"Nah, they just used him for Mufasa" — Fans speculate about reasons behind Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence from Moana 2

Moana 2 has sailed onto the big screen, continuing the beloved tale of Moana and her daring adventures across the ocean. However, one glaring difference has fans talking: the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose unforgettable music played a pivotal role in making the original Moana a global sensation.

Miranda’s absence has sparked curiosity and conversation, especially as the sequel’s soundtrack, penned by newcomers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, takes a distinct departure from the first film’s iconic musical style.

While the movie succeeds in delivering a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant story, many fans can’t help but miss the magical touch Miranda brought to the original. Miranda’s music for the original Moana seamlessly blended Polynesian influences with contemporary storytelling, creating a timeless appeal.

Songs like We Know the Way and You’re Welcome didn’t just complement the narrative; they became cultural phenomena. Without his involvement, many fans feel that Moana 2's soundtrack lacks the same level of emotional resonance and memorability.

Some fans took to Reddit to voice their opinions on Miranda's absence in the new movie soundtrack. One Reddit user commented,

"Nah, they just used him for Mufasa. I'd assume it was mostly an issue of timing--they were trying to turn Moana 2 around fast and he's got a lot of other stuff going on." commented one user.

Fans react to Lin-Manuel Miranda's absence in Moana 2 's soundtrack. (Image via Reddit)

Many fans speculated as to why Miranda did not work on the movie soundtrack, with some commenting on the costs involved in the movie production.

"My assumption is that LMM was (relatively) too expensive, when they knew Moana 2 would gross over a billion regardless of his involvement." commented another user.

"He also may not have wanted to attach himself to a Disney plus show that is basically the equivalent to the Lion Guard (though those songs are still stuck in my head after 10 years) and instead focus on bigger box office projects." speculated one Reddit user.

"Moana 2 was originally conceived as a TV series before becoming a movie, so I can see where they might have decided to cut his involvement to pinch pennies." commented another user.

Many fans also expressed that Miranda's absence was keenly felt

"Just watched Moana 2. Had to apologize to 5 year old that LMM didn't do the music," said a fan.

"Just watched the sequel and yeah, the soundtrack is extremely forgettable. None of the songs stuck with me except for the end, which was just a recycled We Know The Way," commented another fan.

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What is Moana 2 about?

Moana 2, officially titled Vaiana 2 in some international markets, continues the adventures of Moana, the fearless wayfinder from the island of Motunui. Picking up where the first movie left off, Moana is now exploring other islands, seeking to reconnect people with their shared bond with the ocean.

Her journey takes a mystical turn when she receives a vision from her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, who warns her of a lost island called Motufetu. This island, once a unifying symbol for the ocean’s people, was sunk to the depths by the storm god Nalo, who now poses a threat to Motunui’s future.

Moana embarks on a perilous journey with a diverse crew that includes Loto, who is a resourceful craftswoman, Moni, a Maui-obsessed fanboy, and Keke, a grumpy farmer. Alongside her trusty animal companions, Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster, Moana faces fierce adversaries like the Kakamora and Nalo’s enforcer, Matangi.

Her mission to raise the island of Motufetu not only tests her leadership but also forces her to confront mortality and divinity, culminating in her transformation into a demigoddess. With Maui’s help, Moana restores balance and reconnects the ocean’s people in a heartwarming finale that celebrates resilience and unity.

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Moana 2 directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller released on November 27, 2024.