Moana Links Its Two Protagonists With Rhythm

Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda expressed his honor in returning to the world of "Moana" a decade after the animated phenomenon's debut, emphasizing his commitment to honoring the Polynesian islands. The film, currently in theaters, sees Dwayne Johnson return as the demigod Maui and introduces Catherine Laga'aia as the new Moana, a navigator and tribal leader.

“

The first thing I said was that I didn't want to compose new songs that sounded like a gratuitous excuse, but that they would truly be part of the narrative fabric of the film.

A key element connecting the films is the new song "Along the Way," featured in the end credits. This track brings together the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, and Laga'aia. Miranda explained his approach to songwriting for the sequel, stating, "The first thing I said was that I didn't want to compose new songs that sounded like a gratuitous excuse, but that they would truly be part of the narrative fabric of the film."

Miranda, a multi-award winner known for "Hamilton," shared that one of "Moana's" central metaphors is the patience required to find one's own wave, symbolizing the leap into life's great adventures. He drew a parallel to his own journey, comparing the writing of his first work, "In the Heights," to moving beyond the "reef of life" that had contained his dreams while he was a substitute teacher in New York.

“

Honoring the culture of the Polynesian islands is an honor.

Catherine Laga'aia, an 18-year-old Australian with Samoan roots, secured the role of Moana after singing "How Far I Go" in a video audition, beating out over 32,000 competitors. The daughter of actor Jay Laga'ia, who appeared in "Star Wars" Episodes II and III, she felt honored to be part of the "Moana" legacy. Laga'aia found the filmmaking process collaborative, particularly appreciating the guidance of Dwayne Johnson, with whom she shared most of her scenes. She also enjoyed that filming took place in open water and large water tanks, often requiring her to remain on a raft in constant humidity.

“

It is an honor for me to be part of this Moana legacy. Fortunately, at the time of filming, I realized that filmmaking is collaboration and I was able to help myself a lot with the great Dwayne Johnson (Maui), with whom I built most of the scenes.