Mark Mancina, the composer behind the original Moana, has confirmed he will return to compose the music for the highly anticipated live-action remake. Having previously collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i on the animated film’s soundtrack, Mancina is now working alongside the same team to adapt the iconic music for the new version.
Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, while Catherine Laga’aia will take on the role of Moana. Directed by Thomas Kail, best known for his work on the Broadway hit Hamilton, the live-action Moana is slated for release on July 10, 2026.
In a recent interview, Mancina expressed his excitement about the project and revealed that he has already begun work on the score. “I’ve started working on it and have delivered basic tracks for the songs to aid in filming,” Mancina said. He shared his hopes of making the music more sophisticated, saying, “I think it’s going to be similar to the animated film, but with the music, I’m hoping to update it and make it more my own.”
Mancina also highlighted the strength of the creative team, which includes Opetaia Foa’i’s refined vocal and choral work, and Dwayne Johnson’s role as a producer. “I have high hopes for it. I’m looking forward to doing it,” Mancina added.
While Mancina was uncertain about the inclusion of new songs, he hinted at the possibility, stating, “Generally, it’s the same songs, but are there going to be new songs? I would think, but I don’t know. We haven’t written anything, but who knows?”
What the Music Means for the Live-Action Remake
The music in Moana 2 was met with mixed reviews, with some fans feeling it didn’t live up to the first film’s soundtrack. However, the live-action Moana remake has the potential to rectify that. With Mancina returning to score the film and Kail’s musical expertise, there is strong reason to believe the music will stay true to the original’s success.
Mancina’s goal to elevate the music with a more “sophisticated” sound could create an even richer musical experience for audiences. Although details are still scarce, the involvement of the original team and the film’s early-stage development suggest that fans can expect a faithful yet enhanced musical adaptation.
While Moana 2 offered a distinct soundtrack, it didn’t quite match the magic of the first film. The live-action remake has a unique opportunity to revive the franchise’s music, potentially bringing the magic of the original to new heights. With the potential for new songs and an experienced creative team behind the scenes, fans can look forward to an exciting musical journey when the remake hits theaters in 2026.
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