An Ocean of Time
For fans of Disney’s spirited voyager, the future is both exciting and a long way off. The highly anticipated animated sequel, Moana 2, is set to hit theaters in November 2024, continuing the adventures of our favorite wayfinder. However, the main event
for many—the live-action reimagining starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who returns as Maui—has been pushed back a full year to July 10, 2026. This strategic delay gives the two Moana projects breathing room, but it leaves audiences with a significant wait before they can see Motunui brought to life. In the vast sea of Disney’s live-action catalog, filled with hits and misses, one specific journey stands out as the ideal film to revisit, not just to pass the time, but to build anticipation for what a successful remake can achieve.
Your Under-the-Sea Alternative
The perfect film for any Moana fan to watch is 2023’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Before you dismiss it as just another remake, consider the parallels. Much like Moana, The Little Mermaid is centered on a determined young princess with a powerful connection to the ocean who dreams of a world beyond the one she knows. It faced the immense pressure of adapting a beloved, musically-driven story and was tasked with updating its themes for a modern audience—precisely the challenge facing the Moana team. Critically, the 2023 Mermaid succeeded by respecting the original's spirit while thoughtfully expanding its world, making it a powerful case study in how to get these adaptations right.
A Tale of Two Heroines
The connection between Ariel and Moana runs deeper than their shared affinity for water. Both are daughters of powerful leaders—King Triton and Chief Tui—who forbid them from exploring a world they fear. Triton is prejudiced against humans after his wife was killed by one, while Tui fears the ocean after a personal tragedy. Both heroines defy their fathers, driven by an innate curiosity and a powerful "I Want" song ("Part of Your World" and "How Far I'll Go") that vocalizes their yearning for more. The 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid intentionally deepened Ariel’s motivations, framing her desire to go ashore as a quest for freedom and purpose, not just the pursuit of a boy. This focus on female agency is a core tenet of Moana's story, suggesting the live-action team has a strong, successful template to follow.
Modernizing a Masterpiece
One of the greatest successes of the live-action Little Mermaid was how it fleshed out its characters and world. Prince Eric was given a backstory and his own motivations, making him a fellow explorer who shares Ariel's spirit of adventure, which strengthens their connection beyond simple rescue and romance. The film proved that you can add depth without betraying the source material. This is crucial for Moana, a film that is already modern and beloved. The challenge isn't fixing outdated tropes but rather enriching a story that already works. The Little Mermaid’s success in giving Eric more substance provides a hopeful sign that the Moana remake can similarly expand on its world and characters in meaningful ways.
The Lin-Manuel Miranda Connection
There's also a direct creative link between the two films: Lin-Manuel Miranda. A key songwriter for Moana, Miranda also contributed new songs to The Little Mermaid remake, including Prince Eric’s power ballad, "Wild Uncharted Waters." He also served as a producer on the film. This shared musical DNA means that watching The Little Mermaid offers a glimpse into how Miranda approaches the task of expanding a classic Disney score. His ability to weave new material into Alan Menken's iconic soundtrack was a highlight for many, and it’s a skill that will be paramount as he helps bring Moana's beloved songs to the live-action stage alongside returning composer Mark Mancina and creative force Dwayne Johnson.
