Nearly a decade after Moana first captured audiences with its story of courage, identity, and self-discovery, Disney is bringing the beloved adventure back to the big screen in a live-action reimagining. While the heart of the story remains the same, the new film introduces a fresh generation of talent and even a brand-new song that helps bridge the past and the future of the franchise.

Entertainment Affair's Jo Blanco sat down with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Catherine Lagaʻaia to discuss stepping into the world of Moana, creating the film's emotional new anthem, and why the story continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.

For Lagaʻaia, landing the role of Moana was nothing short of life-changing.

After a worldwide casting search that drew more than 30,000 submissions, the Australian actress received the news during a Zoom call with director Thomas Kail. She admitted there was a moment when she thought the opportunity had slipped away after an earlier meeting was unexpectedly canceled, making the eventual call even more emotional. Sitting beside her mother when the news arrived, Lagaʻaia immediately turned to make sure they had both heard the same thing before calling the rest of her family to celebrate.

"I was instantly in tears," she recalled.

For Miranda, the casting process ended just as decisively. After years of collaborating with Kail on projects including Hamilton, he trusted his longtime creative partner's instincts completely. When Kail showed him Lagaʻaia's audition, it took only moments to know they had found their Moana.

"That's her," Miranda remembered thinking. "She's such a star."

While audiences will once again hear beloved favorites like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome," the live-action adaptation also introduces "Along the Way," an original song written specifically for the film.

Rather than setting out to add something new from the beginning, Miranda explained that the song emerged naturally during conversations with Kail about how the film should conclude. The breakthrough came when Kail suggested making the closing number a musical conversation between Auliʻi Cravalho, who originated Moana in the animated films and serves as an executive producer on the live-action adaptation, and Lagaʻaia, who now carries the character forward.

The idea instantly clicked.

"As soon as he said it, I went to write it," Miranda said, revealing that the song came together in about a week.

The result is more than just another musical number—it serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, honoring the legacy of the original while welcoming a new Moana for today's audiences.

For Lagaʻaia, joining that legacy came with understandable nerves. Making Moana marked her first feature film, introducing her to everything from filming on set to ADR sessions and international press tours. Looking back, she says the experience changed the way she views uncertainty.

"I was scared of the unknown. Now that excites me," she shared.

That idea of embracing the unknown sits at the very heart of Moana, a theme Miranda believes has helped the story endure long after its original release.

Rather than seeing Moana's journey as leaving her home behind, he views it as honoring where you come from while having the courage to follow your own calling—a message he says resonates deeply with many Latino families.

"I love my family. I love my culture. There's something even bigger beyond that that I'm reaching for," Miranda said.

It's also why he hopes audiences experience the live-action film together on the biggest screen possible. While millions first discovered Moana at home, seeing the story brought to life with live performers gives the music and emotion an entirely different scale.

As our conversation came to a close, it became clear that this new version of Moana isn't trying to replace the animated classic that inspired a generation. Instead, it builds upon that legacy, celebrating the timeless themes of courage, family, and self-discovery while inviting audiences to experience the journey in a whole new way.

With Lagaʻaia stepping confidently into one of Disney's most beloved roles and Miranda once again providing the music that guides the adventure, Moana is ready to inspire a new generation to find its own way.

Moana opens exclusively in theaters on July 10.