Disney Releases Featurette Spotlighting New Moana Song "Along the Way" Ahead of July 10 Premiere
Disney dropped a new behind‑the‑scenes featurette on Monday, June 15, giving fans an intimate look at the music behind the 2026 live‑action remake of Moana. The clip centers on “Along the Way,” a fresh track that unites the film’s lead actress, the original voice actor, and the star who returns as Maui. The same day the company announced the film’s July 10 theatrical opening, the featurette was shared across Disney’s official channels.
The song is a collaboration between Catherine Laga'aia, who plays Moana in the new film, Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of the 2016 animated heroine, and Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui. “Along the Way” was written by Lin‑Manuel Miranda, who also serves as a producer on the remake. In the featurette, Laga'aia says, “Along the Way is the perfect symbolism for this movie. Dwayne and Auli'i each sing about finding me along the way.” Cravalho adds, “Being able to pass the baton to Catherine is really important for me. To see her take on the life of this character is such a joy.”
Moana is slated for a wide theatrical release on July 10, 2026, distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The live‑action adaptation is directed by Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The cast includes Johnson reprising Maui, Laga'aia as Moana, and supporting performances by John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement. Principal photography wrapped in Hawaii and Atlanta in late 2024.
The original 2016 animated film, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, was a commercial success and received critical acclaim, grossing $687 million worldwide. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 89th Academy Awards. The 2026 remake follows the same core story: Moana, the daughter of a village chief, is chosen by the ocean to restore a mystical relic and must travel beyond her island with the demigod Maui. The new film aims to preserve the cultural elements central to the original while expanding the narrative for a live‑action format.
“Along the Way” serves as a musical bridge between the original and the remake. The collaboration reflects the film’s theme of intergenerational connection. Miranda’s involvement as writer and producer underscores Disney’s commitment to maintaining the musical integrity of the original. The featurette highlights the technical aspects of recording the track, including the use of Polynesian instruments and vocal layering techniques that blend the actors’ voices.
In addition to the featurette, Disney released a final trailer for the film last week. The trailer shows Johnson’s Maui singing “You’re Welcome,” the character’s signature song from the original movie. The trailer positions the remake as a continuation of the beloved story while introducing new musical elements. The trailer’s release ahead of the film’s premiere is part of Disney’s broader strategy to build anticipation for the July 10 opening.
The live‑action remake was announced in April 2023, with Johnson announcing the project and the intention to bring the story to a new medium. Thomas Kail was hired as director in May 2023, and Laga'aia was named the title role in June 2024. Filming began in July 2024 and wrapped in November 2024. The production team consulted with Polynesian musicians and cultural advisors to incorporate authentic instruments such as the pahu drum and the nose flute. The recording sessions for “Along the Way” took place in a Los Angeles studio, where the three performers recorded their parts separately before the tracks were mixed and layered.
The film’s release strategy follows Disney’s pattern for live‑action remakes, which includes a multi‑platform rollout. In addition to a theatrical release, the film will be available in premium formats such as IMAX and 4K Ultra HD. Disney also plans to release the film on its streaming service, Disney+, after the theatrical window, consistent with the company’s recent distribution model. The release date remains July 10, 2026, and no further updates have been announced about additional songs or promotional content. Viewers can expect the film to be available in multiple formats, including IMAX, on the day of release. Disney’s official channels will likely continue to share behind‑the‑scenes content as the premiere approaches.
