The initial release of Moana left audiences enchanted with its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and most memorably, its irresistible soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda. So, when Disney announced a sequel, expectations soared sky-high. Moana 2, without missing a beat, shattered box office records, making an eye-popping $600 million within two weeks, positioning itself as the best post-Thanksgiving release of all time. However, not everything about this sequel has been smooth sailing.
The music of Moana 2, as many have pointed out, sparked considerable debate. Abigail Barlow, part of the songwriting duo alongside Emily Bear, received flak, particularly for the lack of Miranda’s signature style. Miranda was occupied with another Disney project, the Mufasa prequel, at the time Moana 2 was evolving from a television series into a full-length feature film. Commenting on his absence, Miranda mentioned that his focus had shifted to The Lion King universe around the early 2022 timeline. This left Barlow and Bear, originally authoring the series’ music, to take the lead for the movie adaptation.
Jacob Oller, a film editor for the A.V. Club, drew parallels between Moana 2 and the infamous straight-to-video Disney sequels of the past. Although it might not match the artistic success of the legendary Toy Story 2—which was salvaged and transformed into a masterpiece within a few months—the sequel has undeniably captured the attention of a massive audience. In response to the criticism, Barlow confidently remarked, “Give it a month, all the kids will be singing it, and you’ll be tired of it,” suggesting that the soundtrack could potentially grow on listeners over time.
Amidst the mixed responses, what cannot be denied is the commercial triumph Moana 2 has achieved. With parents and their children flocking the theaters in droves, Disney has once again proven its formidable staying power in the animated film industry. The soundtrack, whether adored or scrutinized, is making its rounds on the airwaves and might just end up as catchy an earworm as the first film’s hits.
Closing Credits
As the waves settle on Moana 2’s release, the film stands as both a commercial powerhouse and a topic of fervent discussion. Disney’s gamble—turning a series into a blockbuster—paid off financially, though opinions on its creative merits vary. Meanwhile, the presence of Lin-Manuel Miranda in future projects like the Mufasa prequel remains a beacon of hope for fans yearning for his distinctive musical touch. For those curious, Moana 2 will continue to be a part of the cultural dialogue as it navigates its course through theaters and into homes worldwide. For updates on this storyline and more Disney endeavors, keep your ears to the ground and prepare for whichever catchy tune comes next.
