Disney’s live-action Moana is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
The film marks the 10th anniversary of the Moana franchise, coinciding with the original animated film’s release date of July 2016. Fans around the world are already buzzing about the music — and for good reason. The same legendary creative team behind the original’s Grammy and Oscar-nominated soundtrack is back.
Are you looking for everything about the Moana Live Action Soundtrack? You are at the right place. In this article, we have covered all the verified details about the Moana 2026 live action movie soundtrack — including the confirmed songs, composers, songwriters, what we know so far, and where to listen once it releases.
Moana Live Action Soundtrack Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Moana (Live Action) |
| Directed By | Thomas Kail |
| Screenplay By | Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller |
| Studio | Walt Disney Studios |
| Release Date | July 10, 2026 (Theaters) |
| IMAX Release | Yes |
| Score Composer | Mark Mancina |
| Songwriters | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi & Mark Mancina |
| Soundtrack Label | Walt Disney Records |
| Soundtrack Status | Official tracklist not yet released |
Moana features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina. The involvement of the same creative voices behind the animated film’s celebrated soundtrack suggests Disney is not treating this as a simple visual translation but as a full reimagining that honors the music audiences already know.
The soundtrack will include new versions of the original songs co-written by Miranda, including the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.” In the new trailer released on March 23, 2026, fans already got a taste of newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia’s powerful performance of “How Far I’ll Go” — and her iconic “I am Moana!” battle cry — sending chills down the spines of fans worldwide.
The new Moana will feature original songs by Miranda, as well as Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina. The trailer also confirmed the return of “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” and “You’re Welcome” performed once again by Dwayne Johnson — who even drops his iconic “You’re welcome” line in the new trailer.
Who Composed the Moana Live Action Soundtrack?
Mark Mancina — Score Composer
Mark Mancina, who provided the musical score for the original film and its sequel, confirmed in December 2024 that he would return to score the live-action remake.
Mark Mancina is a Grammy-winning composer and music producer best known for his work on Speed, Training Day, August Rush, Tarzan, Bad Boys, and the original Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024). His return ensures the live-action film maintains the rich, Polynesian-inspired orchestral sound that made the original so beloved.
Lin-Manuel Miranda — Songwriter
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was a songwriter for the original film, also returned. He was not involved with Moana 2 due to scheduling conflicts. Miranda is the Tony, Grammy, Pulitzer, and Emmy Award-winning creator of Hamilton and In the Heights. His return to the Moana universe after missing Moana 2 is one of the most exciting aspects of this live-action reimagining. Miranda is also serving as a producer on the film alongside Dwayne Johnson.
Opetaia Foaʻi — Co-Songwriter
Opetaia Foaʻi is also returning as a co-songwriter. The Tokelauan singer-songwriter was a key part of the original Moana soundtrack, bringing authentic Pacific Island musical traditions and language to songs like “We Know the Way” and “Tulou Tagaloa.” His involvement ensures the live-action film remains culturally authentic and rooted in Polynesian heritage.
Confirmed Songs in Moana Live Action (2026)
While the official full tracklist has not yet been released, the following songs from the original animated film have been officially confirmed to appear in new versions in the live-action film:
“How Far I’ll Go” — Originally performed by Auliʻi Cravalho. The Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go” is confirmed to return in a new version, this time performed by Catherine Lagaʻaia. The new trailer already features a stunning glimpse of Lagaʻaia’s powerful take on the song.
“You’re Welcome” — Originally performed by Dwayne Johnson. Johnson confirmed in the new trailer that he is reprising the song as Maui, dropping his signature “You’re welcome” line with full charisma.
“I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” — The fan-favourite emotional centrepiece of the original film was confirmed to appear in the new trailer, cementing its return.
“We Know the Way” — Co-written by Opetaia Foaʻi and Lin-Manuel Miranda, this Polynesian wayfinding anthem is expected to return given Foaʻi’s confirmed involvement.
“Where You Are” — The film’s opening number is expected to be reimagined with live-action grandeur and new actors John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen.
“Shiny” — The scene-stealing villain song originally performed by Jemaine Clement is confirmed to return for the crab character Tamatoa.
“Know Who You Are” — The film’s closing song, originally performed by Auliʻi Cravalho, is expected to return as the emotional finale of the live-action version.
Original Songs for the Live Action Film
The film is being directed by Thomas Kail, who made his feature directorial debut here after helming the live film recording of the Broadway production of Hamilton (2020). Given his deep connection with Miranda through Hamilton, and the full creative team returning, Disney has confirmed that the live-action Moana will feature newly arranged and recorded versions of the beloved original songs. Whether brand-new songs will be added — as was the case with Disney’s live-action remakes of Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid — has not yet been officially confirmed.
About the Cast
In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the Moana cast includes John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams, who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.
Notably, Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features Moana and Moana 2, serves as an executive producer on the live-action film — a meaningful full-circle moment for the actress who first brought the character to life a decade ago.
Legacy of the Original Moana Soundtrack
To understand just how massive the live-action soundtrack could be, it helps to appreciate the legacy of the original:
The original Moana soundtrack peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped both the Kid Albums and Soundtracks charts. Two breakout songs made it to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100: “How Far I’ll Go” peaked at No. 41 and Maui’s signature song “You’re Welcome” peaked at No. 65, marking Dwayne Johnson’s Billboard chart debut.
The first Moana opened in 2016 and quickly became a smash hit, grossing nearly $700 million at the box office and earning two Oscar nominations. The film’s adoration really kicked into gear when Disney+ launched and families began watching Moana over and over again, as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs joined the litany of Disney classics.
What to Expect from the Soundtrack Release
Based on the pattern of Disney’s recent live-action remakes, the official Moana Live Action Soundtrack album is expected to be released on or around July 10, 2026 — the same day as the film’s US theatrical release — under Walt Disney Records. Once released, it will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
Note: This article will be updated with the complete official tracklist once it is released closer to the film’s July 10, 2026 theatrical debut.
FAQs
Who composed the Moana Live Action soundtrack?
Mark Mancina confirmed in December 2024 that he is returning to compose the score for the live-action remake. The original songs are by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina.
Will Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs return in the Moana Live Action film?
Yes. The soundtrack will include new versions of the original songs co-written by Miranda, including the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.”
When does Moana Live Action release?
Moana releases exclusively in US theaters on July 10, 2026, via Disney+. The film is also expected to be released in IMAX.
Who plays Moana in the live-action film?
Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia plays the title character Moana, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as demigod Maui from the animated films.
Is the Moana Live Action soundtrack available yet?
The official soundtrack tracklist has not yet been released. It is expected to be released on July 10, 2026 alongside the film’s theatrical debut.
Will Dwayne Johnson sing “You’re Welcome” again?
Yes! Dwayne Johnson is confirmed to reprise “You’re Welcome” as Maui — he even drops the iconic line in the March 2026 trailer.
Who directed Moana Live Action?
The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, best known for directing the film recording of the Broadway production of Hamilton (2020).