Lin-manuel miranda, the Oscar-nominated songwriter behind Moana‘s "How Far I’ll Go," recently revealed why he didn’t return for the highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2.
He explained that the timing simply didn’t align. When he received the script for Mufasa, a prequel to The Lion King, he was fresh off completing the soundtrack for Encanto. Work on Moana 2 was already in progress, initially envisioned as a TV series led by Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. When the decision was made to transform it into a theatrical release, they were well underway.
Despite not reprising his role,Miranda had the opportunity to hear Bear and Barlow’s music for the film and was full of praise for their talent. He was particularly thrilled with Auliʻi Cravalho’s vocal performance, noting the impressive vocal evolution she’s undergone since she was cast at 14 years old.
Miranda’s musical contribution to the original Moana earned him numerous accolades,including an Oscar nomination and a grammy win.
Shifting gears to mufasa, Miranda described the unique challenge of composing music for a prequel to a beloved classic. He found the script to be a surprising revelation, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic characters of Mufasa and Scar. Capturing the essence of their complex backstory,he aimed to create music that did justice to the original film’s legacy.
Miranda was especially drawn to exploring the unexplored territory of Mufasa and Scar’s brotherhood. He found the opportunity to delve into their affectionate bond,and the key question of how their relationship evolved into the dynamic depicted in The Lion King,deeply compelling.
Working with director Barry Jenkins,whom he deeply admires,was another highlight.
Both Miranda and Jenkins shared heartfelt reflections on the legacy of the late James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa. jenkins eloquently expressed how Jones, as a prominent Black figure in Hollywood, served as a role model and father figure to many, including himself.
Miranda recounted a cherished memory of sharing a ride to the White House with Jones, highlighting the profound impact the legendary actor had on his life.
Mufasa: The Lion King roars into theaters on December 20th.
What inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s musical contributions to ‘Moana’ and how do they compare to his work on ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’?
Interview: Lin-Manuel Miranda on His Journey with ‘Moana’ and ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Lin-Manuel. Let’s dive right into your recent projects. You had an unbelievable impact on the original soundtrack for Moana. What were the reasons behind your decision not to return for Moana 2?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Thank you for having me! the timing just didn’t align for Moana 2. When I received the script for Mufasa,I had just wrapped up the soundtrack for Encanto. By that time, Moana 2 was already evolving from a TV series concept, led by Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow, into a full-fledged theatrical release. By the time I knew they needed a new direction, they were well into the process.
Editor: It sounds like a busy period for you! Even though you didn’t work on Moana 2, you expressed your admiration for Emily and Abigail’s music. What impressed you about their contributions?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Absolutely, their talent is incredible. I had the pleasure of listening to their work for Moana 2, and I was notably impressed by auliʻi Cravalho’s vocal evolution. She has developed so much since she was 14,and hearing her now is truly exciting. I’m confident audiences will resonate with their fresh sound.
Editor: Switching gears,you’re now working on Mufasa: The Lion King. what unique challenges did you face while composing for a prequel to such a beloved classic?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Composing for a prequel like Mufasa was indeed a unique challenge. The script provided surprising revelations about Mufasa and Scar’s relationships, offering a deeper outlook on these characters. My goal was to create music that honors the original film’s legacy while capturing the essence of their complex backstory.
Editor: You mentioned exploring mufasa and Scar’s brotherhood. Why do you find that aspect of their relationship compelling?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: The dynamic between Mufasa and Scar is fascinating. It was critical to explore how their affectionate bond could deteriorate into the conflict we see in The Lion King. Understanding that evolution not only enriched the characters but also allowed for a more profound musical interpretation.
Editor: You’re collaborating with director Barry Jenkins on this project. What’s been your experience working with him?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Working with Barry Jenkins has been a highlight! His vision and depth as a storyteller inspire me. We shared heartfelt discussions about the legacy of James Earl Jones,and I believe that emotional connection has truly shaped the film. Barry considers Jones a father figure, and I also have cherished memories of my time with him.His influence in Hollywood,especially as a prominent Black figure,remains significant.
Editor: As we look forward, what’s something that you hope audiences will take away from Mufasa: The Lion King?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: I hope audiences will appreciate the complexity of the characters in the world of The Lion King. By diving deeper into Mufasa and Scar’s relationship, I think we can contextualize their story in a more relatable way. Just as with Moana, it’s all about connection—both through music and narrative.
Editor: Thank you, Lin-Manuel, for sharing your insights and experiences with us! As a final note, mufasa: The Lion King will be hitting theaters on December 20th. We look forward to experiencing the music and story you’ve created.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to see it.