How many Disney movies has Lin-Manuel Miranda now written music for?

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative footprint spans across musical theater and film, and his upcoming contribution to the new Lion King movie is set to join his list of iconic hits.

With a career as prolific as Miranda’s, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve found yourself humming one of his tunes at some point. From his groundbreaking work on Broadway to his memorable contributions to Disney’s recent successes, Miranda has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

His journey began in 2008 with the creation of the musical In the Heights, which earned him four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Song. However, it was his magnum opus, Hamilton, which premiered on Broadway in 2015, that catapulted Miranda to superstardom. As his career soared, he caught the attention of Disney, embarking on a fruitful collaboration with the entertainment giant.

Miranda’s partnership with Disney extends beyond The Lion King. He has lent his musical talents to several Disney projects, including the upcoming prequel/sequel to 2019’s The Lion King. This new endeavor sees Miranda following in the footsteps of esteemed composers like Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, and Beyoncé.

Director Barry Jenkins praised Miranda’s ability to deepen the film’s narrative through his music, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the music and the story. Miranda’s previous work with Disney includes crafting original songs for The Little Mermaid in 2023 and creating the soundtrack for 2021’s Encanto. Additionally, he starred in Mary Poppins Returns, co-produced a film adaptation of Hamilton, and contributed to the Star Wars soundtracks.

Miranda’s collaboration with Disney has seen both extraordinary successes and some less memorable moments, but his contributions have undoubtedly left an impact on audiences worldwide. As anticipation builds for Mufasa: The Lion King, slated for release on December 20, 2024, fans eagerly await to see where the film’s soundtrack will land in Miranda’s illustrious catalog of music.