‘Moana’: Lin-Manuel Miranda on Writing the Song ‘Along The Way’ in a Week and Being in the Oscar Race With Taylor Swift

A little over 10 years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda was still performing on Broadway in “Hamilton” while writing the music for Disney’s “Moana.”

Since then, Moana has grossed more than $643 million at the global box office, and its 2024 sequel earned more than $1 billion worldwide. This weekend, the live-action version of the film starring Dwayne Johnson as demigod Maui sails into theaters, with Catherine Laga’aia in the title role. As with the animated feature, the film follows Moana’s journey as she restores the heart of Te Fiti and help her village of Motunui. Johnson’s Maui joins Moana on her quest.

It’s only fitting that Miranda returns — not just to bring new musical elements to the film — but to write a new song for the franchise called “Along The Way.”

Miranda talked about returning to “Moana” and working his longtime collaborator and friend, Tommy Kail, who is making his feature film directorial debut.

You shared that photo with you,Thomas Kail and Christopher Jackson. Did you ever think Thomas Kail would be directing a live action ‘Moana’?