Today, Disney and fans of Moana alike celebrate the release of “Beyond,” the end-credit song from the highly anticipated Moana 2 soundtrack. Written by Grammy®-winning duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (known as Barlow & Bear), “Beyond” captures Moana’s adventurous spirit and her drive to push the boundaries of her world. Now available on all major streaming platforms, the song offers fans a taste of the powerful music that awaits in Moana 2.
A New Soundtrack for a New Adventure
The full Moana 2 soundtrack, set to release on November 22, reunites the creative talents of the original movie with fresh voices. In addition to Barlow & Bear, the soundtrack features returning composers Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina. The vinyl edition is available for pre-order on Amazon, Disney Music Emporium, Target, and Walmart, while the CD version is available on Amazon, Disney Music Emporium, and Target. For fans of Disney soundtracks, this is an unmissable collection that promises to deliver the unforgettable melodies and inspiring lyrics that have defined Moana.
RELATED: Inside ULTRAMAN: RISING Sound – The Creative Soundscape, Emotional Depths, and Epic Collaboration
The song lineup includes favorites like “Beyond,” performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, as well as new tracks from Te Vaka, Dwayne Johnson (who returns as Maui), and other talented voices. With tracks like “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” and “Mana Vavau,” the music celebrates Pacific Island heritage and brings the vibrant culture of Oceania to life once again.
A Journey Inspired by Heritage
Barlow & Bear shared insights into their creative process for “Beyond”:
“During the process of writing this, we spoke to a lot of people who come from Oceania and the Polynesian Islands… the idea that the ocean connects us all is a very big part of Pacific Island culture and wayfinding culture.”
The composers were deeply moved by the connection between the people of Oceania and their ancestors. Their lyrics in “Beyond” reflect Moana’s connection to her island, family, and heritage, bringing a sense of continuity from the original Moana and enriching her character with even deeper cultural roots.
Director Jason Hand, who co-directed alongside David Derrick Jr. and Dana Ledoux Miller, spoke on the emotional weight of the song:
“It’s incredibly emotional. When Auli‘i sang it, it really blew us away. We were all in tears listening to her.”
Cravalho, who returns to voice Moana, shared her own personal connection to “Beyond”:
“It’s about going beyond what you’re capable of, beyond your comfort zone, and not doing it just for yourself, doing it for your people.”
These heartfelt responses from the creative team show how Moana 2 builds on the themes of courage, self-discovery, and cultural pride that made the original Moana so impactful.
A Look Ahead to Moana 2
Moana 2 takes audiences three years beyond the events of the first film. Moana and Maui, along with a new crew, embark on a challenging voyage into uncharted waters after Moana receives a mysterious call from her wayfinding ancestors. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film features a stellar voice cast that includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, and more. Moana’s journey will not only be epic in scope but will also dive into deeper elements of her heritage and connection to the sea.
The Moana 2 soundtrack promises to be as beloved as its predecessor, which garnered over 20 billion streams and featured classics like “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go.” This time around, fans can expect new, exciting anthems and moving melodies that encapsulate Moana’s growth, resilience, and the cultural legacy of Oceania.
With the soundtrack arriving on November 22 and Moana 2 opening in theaters on November 27, fans don’t have long to wait to experience Moana’s next adventure. Tickets for Moana 2 are now available wherever tickets are sold.
About Moana 2
U.S. Release Date: November 27, 2024
Directed by: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Produced by: Christina Chen, Yvett Merino
Executive produced by: Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush and Dwayne Johnson
Music by: Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa‘i, Mark Mancina
Voice Cast: Auli‘i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda
SYNOPSIS:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Are you excited to hear “Beyond” and the rest of Moana 2‘s soundtrack? What are your thoughts on Moana’s new adventure and the return of fan-favorite characters? Share your reactions with us on social media!
KEEP READING: RED ONE REVIEW – Muscles, Charm, and Mythical Creatures Bring the Christmas Magic
