Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana opens exclusively in Australian cinemas on July 8, 2026 — and ahead of its arrival, the film has just delivered its first major musical moment.
The all-new song “Along The Way,” written by GRAMMY, Emmy and Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, is out now. It’s performed by Catherine Laga’aia, who takes on the role of Moana in the live-action film, alongside franchise veterans Dwayne Johnson, back as the demigod Maui, and Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both animated films and returns here as an executive producer.
A music video and a behind-the-scenes featurette are both available now, offering the first real look at the creative process behind the new film’s sound.
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.”
The film is directed by Thomas Kail — the Emmy and Tony Award-winner behind Hamilton on Broadway — and produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The story follows Moana as she voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with Maui to restore prosperity to her people. The supporting cast includes Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, John Tui as Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as Sina — with all three actors hailing from New Zealand, lending an authentic Pacific voice to the production.
The music doesn’t stop there. The Moana Original Soundtrack drops June 27, featuring songs by Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina — including reimagined versions of “How Far I’ll Go,” “You’re Welcome,” and “Shiny” performed by a new cast. A Deluxe version follows July 9, with the Original Score arriving July 11.
On August 1, “Moana: Voices Across The Ocean” — an inspired-by album executive produced by Dwayne Johnson — releases digitally, featuring 15 tracks from Pacific artists across seven islands and cultures including Stan Walker, Dinah Jane, Iam Tongi, Paula Fuga, Maoli and Common Kings.
Disney’s “Moana” opens exclusively in Australian and New Zealand cinemas July 8, 2026. Watch the official trailer. Stream “Along The Way” now on Spotify and Apple Music. Watch the music video and featurette on YouTube.
