Disney Reveals First Behind-the-Scenes Look at New Original Song “Along the Way” in Live-Action ‘Moana’

Disney has released a first behind-the-scenes look at a new original song titled “Along The Way” from its upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana.

The update comes from Disney’s official promotional materials for the film, which is currently in production ahead of its planned release in 2026. The song is written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also worked on the music for the original animated film. It is performed by Auliʻi Cravalho, Catherine Lagaʻaia, and Dwayne Johnson.

The live-action Moana film is being directed by Thomas Kail, marking his feature film debut. The screenplay is written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, and the project is produced by a team that includes Dwayne Johnson, Hiram and Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The film brings back Dwayne Johnson as Maui, a role he originally voiced in the 2016 animated version. Catherine Lagaʻaia takes on the role of Moana in her first major film appearance. Other cast members include John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, and Jemaine Clement returning as the voice of Tamatoa.

Production for the film took place in locations including Atlanta and Hawaii between July and November 2024. The project was first announced in April 2023 by Dwayne Johnson, with Thomas Kail confirmed as director shortly after. Catherine Lagaʻaia was later announced as Moana in June 2024, alongside the rest of the main cast.

The story follows Moana as she is called by the ocean to leave her island of Motunui for the first time. She travels beyond the reef with Maui to restore balance to the world and help save her people.

The new song “Along The Way” is part of the film’s updated musical direction, while still staying connected to the emotional core of the original story. In the behind-the-scenes feature, the focus is on how the cast came together in the recording process and how the music helps shape the relationship between the characters.

Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, bringing back the larger-than-life demigod with a mix of humor and confidence. Catherine Lagaʻaia’s version of Moana is presented as a young leader discovering her identity while stepping into a wider world beyond her home island.

Jemaine Clement also returns as Tamatoa, the giant treasure-hoarding crab from the Realm of Monsters, continuing one of the more memorable character roles from the original film.

The live-action Moana is scheduled for theatrical release on July 10, distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is described as the first live-action entry in the Moana franchise and a new retelling of the original animated story.

The behind-the-scenes look at “Along The Way” gives fans an early glimpse into how the film is blending familiar characters, new performances, and updated music while staying rooted in the original journey of Moana and Maui.

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