Lin-Manuel Miranda Talks How He Got Approval from His Kids for Live-Action “Moana”’s New Song ‘Along the Way’ (Exclusive)

**Lin-Manuel Miranda Launches New Song for Live-Action Moana at L.A. Premiere**

Lin-Manuel Miranda has unveiled an original song titled “Along the Way” for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s *Moana*, which premiered in Los Angeles on 7 July 2026. The new track features an eclectic mix of vocals from a talented cast, including Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, and Catherine Laga‘aia, who brings Moana to life in this new rendition, alongside Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana.

Miranda’s involvement in the *Moana* franchise is significant, having previously written music for the 2016 animated feature that received critical acclaim. Among his contributions were popular songs such as the Grammy-winning hit “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” As a long-time collaborator with composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, this latest project represents Miranda’s continued commitment to the beloved story of Moana.

At the L.A. premiere, Miranda spoke candidly about the inspiration behind “Along the Way.” He revealed that his sons, Sebastian, aged 11, and Francisco, aged 8, were among the first to hear the new song, providing him with valuable feedback that helped shape its final form. Miranda noted, “My poor kids have to listen to me singing to myself all the time, so they understand that’s Daddy’s job. But when I caught them singing it on their own, I realised, ‘Okay, this is catchy enough that it can live alongside the other songs I wrote all those years ago.’”

The song debuted to much excitement, marking a new chapter for both Miranda and the *Moana* franchise. He reflected on his son Francisco’s enthusiastic rendition of the song’s title, stating, “When I heard Frankie say, ‘Along The Way,’ I thought, ‘Okay, we got it. This passes the smell test.’” This affirmation reinforced Miranda’s confidence in the piece as it joins the canon of beloved *Moana* music.

Despite his prominent role in the live-action movie, Miranda was not involved in the music for *Moana 2*. The songwriting duo Barlow & Bear, known for their prior work on a Moana-inspired television series, were brought aboard to create the score for the sequel. Miranda served as a supportive resource during their creative process, staying just a “FaceTime call away” to offer guidance.

Additionally, Miranda was officially announced as a producer for the live-action adaptation in the summer of 2024. His contributions, both as a songwriter and producer, are set to elevate the film, combining his unique musical talents with the new visual storytelling.

The singer-songwriter shares his two sons with his wife, lawyer Vanessa Nadal. He previously disclosed that a pivotal moment in his life—learning he was set to become a father—occurred simultaneously with the news that he would be writing for the original *Moana*. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Miranda stated, “Just thinking of, ‘My kid is going to see these. My kid is going to sing these songs.’ I think that was always a part of my mind.”

With the release of “Along the Way,” Miranda’s creative journey continues to intertwine with his personal life, showcasing his ability to draw inspiration from family while enriching the storytelling experience for audiences. As excitement builds around the live-action *Moana*, fans can look forward to this new chapter in the franchise, buoyed by Miranda’s enduring connection to the story and its characters.

Ultimately, the premiere brought together a diverse cast and crew, eager to share their vision for *Moana* with the world once more. With its combination of established talent and the fresh perspectives of new contributors, the live-action movie promises to reignite the magic that captivated audiences in 2016. As audiences immerse themselves in this vibrant adaptation, Miranda’s “Along the Way” is destined to become another memorable milestone in the legacy of the *Moana* saga.