Moana Remake: Early Reactions Cite Lack of Purpose

The live-action adaptation of Disney's Moana is nearing its theatrical release on July 10, 2026, with initial reactions now emerging. Directed by Thomas Kali, the film features Dwayne Johnson returning as the demigod Maui and Catherine Laga'aia in the titular role. Despite acknowledging the enjoyable songs and Laga'aia's performance, a recurring sentiment among critics is that the remake is 'unnecessary,' failing to add significantly to the existing narrative or mythology.

Early reviews, such as those from Matt Neglia and Doug Jamieson, explicitly use the term 'unnecessary,' even while commending aspects of the film. Other critics, like Kaitlyn Booth, echo this sentiment by noting the remake's minimal contribution. While some positive feedback highlighted the chemistry between the leads and visual elements, the overall critical reception suggests a lack of justification for the project's existence, potentially mirroring sentiments about previous Disney live-action remakes.