Breaking Glass Ceilings: The TikTok Stars Making Disney History
Abigail Barlow, 26, and Emily Bear, 23, have skyrocketed from TikTok fame to Disney history, becoming the first all-female songwriting duo – and the youngest – to create the soundtrack for a Disney animated feature, Moana 2. Their journey is as remarkable as their achievement, blending viral success with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling through music.
“It is surprising,” admits Bear. “I feel like this should have happened 20 or 30 years ago. Hopefully, it’s just the first of many.” Barlow adds with a smile, “We’re happy to break that glass.”
From TikTok to Disney: A Remarkable Ascent
The American duo, performing under the name Barlow & Bear, first captured public attention with The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, a TikTok project inspired by the Netflix series. With over 60 million streams, the viral hit earned them a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2022. Despite its success, the project drew legal challenges from Netflix, eventually leading to a settlement.
Their talent caught Disney’s eye, and they were tapped to compose the songs for Moana 2, taking over from celebrated composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose How Far I’ll Go from the original Moana earned an Oscar nomination.
For Bear and Barlow, the opportunity was nothing short of a dream come true. “We are the Disney generation,” says Bear. “Our childhoods were filled with every Disney animated classic. For anyone who writes music, this is the ultimate dream.”
A New Chapter for Moana
Set a few years after the original, Moana 2 follows the titular heroine, now an 18-year-old wayfinder, on a journey through Oceania to discover new islands and deepen her connection to her ancestors. Original stars Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return as Moana and Maui, alongside new voices from Kiwi actors Rachel House and Rose Matafeo.
“Moana went through a significant transformation in the first movie,” explains Bear. “But the world has expanded, and so has she. This time, she’s grappling with learning from mistakes and embracing growth – a theme we deeply resonated with.”
Barlow adds, “For a Disney heroine to age, grow, and learn in this way is groundbreaking. It’s something we really wanted to reflect in the music.”
The pair collaborated with Samoan musician Opetaia Foa’i and composer Mark Mancina, both veterans of the original Moana, to craft a sound that honours the film’s Polynesian roots while introducing new dimensions.
Evolving Disney’s Musical Legacy
Creating a soundtrack for Moana 2 meant balancing homage with innovation. “[Lin-Manuel Miranda’s] music is beloved and treasured for a reason,” acknowledges Barlow. “It’s gorgeous and lush. We wanted to respect that while bringing our own perspective to the table.”
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The pair composed five original songs, blending Bear’s jazz and classical expertise with Barlow’s pop sensibilities. “The music has to grow with the characters and the world,” explains Bear. “Why make the same movie twice? We wanted to honour the sacred world of Moana while also moving the story forward.”
Describing their sound as “an earworm that makes you feel things,” Barlow & Bear aim to create music that resonates with both children and adults. “We just wanted to step into the characters’ shoes,” says Barlow. “When you approach it from that perspective, it becomes less about the pressure of millions listening and more about making something people love to sing in the car.”
Charting New Waters
For Bear and Barlow, Moana 2 represents not just a career milestone but also a cultural shift. They hope their success inspires other young women to follow in their footsteps.
Bear reflects on the significance of their journey: “It’s about creating space for more diverse voices in an industry that has been slow to evolve. If we can pave the way for even one more all-female team to write for Disney, that’s a win.”
With Moana 2, Barlow & Bear aren’t just writing songs; they’re making history – and smashing glass ceilings along the way.
