“I pitched it, (and) I couldn’t even finish the sentence before they went, ‘We’re in.'”
Disney’s live-action “Moana” is generating plenty of attention this summer, and its companion album, “Moana: Voices Across the Ocean,” is riding that same wave.
Dwayne Johnson, who stars in the film and serves as executive producer on the album, said the concept actually began with his wife, Lauren Hashian. “The whole idea of this album ‘inspired by,’ I’m going to embarrass Lauren, is it came from her and that’s the truth. From ‘Moana 1,’ 10 years ago, she goes, ‘A great idea: what if you guys did an adjacent album that was inspired by?'”
After two animated films and now a live-action chapter, Johnson said the timing finally felt right. The idea also followed the success of other major “inspired by” albums tied to blockbuster films. “Beyoncé had her ‘inspired by’ album, ‘Lion King.’ Kendrick (Lamar) with ‘Black Panther,'” he shared.
Johnson recalled bringing the idea to Disney executives over dinner, where the response was immediate. “I pitched it, (and) I couldn’t even finish the sentence before they went, ‘We’re in. We love this idea and we want to illuminate your Polynesian culture and these artists.'”
ALSO READ: Popular TV Reporter Abruptly Quits After 12 Years on Air
Hashian said the album’s title came after plenty of brainstorming, but the group kept returning to one central theme. “For the title, you know, I think we came with 50 ideas, but the one thing that we could all agree on were these voices. They all have something different to share. So, we felt like the voice was really the most important thing to highlight,” she said.
Watch the interview above to hear why “Your Dad,” Johnson’s heartfelt song featured on the album, stands out as Hashian’s favorite track.
Fans can stream the animated “Moana” and “Moana 2” now on Disney+.
The live-action “Moana” is in theaters now.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney+ and this ABC station.
Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.
