to its iconic style of soundtracking.
“Why are people mad about this? It’s a massive W,” one fan stated, with another weighing in “Bring back in Alan Menken!” Famed Disney composer Menken was most recently involved with the soundtrack for the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Lin Manuel Miranda has not yet made any official statement on his supposed non-involvement with Moana 2.