Directed by: Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Fosse/Verdon)
Produced by: Dwayne Johnson, Auliʻi Cravalho, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Starring: Catherine Laga‘aia (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), John Tui (Tui), Rena Owen (Gramma Tala)
Genre: Adventure, Musical, Fantasy
Runtime: 115 minutes

Introduction

Disney’s Moana (2016) was a beloved animated masterpiece, celebrated for its breathtaking visuals, empowering story, and unforgettable music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa‘i, and Mark Mancina. Now, the studio has released its live-action remake, Moana: Live-Action (2025), with Hamilton director Thomas Kail at the helm and original stars Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho returning as producers.

The film follows the same story as the animated version—Moana, a brave Polynesian voyager, sets sail to save her island with the help of the demigod Maui—but does this remake justify its existence, or is it another Disney cash grab?

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

For those unfamiliar with Moana, the story centers on Moana Waialiki (Catherine Laga‘aia), the daughter of a Polynesian chief, who is chosen by the ocean to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti, a goddess whose life-giving power is fading. Along the way, she teams up with Maui (Dwayne Johnson), a shapeshifting demigod, and faces treacherous creatures like the coconut-armored Kakamora and the lava demon Te Kā.

The live-action version sticks closely to the original, with a few expanded scenes and slightly altered musical arrangements.

What Works

1. Catherine Laga‘aia Shines as Moana

Taking over the role from Auliʻi Cravalho is no easy task, but newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia brings her own charm, strength, and vocal talent to the character. Her rendition of How Far I’ll Go is powerful, though it doesn’t quite surpass the original.

2. Dwayne Johnson’s Charismatic Maui

Johnson reprises his role (now in live-action) with the same humor and bravado, though some of the CGI-enhanced sequences (like Maui’s tattoos) feel less organic than the animated version. Still, his chemistry with Laga‘aia is solid.

3. Stunning Cinematography & Locations

Shot on location in Fiji and Hawaii, the film is visually breathtaking. The ocean scenes, in particular, are mesmerizing, with real waves and sunlight replacing animated effects. The color palette is vibrant, though some CGI creatures (like Heihei the rooster) feel out of place in live-action.

4. The Music (Mostly) Holds Up

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs remain iconic, and the Polynesian-inspired score by Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina is still stirring. However, some musical moments lose their punch in live-action—You’re Welcome feels less dynamic without the animated expressiveness.

What Doesn’t Work

1. The “Why?” Factor

Like The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017), this remake doesn’t offer enough new material to justify its existence. The story is identical, and while the visuals are beautiful, they don’t surpass the original’s artistry.

2. Some CGI Feels Unnecessary

While the ocean and landscapes look incredible, certain elements—like the Kakamora and Tamatoa—don’t translate well to live-action. The animated versions had a stylized charm that’s lost here.

3. Missing the Original’s Magic

The 2016 Moana had a perfect blend of humor, heart, and adventure. This version, while faithful, feels more like a tribute than a reimagining. Some emotional beats (like Gramma Tala’s death) don’t land as hard.

Final Verdict

Moana: Live-Action is a gorgeous but unnecessary remake. It doesn’t ruin the original, but it doesn’t improve upon it either. If you love Moana, you’ll likely enjoy this for the visuals and nostalgia—but it won’t replace the animated classic.

Rating: 6.5/10

✅ Strengths: Beautiful cinematography, strong lead performances, great music.
❌ Weaknesses: Unnecessary remake, some CGI misfires, lacks original’s magic.

Who Should Watch It?

• Die-hard Moana fans curious about the live-action take.

• Families looking for a visually stunning adventure.

• Those who enjoy Disney’s live-action remakes despite their flaws.

Who Might Skip It?

• Purists who believe the original is untouchable.

• Viewers tired of Disney’s remake trend.

Conclusion

Moana: Live-Action is a competent but uninspired retelling of a modern Disney classic. It’s worth watching once for the spectacle, but the original remains the definitive version.

Final Thought: Disney, maybe it’s time to sail into new stories instead of retreading old waves. 🌊