The Towering Legacy of the Original Soundtrack
It’s hard to overstate the cultural footprint of the 2016 “Moana” soundtrack. The music, crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foaʻi, wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a global phenomenon. “How Far I’ll Go” became an anthem
of empowerment, while Dwayne Johnson’s impossibly charming rendition of “You’re Welcome” was inescapable. The soundtrack sold hundreds of thousands of copies and cemented the film as a modern Disney classic. This isn’t just beloved music; for many, it’s a core part of the “Moana” identity. Any remake must therefore contend with this powerful musical legacy. It’s not enough to simply re-record the songs; the new film has to justify its own existence by honoring the original's spirit while bringing something new to the voyage.
The New Voice and The Familiar Demigod
The most significant challenge and opportunity lies with the new cast. While Dwayne Johnson returns to voice the swaggering demigod Maui, the crucial role of Moana has been passed to Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia. Johnson has been workshopping his “You’re Welcome” performance for years, even surprising crowds at the film's premiere. But the weight of expectation falls heavily on Laga’aia. She must not only embody the character in live-action but also deliver a vocal performance that can stand alongside Auliʻi Cravalho’s iconic original. Early audio releases of her rendition of “How Far I’ll Go” have given fans their first taste, but the full context of the film will be the ultimate judge. Skeptical fans are listening for more than just pitch; they're listening for the same heart and soul that made them fall in love with the character a decade ago.
The Litmus Test of 'How Far I'll Go'
For any fan of the original, the make-or-break moment will be the staging of “How Far I’ll Go.” In the animated film, it’s a breathtaking sequence of self-discovery and yearning, where Moana’s inner conflict is beautifully visualized against the backdrop of the sea. Translating that to live-action is a monumental task. The new version must capture that same sense of wonder, vulnerability, and epic scale. It’s the sequence that will either convert doubters by proving the remake understands the source material’s emotional core or confirm their fears that some animated magic is best left untouched. This single song serves as a microcosm for the entire adaptation's challenge: how to recreate a perfect moment without it feeling like a hollow echo.
Adding a New Verse to a Classic
To win over audiences, Disney isn't just relying on nostalgia. Lin-Manuel Miranda was brought back to write a new song titled “Along The Way.” The track is a unique collaboration, featuring vocals from the new Moana, Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, and even the original voice of Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho, who serves as an executive producer on the film. Miranda explained the song was born from the idea of a musical conversation between the two Moanas. This move is both a clever marketing strategy and a poignant passing of the torch. By creating a new piece of music that bridges the old and the new, the filmmakers are making a direct appeal to the faithful, acknowledging their love for the original while inviting them to embrace this new chapter.
