Disney’s live-action remake of “Moana” is facing a wave of sharp criticism, with early reviews questioning whether the studio’s latest reworking of one of its most popular modern animated films justifies its existence.
The film, led by Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, has been described in several early notices as an uneven and unnecessary retelling of the 2016 animated musical. Critics cited by major outlets said the remake struggles to capture the visual spark, emotional sweep and freshness that helped make the original a global hit.
The BBC described the new version as “dismal,” while other reviews used language such as “soulless” and “pointless” to characterize the production. The New York Times said the film “doesn’t go far,” reflecting a broader complaint that the remake stays close to familiar material without offering a compelling new reason to revisit it in live action.
A familiar Disney strategy meets fresh scrutiny
Disney has spent more than a decade converting animated classics into live-action or photorealistic films, with mixed critical results and often strong box office returns. “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” all arrived with built-in audience recognition, even as reviewers frequently debated whether the remakes improved on the originals.
“Moana,” however, presents a different challenge. Unlike older Disney titles, the original is less than 10 years old and remains widely available to families through streaming and home viewing. Its songs, characters and ocean-crossing adventure are still part of the current Disney brand, making the case for a remake harder for some critics to accept.
Reviewers have singled out Johnson’s return as Maui as one of the movie’s most recognizable links to the animated film. Laga’aia’s performance as Moana has also drawn attention because she steps into a role closely associated with Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced the character in the original. But the broader critical response suggests that star power alone may not be enough to overcome skepticism about the project.
Box office questions follow the reviews
The negative reception arrives as analysts consider whether the remake can draw families to theaters at a time when Disney’s franchise strategy is under close watch. Variety reported that “Moana” could be headed for “choppy waters” at the box office, signaling uncertainty about whether brand familiarity will outweigh weak reviews.
Even with poor notices, Disney remakes can perform well commercially, especially when supported by nostalgia, music and global recognition. But the criticism surrounding “Moana” highlights a recurring challenge for the studio: persuading audiences that a new version of a beloved story offers more than a polished repeat.
For now, the live-action “Moana” enters the marketplace with heightened scrutiny. Whether audiences share critics’ concerns or embrace the return to Motunui will become clearer as the film’s theatrical rollout continues.
Key questions
- What are critics saying about Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’?
- Early reviews have been largely negative, with several critics arguing that the remake does not add enough to the 2016 animated film.
- Who stars in the live-action ‘Moana’ remake?
- The remake stars Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia as Moana.
