Disney Legends in Conversation: Lin-Manuel Miranda

The Disney Legends Award ceremony at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will recognize 13 individuals for their enduring impact on Disney. Among them is Lin-Manuel Miranda, honored in the Film & Music category, who reflected on his career and the significance of the award in an exclusive interview. Miranda described the honor as surreal, tracing his inspiration back to Disney’s *The Little Mermaid*, which shaped his artistic path and led to collaborations with the company.

Miranda discussed his creative process for Disney projects, including *Moana*, *Mary Poppins Returns*, and *Hamilton*, emphasizing the personal and professional milestones tied to each. He recalled the excitement of contributing to *Moana* while simultaneously learning of his first child’s birth, and the opportunity to work with director Rob Marshall on *Mary Poppins Returns* as a masterclass in filmmaking.

Reflecting on *Hamilton*’s global success, Miranda highlighted Disney+’s role in bringing the musical to families during the pandemic and its 2025 theatrical re-release. He credited Disney with amplifying the work while preserving its artistic integrity, noting the company’s ability to provide both intimate and large-scale platforms for storytelling.

Miranda also addressed the unexpected success of *We Don’t Talk About Bruno* from *Encanto*, calling it a collaborative phenomenon that resonated during a time of shared family experiences. He described the challenge of honoring *The Lion King*’s musical legacy in *Mufasa: The Lion King*, emphasizing the emotional core of the story and his collaboration with Barry Jenkins. Miranda’s career spans Disney’s *Star Wars*, animated series, and literary adaptations, underscoring his lifelong connection to the brand.