The seemingly inevitable story ofMoana 3needs to bring back a key player from the original film who was absent fromMoana 2. Overall,Moana 2’s reception has been interesting. Despite the critical reviews for the film not being as positive as the first movie,Moana 2’s box office numbersare promising to shatter records. This proves that regardless of the issues present in the story by the time ofMoana 2’s ending, the sequel is still resonating with general audiences across the world.

Reception to the film aside, it is clear thatMoana 2was crafted with thepotential story ofMoana 3in mind. After Moana fulfills her destiny and connects the people of the vast ocean once more,Moana 2’s credits begin to roll. However, the teases at Moana and Maui’s future, combined withMoana 2’s post-credit scene, hint that another sequel is on the horizon. If indeedMoana 3is crafted, the film must bring back one of the key figures to the development of 2016’sMoana, whose absence was notably felt inMoana 2.

Moana wears a crown with flowers while surrounded by music notes.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Was Noticeably Missing From Moana 2’s Music

Moana 2’s Soundtrack Did Not Reach The Heights Of Its Predecessor

It is worth pointing out thatMoana 2’s soundtrackis not bad. In fact, most of the songs are enjoyable, convey the themes of the movie well, and are performed well by the film’s cast. All that said, it is almost irrefutable that Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was heavily involved inMoana’s soundtrack, was missed when concerningMoana 2’s songs and their sheer impact.

Every Song In Moana 2, Ranked Worst To Best

Disney’s long-awaited sequel, Moana 2, packs in entertaining, new songs, but not all have the same quality, with some rising above the rest.

Alongside Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, Miranda was largely responsible for making so many ofMoana’s songs catchy, unique, and emotionally resonant.From Miranda’s “How Far I’ll Go” to “You’re Welcome” and “Shiny,“Moanahas a whole host of stand-out songs that remain memorableeight years after the movie was released. WhileMoana 2’s songs, and replacement songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, do an admirable job of emulating Miranda’s work fromMoana, they are simply not as impactful and more forgettable.

imagery-from-Moana-2-4

Lin-Manuel Miranda Could Help Make Moana 3’s Soundtrack The Franchise’s Best

All of this is to say that Lin-Manuel Miranda must return toMoana 3. If he does so, the film’s soundtrack could be the best in the franchise. Having a team of Miranda, Mancina, Foa’i, Barlow, and Bear could allowMoana 3to incorporate the promising albeit imperfect songs ofMoana 2with the obvious positives Miranda brought to the soundtrack of the firstMoana. This way,Moana 3’s soundtrack could be incredibly varied, though not without the catchy, simply unforgettable songs of the original movie that were notably absent fromMoana 2.

Moana 2

Cast

Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.

Lin-Manuel Miranda next to a poster for Moana 2 (2024)

Moana 2 (2024) official poster