Introduction
Disney’s Moana Live-Action (2026) is a beautiful but ultimately redundant retelling of the beloved 2016 animated classic. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton) and starring Catherine Laga‘aia as the titular Polynesian heroine, the film faithfully recreates the original’s vibrant island setting, exhilarating oceanic sequences, and catchy Lin-Manuel Miranda songs—yet it struggles to justify its existence beyond Disney’s ongoing live-action remake trend.
While the movie delivers breathtaking visuals, strong performances, and respectful cultural representation, it lacks the magic and originality that made the animated version so special. This review will break down the film’s strengths and weaknesses, assessing whether it sinks or swims in Disney’s ever-growing sea of remakes.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
For those unfamiliar with the story, Moana follows the courageous daughter of a Polynesian chief who sets sail across the Pacific to save her island from a mysterious blight. Along the way, she teams up with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role in a CGI/live-action hybrid performance) to restore the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti.
The live-action version follows the original’s plot almost beat-for-beat, with minor expansions to Moana’s backstory and Maui’s mythology. Newcomers may find it an engaging adventure, but fans of the animated film will notice few surprises.
What Works
1. Stunning Visuals & Authentic Polynesian Representation
- The film’s greatest strength is its cinematography. Shot on location in Fiji and Hawaii, the ocean vistas, lush jungles, and volcanic landscapes are jaw-dropping.
- Disney consulted Polynesian cultural advisors again, ensuring respectful portrayals of traditions, tattoos, and voyaging techniques.
2. Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana
- The young newcomer brings warmth, determination, and a powerful singing voice to the role. Her rendition of “How Far I’ll Go” is a standout.
- Unlike some Disney remakes that miscast their leads (looking at you, Aladdin), Laga‘aia feels born to play Moana.
3. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui – Still Charismatic
- Johnson’s return as Maui is a mixed bag (more on that later), but his comedic timing and larger-than-life presence remain entertaining.
- The CGI rendering of Maui’s tattoos (which still “come to life”) is impressively detailed.
4. The Music Holds Up
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original songs return, with a few new lyrical tweaks and Polynesian-language verses.
- “You’re Welcome” and “Shiny” (now performed by a surprise celebrity cameo) retain their infectious energy.
What Doesn’t Work
1. Why Does This Exist?
- The animated Moana is only eight years old—far too recent to need a remake. Unlike The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast, which had decades-old nostalgia, this feels like a cash grab.
- The story doesn’t gain enough new depth to warrant retelling. A sequel or spin-off would have been more exciting.
2. Maui’s Uncanny Valley Problem
- While Johnson’s performance is fun, the CGI Maui clashes with the live-action environments. He looks less like a mythic demigod and more like a Fast & Furious character greenscreened into a Disney movie.
3. Missing the Animated Magic
- The original’s vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions don’t translate perfectly to live-action. Heihei the rooster, for example, is less hilarious in photorealistic form.
- Some sequences (like the Kakamora coconut pirates) lose their whimsy when rendered realistically.
4. Pacing Issues
- At 2 hours and 15 minutes (20 minutes longer than the original), the film drags in the middle. A new subplot about Moana’s ancestors feels tacked on.
Comparison to the Animated Original
| Aspect | Animated (2016) | Live-Action (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Style | Bold, colorful, dynamic | Gorgeous but less magical |
| Maui | Perfectly animated swagger | Great voice, odd CGI |
| Music | Iconic, fresh | Still great, but not new |
| Emotional Impact | Powerful & uplifting | Similar, but less surprising |
Final Verdict
Moana Live-Action is far from Disney’s worst remake (looking at you, Pinocchio), but it’s also far from essential. It’s a well-made, respectful retelling that will please newcomers and younger audiences, but it doesn’t surpass—or even equal—the original.
Rating: 6.5/10
✅ Pros: Gorgeous cinematography, strong lead performance, great music.
❌ Cons: Unnecessary, Maui’s CGI is hit-or-miss, lacks original’s spark.
Who Should Watch?
- Families with kids who haven’t seen the animated version.
- Die-hard Disney completionists.
Final Thought
Disney needs to stop remaking films that don’t need remaking. Instead of retreading Moana, they should invest in new stories—perhaps a Polynesian mythology epic or an original adventure. As it stands, this Moana is a beautiful but forgettable voyage.
Recommendation: Watch the animated Moana again instead. 🌊
