‘Moana’ Live Action Post Credits Scene Explained Should You Stay for the Song?

Disney continues its live-action remake journey with one of its most awaited films, a new version of ‘Moana’. This adaptation sees Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, a character he voiced in the 2016 animated original, alongside newcomer Catherine Laga’aia making her feature film debut as the titular character.

Directed by Thomas Kail in his film debut, the live-action ‘Moana’ hit theaters nationwide on July 10. The screenplay is crafted by original writer Jared Bush and ‘Moana 2’ scribe Dana Ledoux Miller. As is common with major releases today, audiences are eager to know if there’s a reason to remain seated once the credits start rolling.

The short answer is that ‘Moana’ does not feature a traditional post-credits scene like those found in superhero films. Instead, it offers a musical experience, showcasing a brand new original song that plays during the credits.

Titled “Along the Way,” the song is penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda specifically for this remake. It features performances from Johnson, Laga’aia, and Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both the 2016 original and its 2024 sequel. This performance plays as the credits roll rather than being integrated into the film’s narrative.

Cravalho’s role extends beyond the song, as she also serves as an executive producer for the live-action version, helping to connect her animated portrayal with Laga’aia’s new live-action interpretation. Her involvement in the song has been highlighted by various outlets as a significant touch to the credits, despite mixed reviews regarding the song itself.

Reactions to “Along the Way” have been quite varied among early reviews. Some critics praised the song as a charming addition, while others found the lyrics lacking and reminiscent of tracks from ‘Moana 2’. Additionally, many reviewers noted that the song is not part of the film’s plot, which some viewed as a missed opportunity given the talent involved.

For those hoping for a Marvel-style stinger that hints at a sequel or features a surprise cameo, current reviews indicate that ‘Moana’ does not deliver that. Instead, the reward for staying through the credits is the new original song and the chance to hear Cravalho and Laga’aia perform together for the first time.

Given how closely this remake adheres to the original animated film, it’s not surprising that the credits sequence follows a similarly restrained approach, avoiding any larger cinematic universe implications. The film has been described as a faithful, often shot-for-shot recreation of its predecessor, making a flashy story continuation at the end feel out of place.

However, the credits are not without merit for fans invested in the franchise’s legacy. Watching Cravalho, who introduced audiences to Moana nearly a decade ago, share a song with the actress now taking on the role provides its own emotional payoff, even without a plot twist.

Whether this is enough to convince you to stay through the credits depends on your interest in the music aspect of the franchise compared to its storyline. At the very least, it clarifies for those wondering if they might miss something crucial by leaving early.

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