Newly-released song from upcoming live-action Moana features both new AND original Moana voice actors

It features the original voice of Moana in 2016's animated classic

Live-action Moana
Author: Priyanca RajputPublished 7 hours ago
Last updated 7 hours ago

Disney is setting sail once again with its live-action Moana, and this time the music is already making waves. A brand-new track has dropped, familiar voices are returning, and there is plenty more waiting beneath the surface.

From soundtrack surprises to a star-powered cast, this reimagining is shaping up to be more than just a retelling. If the latest release is anything to go by, audiences can expect something both nostalgic and refreshingly new when Moana returns to cinemas this summer.

What's the new Moana song called?

The headline addition is 'Along The Way', an original song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It brings together three key voices from the Moana world - Catherine Laga‘aia, who leads the live-action film as Moana, Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, and Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films.

Speaking about his return to Motunui, Lin-Manuel Miranda said: It was such a joy to drop back into the world of ‘Moana’ again and write ‘Along The Way.’ Auliʻi and Catherine’s voices blend so beautifully, and writing for Dwayne as Maui is just pure fun. I'm grateful that we were able to create something special for this brand-new version of our wayfinder’s story."

When is the 'Along the Way' out?

The track is available now, alongside a newly released music video.

Watch 'Along the Way' here ⤵️.

The song blends the emotional core of Moana’s journey with the upbeat, storytelling style Miranda is known for, while spotlighting the connection between past and present versions of the character.

It also features on the official soundtrack, sitting alongside returning favourites including 'How Far I’ll Go', 'You’re Welcome' and 'We Know The Way'.

READ MORE: We can't believe these Disney films are turning 30 this year

What else to expect from the soundtrack

The soundtrack combines new material with reimagined versions of beloved songs, performed by a mix of returning contributors and new cast members.

The track list for the Moana Original Soundtrack and Deluxe version is as follows:

'Tulou Tagaloa' - Performed by Olivia Foa'i, Opetaia Foa'i, Matatia Foa'i

'An Innocent Warrior' - Performed by Olivia Foa'i, Sulata Foai-Amiatu

'Where You Are' - Performed by John Tui, Frankie Adams, Emma Puahi-Shapazian, Amaya Masoli, Rena Owen, Catherine Laga'aia, Te Vaka

'How Far I'll Go' - Performed by Catherine Laga'aia (Moana)

'We Know The Way' - Performed by Moses Mackay, Opetaia Foa'i, Te Vaka

'How Far I'll Go (Reprise)' - Performed by Catherine Laga'aia

'You're Welcome' - Performed by Dwayne Johnson (Maui)

'Shiny' - Performed by Jemaine Clement (Tamatoa)

'Along The Way (Malaga Ki Ei)' - Performed by Sulata Foai-Amiatu, Olivia Foa'i, Te Vaka

'I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)' - Performed by Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), Catherine Laga'aia

'Know Who You Are' - Performed by Catherine Laga'aia, Olivia Foa'i, Sulata Foai-Amiatu, Opetaia Foa'i, Matthew Ineleo

'We Know The Way (Finale)' - Performed by Catherine Laga'aia, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Te Vaka

'Along The Way' - Performed by Auli'i Cravalho, Catherine Laga'aia, Dwayne Johnson

Together, they form a blend of familiar storytelling and updated performances, designed to capture both the spirit of the original and the scale of this live-action retelling.

Behind-the-scenes featurette for 'Along the Way'

To celebrate the song’s release, a brand-new look behind the scenes at the development and recording of 'Along The Way' was also released.

Featuring new interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda and filmmakers, along with Catherine, Auli'i, and Dwayne, the piece celebrates the union of three iconic voices from the world of Moana.

Who is in the live-action Moana?

Catherine Laga‘aia takes on the title role of Moana, leading the story as the young wayfinder called beyond the reef. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, bringing the larger-than-life demigod back to the big screen.

Auli‘i Cravalho also returns, this time contributing musically rather than reprising the lead role, helping bridge the animated and live-action worlds.

Behind the camera, Thomas Kail directs, with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina providing the film’s music. Mark Mancina also composes the original score.

Fans can also look ahead to 'Moana: Voices Across The Ocean', an inspired-by album arriving 31st July 2026. Executive produced by Dwayne Johnson alongside collaborators, it features artists from across Pacific cultures, adding a broader musical celebration to the film’s release.

When is it out?

The music is already being rolled out with the original soundtrack releasing on 26th June, followed by a deluxe edition on 8th July. The full original score lands on 10th July - the same day as the film, with vinyl editions also launching.

Disney’s live-action Moana arrives exclusively in cinemas on 10th July 2026.

Sign up for Disney+

You can sign up for Disney+ for a monthly/annual subscription. 18+. Ts & Cs Apply.

Take a look Disney's upcoming films:

Toy Story 5

Release date: 19th June 2026


Cast: Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear are joined by Joan Cusack as Jessie and Tony Hale as Forky from previous films, plus Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Conan O'Brien as Smarty Pants and Anna Faris as Lilypad.


Synopsis: Pixar's website says: 'The toys are back in Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5, and this time it's Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to what kids are obsessed with today....electronics!'

Moana

Release date: 10th July 2026


Cast: Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.


Synopsis: It's thought that the storyline will follow the 2016 animated original, and the synopsis reads: 'In Disney's live-action adaptation of the beloved Oscar-nominated animated adventure, Moana answers the Ocean's call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.'

Hexed

Release date: 25th November 2026


Cast: Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones lead the voice cast.


Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation's logline reads: 'In Hexed, an impulsive and unconventional teenage girl named Billie (voice of Hailee Steinfeld) discovers secret magical abilities which, once unleashed, hurtle her into a spectacle-filled journey out of suburbia and into a vast witch realm called Hexe. Forced to team up with her cautious mother, Alice (voice of Rashida Jones), they uncover family mysteries that could change the world of witches forever.'

Gatto

Release date: 5th March 2027

Cast: Mark Ruffalo as Nero, a scrappy black cat, and Laurence Fishburne as Rocco, the ruthless mob boss cat.

Synopsis: 'In Gatto, after years of manoeuvring the canal-ridden, superstitious city of Venice, Italy, Nero begins to question whether he's lived the right lives. Indebted to Rocco, the local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose—unless Venice gets the better of him first.'

Frozen III

Release date: 24th November 2027


Cast: So far, we know that the characters of Elsa, Anna and Olaf will be part of the film - so it's safely assumed that Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell and Josh Gad will return.


Synopsis: There's no official word yet on what might happen in Frozen III, but reports speculate a wedding for Anna and Kristoff is on the horizon!

Lilo & Stitch 2

Release date: 26th May 2028


Cast: Maia Kealoha, Zach Galifianakis and Hannah Waddingham will return as Lilo, Dr. Jumba and the Grand Councilwoman respectively.


Synopsis: We don't know just yet!

Incredibles 3

Release date: 16th June 2028


Cast: There's no info about who will star in Incredibles 3, but we would imagine that Craig T. Nelson would return as Mr Incredible with Holly Hunter as Elastigirl and Sarah Vowell as Violet. Samuel L. Jackson also starred in both films as Lucius Best/Frozone.


Synopsis: Nothing has been announced just yet!

Coco 2

Release date: 2029


Cast: TBC


Synopsis: Not too much is known yet about the Coco sequel, but CEO Bob Iger said: "While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart and adventure, and we can't wait to share more soon." The original film followed 12-year-old Miguel: 'A 12-year-old who dreamed of becoming a musician despite his family's generations-old ban on music, who ventures to the vibrant Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family history.'