Netizens Criticise Disney’s Live-Action Animation Remake ‘Moana’

Disney has released the official trailer for its live-action adaptation of its Oscar-nominated animated feature ‘Moana’, set to release on July 10, 2026.

But the news was met with heavy trolling online by fans of the animation, who felt there was no need for the adaptation and pointed out the lack of creativity in the trailer.

Criticisms focused on actor Dwayne Johnson’s (‘The Rock’) poorly crafted wig, and the fact that 90 percent of the live action is Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI)-based. Except for the live-action remake of ‘Cinderella’ (2015) starring Lily James and ‘Aladdin’ (2019) featuring Will Smith, which had mixed reviews but was a commercial success, most of Disney’s live-action remakes are largely considered flops.

“Live-action ‘Snow White’ is one of the most hated Disney movies of all time. Disney: I’ll pretend I didn’t see that,” @figo2989

“A live action remake with 90 percent CGI, and 10 percent realism,”@93deadpool

“Surprised I don’t see Sora AI watermark anywhere,” @CalFry25

“There will come a time when the animated movie and the live-action remake will release at the same time,” @zacharymccoy

“Thank you. I feel like the OG just came out, lol,” @zdo54-w7o

“No, wait. Let him cook. This would directly show them which version is more profitable, and I doubt it’s the version with ‘The Rock’ in a lace front wig,” @mkartz6991

“What else can I say except, “Why did we need this?” @kimaniwilsonhunte

“I like how they started adding people to their CGI cartoons,” @mitekillem

“That wig they put on The Rock is killing me,” @DeJay0901

“It’s weird because there’s no volume like all curly hairs should have. In the animated version, Maui’s hair is a character in itself as much as his tattoo,” @jangguttok7437

“I have to admit, I do admire the bravery of Walt Disney Studios in keeping the comment section open,” @Rasim9898

Among Disney animation live action remakes considered flops are: ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016), the Tim Burton-directed ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Mulan’ (2020) of which the studio axed the beloved character in the animation Mushu, ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023), and ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019).

These live-action animation remakes failed for several reasons, from their ‘wokeist’ approach to the plot and marketing strategy, to their heavy reliance on CGI and photorealistic DP, to their difficult-to-recoup, massive budgets.

‘Moana’ live action is directed by Emmy and Tony Awards winner, Thomas Kail (Hamilton). It is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the protagonist Moana in ‘Moana’ and ‘Moana II’.

It stars Johnson, who reprises his role in the animation as the demi-god Maui, Catherine Lag’aia as ‘Moana’, Rena Owen as Grandma Tala, John Tui as Moana’s father Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as Sina.

The adaptation also features original songs from the animation written by Lin Manuel-Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, and a new original score composed by Mancina.