The first reactions to Disney’s live action remake of Moana are here after early screening on Tuesday. In short, the reactions and reviews are mostly negative. The film currently sits at a staggering 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, a steep drop off from the original’s 95% and even Moana 2‘s 61%. Many reactions criticize the film for being a lifeless, ugly remake of a vibrant animated film, but some applaud it for maintaining the story and themes of the original.
One review read, “Moana (2026) shows just how far Disney will go for a quick and easy buck, producing another unnecessary, nearly shot-for-shot, beat-for-beat live-action remake that doesn’t offer anything new that wasn’t already done better just ten years ago.” Another said, “It adds nothing the animated original didn’t already achieve. It often looks animated anyway, and Dwayne feels uncomfortable as Maui.” One more negative reaction said it was “A shot-for-shot, line-by-line remake without a single original idea. A creatively bankrupt cash grab with ZERO interesting direction. They don’t innovate; they imitate.”
However, not all reaction were poor, as some praised the film for sticking close to the source material. One reviewer said, “Honestly a little surprised to admit how much I enjoyed the live-action Moana. Catherine Laga’aia does a great job continuing the legacy (& has incredible comedic chemistry with Dwayne Johnson). There are some truly stunning shots.” Another said, “Moana is the same as the animated. Which is what I’ve always wanted from these. For the most part it is fun! Got me at the same parts & Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music is sublime.”
Moana is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. The film hits theaters this weekend.
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