The public is lamenting this Moana 2 It’s missing a crucial element that made Disney’s original hit so beloved: its music. The highly anticipated sequel continues Moana’s story as she embarks on a new adventure to restore harmony to the oceans and her people. Moana 2Returning voice actors include Auli’i Cravalho as the titular character and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui. However, audience reactions suggest that while the visuals and themes remain strong, the sequel’s music falls short of the ingenuity of the original.
Initial responses to Moana 2 pointed out a lack of quality in the sequence’s musicmissing the spark of composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda, who wrote several songs for the first film, such as “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome”, did not return to work on the sequel. Instead, the writer was replaced by Grammy-winning TikTok duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Without its unique blend of lyrical storytelling and vibrant melodies—also seen at Disney Charm and the musical Hamilton-many viewers feel that the sequel’s soundtrack struggles to live up to its predecessor. Check out the reactions below.
@oláitsdanie I was looking forward to returning to Motunui Island. They noticed, “It was great to be back in the world again,” but emphasized “the soundtrack was DESPERATELY lacking Lin-Manuel Miranda.”
Max Dinenberg I felt that Moana 2 was “fine.” The sequel returned with beautiful visuals and strong clues that further explore the islands and people around Motunui. Unfortunately, the viewer noted, “What’s missing is Lin Manuel Miranda’s music.” The composer’s touch, they claim, is “what made the first film special.”
Tamara Fontes wrote this Moana 2 was a “lose.” Once again, the viewer praised the sequence’s stunning visuals and Cravalho’s strong performance, but stated that “the songs are not up to par [Lin-Manuel Miranda’s] Amazing soundtrack.”
Another spectator, Sam Adamsshared a meme from a news summary showing a fictional comedic response from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Moana 2soundtrack by: “Well, well, well, it’s not that easy to write a Disney song that doesn’t suck, huh?” Maybe it’s not that easy.
Laura wrote this Moana 2 was “a beautiful continuation“from the story of the island princess. Once again, they expressed, “The music was good, but nothing stuck in my head.” However, they added, “Opetaia Foaʻi kills it as a composer.”
Another spectator, @beames_joshI had a succinct meme for Moana 2fighting, “Wish and Moana 2 are the best things that have ever happened to Lin Manuel Miranda’s career and reputation.” including Disney’s animated fantasy film To wish as another musical that could have taken advantage of Miranda’s experience.
What the public response to the Moana 2 soundtrack means
Moana 2’s Music May Fall Short Without Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Magic
The answer to Moana 2 soundtrack underscores the significant role that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s compositions played in the success of the original film. The first songs Moana not only did it become a cultural phenomenon, but it also helped solidify the film’s legacy as one of Disney’s best modern musicals. Tracks like “How Far I’ll Go” have received critical acclaim, including a Grammy and Oscar nomination, and have resonated deeply with audiences of any age.
The lack of similar standout songs in the sequel may highlight the challenge of replicating Miranda’s success. Disney’s animated musicals have long featured memorable soundtracks to improve the narrative and emotional impact. Public feedback suggests that Moana 2 the music, while useful, doesn’t capture the same spiritpotentially affecting the film’s overall reception. Moana 2The Rotten Tomatoes score is lower than the first, but the film has already broken box office records with preview sales of $13.8 million.
Our Take on Audience Response to Moana 2 Music
The Moana 2 Soundtrack’s Missing Ingredient Fans Can’t Ignore
It’s impossible to overstate the influence that Lin-Manuel Miranda has on stage and screen. His music not only accompanied the original Moana— elevated it, transforming Moana’s journey into an unforgettable experience. For example, her softly singing a reprise of “Know Who You Are” to the corrupted Te Kā will always remain close to my heart. While Moana 2 can still offer a compelling narrative and a beautiful open-water world, the absence of Miranda’s sound leaves a noticeable gap.
For fans of the original, the lack of standout songs in the Moana 2 may be disappointing, but it also highlights how impactful Miranda’s work was. While the sequel may not replicate the musical magic of the first film, it still has the potential to stand out in other ways as a visual masterpiece and return to the beloved dynamic between Moana and Maui. However, one thing is clear: Disney’s animated musicals shine brightest when their music is as unforgettable as their characters and stories.
Source: Various (see above)