The live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved 2016 animated film, Moana, is facing significant headwinds ahead of its release, with early tracking suggesting a potentially modest opening weekend. Despite the studio’s history of successful remakes, this latest venture appears to be struggling to capture audience enthusiasm, prompting questions about what might have gone wrong. Factors ranging from a crowded release schedule to audience fatigue with CGI and the film’s own visual execution are being cited as potential contributors to the lukewarm reception.

Early Signs of Trouble for the Live-Action Moana

The initial buzz surrounding the live-action Moana has been far from the triumphant fanfare Disney might have anticipated. When the first trailer debuted in March, a prominent talking point was the appearance of Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as the demigod Maui. His wig, described by some as long, curly, and unconvincing, drew widespread commentary. Comedian Weird Al Yankovic humorously remarked on Instagram that casting agents had mistaken the image for a submission for a biopic sequel about himself, highlighting a trend of mockery rather than anticipation.

This skepticism predates the film’s official screening for critics. Cinema tracking specialists are projecting an opening weekend in the U.S. between $50 million and $85 million. This figure is less than half of what another Disney remake, Lilo & Stitch, achieved in its opening weekend the previous year, and significantly below the studio’s likely expectations for a property as popular as Moana.

The Challenge of Timing and Franchise Fatigue

One significant hurdle for the live-action Moana is its proximity to other recent entries in the franchise. The original animated film was released in 2016, a relatively short time ago in terms of generating nostalgia, which is often a key selling point for Disney’s remakes. This issue was compounded in early 2024 when Disney announced that a nearly completed Moana television series would instead be reworked into a feature film, Moana 2, for a theatrical release in November 2024.

While Moana 2 proved to be a commercial success, becoming one of the year’s highest-grossing films with over $1 billion worldwide, its release so close to the live-action remake has diluted the sense of event for the latter. Film critic Tim Robey noted that the perception of Moana 2 as a potential “cash-in” and the subsequent release of a remake of the first film felt like a “production-line decision,” making the live-action Moana seem less like a special occasion and more like a predictable output.

Furthermore, the release of Moana 2 has led to audience confusion. Many viewers have commented on trailers for the live-action film, questioning if it had already been released or expressing uncertainty about the franchise’s timeline. This confusion detracts from the anticipation that a new installment typically aims to build.

Shifting Perceptions of Star Power and Casting

Dwayne Johnson’s star power, once seemingly invincible, may also be a contributing factor. While he voiced Maui in the animated films and is a major draw, his recent filmography includes several underperforming titles such as Jungle Cruise (2021), Black Adam (2022), Red One (2024), and the upcoming The Smashing Machine (2025). This trend suggests that his presence alone may no longer guarantee box-office success.

The absence of Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, in the titular role also impacts the film’s unique appeal. Cravalho confirmed in May 2023 that she would not reprise her role, allowing a younger actress, Catherine Laga’aia, to take on the part. While Laga’aia is reportedly well-cast and Cravalho’s decision was respected, the anticipated reunion of Johnson and Cravalho, a dynamic that resonated with audiences in the animated original, will not be present in the live-action version.

Visuals and CGI: A Point of Contention

The visual presentation of the live-action Moana has been another area of concern, particularly regarding its reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI). Trailers have showcased CGI monsters, animals, and waves, leading to the impression that much of the film is essentially an animated production. This approach has drawn criticism from those who feel audiences are becoming weary of what they perceive as subpar CGI.

Kyle Meikle, author of The Live-Action Animated Film, suggests that audiences are increasingly favoring practical effects. He points to recent films that have seen success with more tangible visual techniques and notes a growing preference for either fully committed computer animation or practical execution. The reliance on CGI in Moana, especially for supernatural elements, has resulted in digitally rendered creatures that bear a striking resemblance to those in the 2016 cartoon.

Given how fresh the original Moana remains in the minds of its fans, and its frequent rewatchability on Disney+, audiences have been quick to compare trailers to the animated version. Many have pointed out identical punchlines, character designs, and camera angles, leading to a perception that the remake is merely a “faded photocopy” rather than an exciting reinvention. This lack of perceived originality or innovation in the visual execution appears to be a significant deterrent for potential viewers.

Disney’s Remake Strategy: A Mixed Bag

Disney’s strategy of remaking its animated classics into live-action films has yielded both significant successes and notable failures. While films like The Little Mermaid (2023) underperformed, others such as Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) and Lilo & Stitch (2025) have been major box-office hits. This inconsistency highlights the delicate balance Disney must strike: creating a sense of comforting familiarity while also offering something excitingly new.

The case of Moana underscores the challenges inherent in this approach. The source material needs to be recent enough to evoke fond memories but not so recent that audiences know it intimately, making a fresh take difficult. As the live-action Moana prepares for its release, the industry will be watching closely to see if it can overcome these obstacles and find its audience, or if it will become another cautionary tale in Disney’s ongoing remake saga.

Moana is scheduled for release in cinemas on July 10.