Moana 2composer Mark Mancina addresses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence in the movie, teasing the songwriter’s upcoming work inMufasa: The Lion King. Mancina has scored over 60 films and television series and arranged many songs for Disney’s theatrical adaptation ofThe Lion King.The Grammy Award winner and Disney’s longtime collaborator worked with Miranda on the soundtrack of the firstMoana. However, Miranda didn’t return to work onthe music forMoana 2.
Mancina addresses his fellow five-time Grammy Award winner’s absence in theMoanasequel withScreen Rant’s own Owen Danoff and praises the songwriter’s work in the upcomingMufasa: The Lion King. The composer reflects on the backlash about Miranda missing out onMoana 2, admitting that it would be “oversaturated” if Miranda did both films. While Mancina hasn’t watched the final cut ofMufasa, he knows that"the songs are really great.“Check out what he said below:
Well, first of all, I haven’t seen the [final cut of the] movie. When I did the songs, it was, gosh, a year ago or so. I have nothing to do with the score, but I do know the songs. I did those with Lin, and I think the songs are great. I really think the songs are strong. Is there a “Circle of Life”? No, but there are really good, really catchy songs, so I’ve got high hopes for them. I think people are going to really like them.
I think a lot of the critics that thought Lin was missing on Moana this time… I think it would have been really weird for Lin to do Moana 2 and then Mufasa. That would’ve been really oversaturated.I think his songs are going to be really welcome in Mufasa.I think people are going to really like them. I like them a lot. I think they’re really good.
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Mancina worked with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for the originalThe Lion King, which features vocal performances by Lebo M. and songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice. WhileZimmer isn’t returning forMufasa: The Lion King, the upcoming live-action prequel will feature a reunion between Miranda and Mancina, collaborating again after the originalMoana. Lebo M. is also involved in the making of theMufasasoundtrack.
Moanahas one of Disney’s best collections of songs. WithMoana 2andMufasa: The Lion Kingbeing releasedwithin weeks from each other, having Miranda writing songs for both films would counter the impact of their individual soundtracks, so the songwriter could only do one. With the success ofMoana’s soundtrack, it’s only a matter of time before the two music wizards work on another film together. Mancina’s comment suggests thatDisney might besaving their best talentsforMufasa: The Lion King.
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Disney Is Saving Its Best Work Till The End Of The Year
Moana 2’s soundtrack stands on its own, though it received some criticism for not matching Miranda’s work. Still, despite being in direct competition with fellow musicalWicked,the latest Disney animated film shined brightly. Based on Mancina’s comments, however, it seems that perhapsaudiences haven’t seen Disney’s best work this year yet.Mufasa: The Lion Kingalready features a star-studded castthat consists of new and familiar voices. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reprises her role as Nala, and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter is making her feature debut as Nala and Simba’s daughter.
The movie also stars Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Mads Mikkelsen. With Mancina and Miranda both working on the music for the film, it’s a strong indication thatMufasa: The Lion Kingis going to be something special. Mancina’s comments also suggest thatthe soundtrack might besimilar toMoana 2’s approachof incorporating catchy songs instead of making them too epic and cinematic.
Moana 2
Cast
Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
