THE APEX TIMES
“Moana” Live-Action Film Adds “Along the Way,” a New Song Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Performed by Maui and Both Moanas
Catherine Laga‘aia, who plays Moana in the live-action adaptation, joins Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli‘i Cravalho as the original animated Moana for “Along the Way.”
A new song from the live-action “Moana” film is set for release, with “Along the Way” featuring performances by Maui and both actresses connected to the character in the 2016 animated original and the upcoming adaptation. The track was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and it is performed by Dwayne Johnson as Maui alongside Catherine Laga‘aia, the actress portraying Moana in the live-action film, and Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices Moana in the original animated movie.
Billboard reported that “Along the Way” is the latest addition tied to the live-action “Moana” rollout, pairing a new voice performance for the adaptation with a return by Cravalho to connect the two versions of the story. The single’s concept centers on the shared musical moment between the character Moana across the animated and live-action portrayals, and Maui as voiced by Johnson.
The announcement frames the new release as part of the film’s broader media launch, with the song designed to bring together the artists performing the central roles. Billboard said Catherine Laga‘aia plays Moana in the new film, and it identified Auli‘i Cravalho as returning to perform as Moana for the track.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement is cited as the songwriting credit for “Along the Way.” The publication also described the vocal performances as jointly rendered by the cast members connected to the film’s key characters, with Johnson performing as Maui and both Moanas appearing on the song.
The new release arrives after Disney’s ongoing strategy of extending major animated titles into live-action adaptations while also drawing on the fanbase of the original films. In this case, the musical collaboration is structured to emphasize continuity through Cravalho’s participation, alongside the live-action casting embodied by Laga‘aia.
As of the Billboard report, “Along the Way” is available for listeners to hear now, as part of the song drop supporting the live-action “Moana” project. The next step for audiences will be to follow additional promotional material tied to the film’s release schedule, including any further announcements about its soundtrack and featured performers.
Because the report provides limited detail beyond the performers and the songwriting credit, additional confirmation on creative credits beyond Miranda, the production team, and the song’s full placement in the film was not included in the available information and should be reviewed as more official materials are released.
Why It Matters
- The release underscores how film studios are using music singles to promote major live-action adaptations tied to well-known animated franchises.
- By featuring both the live-action Moana performer and the original animated Moana voice actress, the track may strengthen continuity for audiences tracking the transition between versions.
- The participation of high-profile creators such as Miranda and Johnson indicates the studio’s emphasis on established mainstream appeal during the promotional rollout.
- For fans and families following the franchise, the song provides an additional point of engagement ahead of the film’s full theatrical or streaming release process, while keeping the promotional message centered on the characters’ performances.
Key Facts
- A new song titled “Along the Way” is being released for the “Moana” live-action film.
- The song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- Dwayne Johnson performs as Maui on the track.
- Catherine Laga‘aia, who plays Moana in the live-action film, performs on the song.
- Auli‘i Cravalho performs as Moana on “Along the Way,” connecting the original animated film to the new adaptation.
- Billboard reported the song drop as available for listeners to hear now.