The Disney animated film Moana, set in Ancient Polynesia, debuted in 2016 and instantly became a cultural phenomenon with success comparable to Frozen and Tangled. With its fresh characters and catchy soundtrack produced by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, it quickly captured the attention and praise of a large audience. While the first movie felt like a complete story, Disney surprised fans by announcing a sequel that was released on November 26, 2024.
Despite being created by a new team of writers and composers, expectations for Moana 2 remained sky-high. The sequel outdid its predecessor in terms of gross earnings with Moana 2 outearning Moana by a margin of 1.8 billion to 680 million. Despite monetary success, many viewers left theatres disappointed, feeling that while the plot held its ground, the music fell flat.
In the first film, Moana set out on a daring journey to restore the Heart of Te Fiti with the help of demigod Maui. In the sequel, she ventures out with a new crew to unite the ocean’s people. New writer Dana Ledoux Miller joined original writer Jared Bush to craft a storyline filled with humor and subtle nods to the first movie. The duo delivered a sequel that was both original and faithful to Moana’s spirit, featuring wild imagination and the return of beloved characters.
However, the music, composed by TikTok sensations Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, was underwhelming. Following Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic soundtrack was no small task, and the new songs didn’t measure up. Unlike the earworm “You’re Welcome” from the original, none of the sequel’s melodies stuck with audiences. Fellow moviegoer Sharon Scullin (‘28) remarked, “The visuals were excellent and engaging, but the music lacked emotional impact. You didn’t leave the theater humming anything.”
Barlow and Bear, known for their Bridgerton-inspired ballads and a 2022 Grammy win for Best Musical Album, seemed like promising picks for the sequel. Yet their style didn’t align with the essence of Moana. The songs felt overproduced and lacked a distinct genre, making the soundtrack forgettable.
Despite this shortcoming, Barlow and Bear achieved something significant. They joined the ranks of only ten women to have composed music for Disney, compared to over 200 men. Their contribution marks an important step toward greater representation in the industry.
While Moana 2 didn’t quite match its predecessor, it remained a feminist movie filled with positive messages. With a strong, empowering female lead and a story that stayed true to the original, the sequel was a commendable effort and a step forward for Disney.
