When Disney released Encanto in late 2021, few could have predicted that one of its ensemble numbers would become a worldwide obsession. We Don’t Talk About Bruno, written by celebrated composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda, not only captured the spirit of the film but also created a musical moment that resonated across cultures and generations.
The track stands out for giving nearly every principal character a spotlight. Sung by Carolina Gaitán (Pepa), Mauro Castillo (Félix), Adassa (Dolores), Rhenzy Feliz (Camilo), Diane Guerrero (Isabela), and Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), the song tells the tale of Bruno Madrigal — the family member whose gift of prophecy has been misunderstood and linked to misfortune.
Musically, it’s a masterclass in blending styles. Miranda weaves together salsa rhythms, Broadway flair, pop hooks, and touches of hip-hop. This mid-tempo cha-cha-cha-inspired piece has been translated into 46 languages, allowing it to reach a truly global audience.
Remarkably, the cast received the music and lyrics only two days before recording. Pandemic restrictions meant sessions were unconventional — some performers recorded remotely over Zoom under Miranda’s direction. Despite these challenges, the energy and chemistry translated flawlessly onto the screen and into listeners’ hearts. Castillo recalled telling his wife he knew the track was destined to be big, noting its irresistible invitation to dance and embrace vibrant Latin sounds.
Miranda himself drew inspiration from ensemble-driven Broadway classics like A Weekend in the Country from A Little Night Music and It’s Beginning to Snow from Rent. His goal was to create a layered musical moment that allowed minor characters to shine while illustrating the complexities of a large family.
Interestingly, Miranda noted Bruno’s predictions in the song are intentionally benign — misunderstandings and fear exaggerate their supposed negativity. On repeated listens, it becomes clear that Bruno’s foresight was never malicious.
The song’s meteoric climb included dethroning Adele from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, leading Spotify’s U.S. Top Songs chart, topping the UK Singles Chart, and dominating Canadian rankings. Its reach extended beyond streaming services to mainstream radio play.
One factor driving its viral fame was TikTok, where fans embraced Encanto’s relatable themes of generational differences, family dynamics, and Latin cultural pride. Memes, dances, and remixes have amassed billions of views on the platform.
Two months post-release, Miranda returned from vacation to find the track had exploded in popularity. He believes its appeal lies in the fact that nearly every listener finds a part of the song to connect with — if one melody doesn’t grab you, another arrives moments later.
We Don’t Talk About Bruno is more than a hit song; it’s a cultural celebration wrapped in an irresistible tune. Its success underscores the power of storytelling, diversity, and music as a unifying force.
