Disney's latest live-action remake is facing a critical drubbing that rivals the Snow White backlash. The studio's Moana redo, starring Dwayne Johnson, has sailed into rough waters with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 33% based on 49 reviews—nearly three times worse than the 2016 animated classic's 95% rating.
The film, which hits theaters this weekend, was already raising eyebrows when announced only a decade after the original. That first Moana earned nearly $700 million globally, and its 2024 sequel crossed $1 billion, proving audiences still love the wayfinding heroine. But critics say this live-action version fails to capture the magic. As with many unnecessary remakes, the result feels hollow.
What the Critics Are Saying
ScreenRant noted the remake "loses some of the original's magic," while CBR was slightly more positive but admitted "even though it is thrilling, there are still elements that are a bit of a head scratcher." Collider's Taylor Gates gave it a 5/10, criticizing "bland visuals, a strangely constrained Johnson performance, and sluggish pacing." Gates wrote: "Despite a few fun, solidly executed musical sequences and a nice tribute to Polynesian culture, Moana ultimately fails to capture the magic of its animated counterpart. Everything it does well, the 2016 version already did better."
Dwayne Johnson's Double Duty
Johnson, who also produces, recently confirmed that Moana 3 is in development with writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. "But first, live-action Moana. We'll let that come out first," he said. After this critical reception, he might wish he'd jumped straight to the threequel. The film is still projected to open to over $130 million worldwide, but the poor reviews could hurt its long-term box office.
Disney's live-action remake strategy has been a mixed bag. While The Lion King and Aladdin were hits, Snow White and now Moana show that audiences and critics are growing tired of the trend. Even ambitious projects like Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey are getting more love than Disney's latest retread.
For fans hoping for a fresh take, the live-action Moana may feel like a step back. The original's vibrant animation, catchy songs, and emotional depth are hard to replicate. As one critic put it, "It's a beautiful boat that doesn't know where to go."
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other blockbuster releases.
