The 2026 live-action rendition of Disney's "Moana" has been met with criticism for its near-identical replication of the 2016 animated film, with reviewers noting a distinct lack of artistic merit and originality. While the original "Moana" explored themes of identity through its characters and songs, the new version is described as a "glossy digital clone" that offers little new to the narrative or aesthetic.
Despite the financial success of Disney's live-action remakes, the "Moana" adaptation is seen as lacking a compelling reason to exist. The story follows Polynesian princess Moana, played by newcomer Catherine Laga'aia, who must venture beyond her island home to find the demigod Maui and restore the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti, thereby saving her people from a creeping rot. This plotline remains largely unchanged from the original animated feature.
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, with his character receiving only minor script adjustments. Heihei, the fan-favorite chicken, also gets a few additional visual gags. Director Thomas Kail, known for "Hamilton," has incorporated more Polynesian dance sequences, adding synchronized movements to village rituals. However, the overall visual presentation, despite being shot in Hawaii, often retains a slick digital sheen, with many characters and settings appearing heavily reliant on effects.
Johnson's portrayal of Maui presents a more grounded, slightly wearier interpretation of the character compared to his animated counterpart. While still embodying Maui's larger-than-life personality and physique, he appears more human in the live-action adaptation. This shift also leads to a slight toning down of Maui's more slapstick physical comedy, giving him more gravity. The animated tattoos on Maui, a signature element, are present and animated, adding comic punctuation to scenes.
The film's background cast, the villagers of Motunui, stand out for their individuality and physical diversity, a stark contrast to the often generalized depictions in animation. These human actors bring a level of specificity that digital characters lack, serving as elaborate set dressing but also celebrating real human variety on screen.
Catherine Laga'ia delivers a convincing performance as Moana, particularly in moments requiring defiance and strong will, though some scenes are noted to feel less natural. Lin-Manuel Miranda's original songs largely retain their emotional power, with "We Know The Way" still packing a significant punch. A new song, "Along the Way," featured during the closing credits and a rap from Johnson, is described as forgettable, echoing similar criticisms of songs from "Moana 2."
For viewers unfamiliar with the original animated film, the live-action "Moana" may offer an engaging experience with its music and story. However, for those who have seen the 2016 version, the remake is largely considered superfluous. It fails to assert itself as unique or necessary, ultimately serving as an "ironic artifact" of Disney's remake strategy, telling a story about identity while ironically lacking its own.
The live-action "Moana" is scheduled to open in theaters on July 10, 2026.