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Disney's Live-Action Moana Teaser Divides Fans Over Hair, CGI
19 Nov
Summary
- Fans criticized the live-action Moana trailer for heavy CGI use.
- Concerns raised over straightening the lead actress's natural hair.
- Dwayne Johnson's character Maui was notably absent from the teaser.
Disney's initial trailer for the live-action Moana remake has generated significant backlash from fans just days after its release on November 17, 2025. The teaser, which features newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana singing "How Far I'll Go," has been criticized for its heavy reliance on CGI, which many fans felt contradicted the 'live-action' label. Concerns have also been voiced about the perceived cultural insensitivity of straightening Laga'aia's naturally curly hair.
Dwayne Johnson, who is producing the film and reprising his role as Maui, announced the project in April 2023. Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, confirmed her involvement as a producer but not as the lead actress, emphasizing the importance of authentic casting. Catherine Laga'aia was cast in June 2024, expressing honor in representing Pacific Island peoples.
The trailer's debut on November 17, 2025, garnered only 6.1 million views in its first 24 hours, a stark contrast to the 178 million views for the Moana 2 trailer. The absence of Maui in most of the teaser also surprised viewers, given Johnson's role in its announcement. Disney has not yet responded to the widespread criticism.
