Moana (2026) Movie News: Thomas Kail’s Epic Returns

Dwayne Johnson is speaking out about the reception of Disney’s live-action Moana, which has faced lukewarm reviews and a softer-than-expected performance at the box office since its July 8 debut. The film, directed by Thomas Kail, currently holds a TMDb audience score of 5.942/10, a middling tally that reflects a divided response from both critics and general audiences.

Johnson, who stars as the demigod Maui alongside newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia in the title role, addressed the mixed feedback in a recent statement. While he didn’t dwell on the financial numbers, the actor acknowledged that the film’s journey from screen to audience has been more complicated than the smooth sailing of its animated predecessor. He framed the reaction as part of the creative process, noting that taking on a beloved animated classic was always going to come with high expectations and strong opinions.

The movie, a reimagining of the 2016 animated hit, follows teenage Moana as she answers the ocean’s call and ventures beyond the reef of her island home, Motunui, for the first time. Alongside the larger-than-life Maui, she embarks on an adventurous quest to restore prosperity to her people. The story’s core themes of bravery, self-discovery, and cultural heritage remain intact, but the live-action adaptation has struggled to recapture the magic that made the original a phenomenon.

Part of the challenge, industry observers note, is the inherent comparison. The 2016 version, featuring the voice of Auliʻi Cravalho and an instantly iconic soundtrack, set a high bar. This new take swaps animation for live-action spectacle, bringing in a substantial cast that includes Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Jemaine Clement returning as the voice of the crab Tamatoa. Young actresses Emma Puahi-Shapazian and Amaya Masoli portray Moana at ages four and eight, respectively.

The film’s runtime sits at 115 minutes, a comfortable length for a family adventure that blends comedy, fantasy, and action. Yet despite the star power and a visually ambitious production, the buzz has cooled considerably since opening weekend. The less-than-enthusiastic word of mouth has made it clear that audiences are not uniformly embracing this retelling. While family films often see long legs at the box office due to repeat viewings and school holidays, the initial underperformance has raised questions about whether this adaptation will find its footing in the weeks ahead.

Johnson, known for his franchise muscle and crowd-pleasing charisma, has been a key driver of the film’s marketing campaign. His portrayal of Maui carries the same swagger and humor that made the character a fan favorite, but even his star appeal hasn’t shielded the project from scrutiny. Critics have pointed to pacing issues and a sense of redundancy, noting that the live-action format struggles to justify its existence when the animated version remains so recent and so beloved.

There is also the broader conversation about Disney’s strategy of revisiting its animated library. With a string of live-action remakes yielding wildly varying results, Moana now sits on the shakier side of that ledger. The studio had hoped to replicate the success of films like Aladdin or The Lion King, but early signals suggest this one may not reach those heights.

Johnson’s response to the backlash has been measured rather than combative. He stopped short of defending the film against its detractors or dismissing the criticism. Instead, he underscored the effort and intention behind the project, pointing to the cultural significance of the story and the pride the cast and crew feel in bringing it to a new generation. He also expressed gratitude for those who have supported the movie, while diplomatically indicating that not every creative risk lands exactly as planned.

For the cast, the experience has been personal. Lagaʻaia, a relative newcomer, steps into one of Disney’s most beloved recent heroines, and early reviews have noted her promising screen presence even when the overall film stumbles. Rena Owen’s portrayal of Gramma Tala has also drawn praise, offering emotional weight to the proceedings. Still, praise for individual performances may not be enough to shift the film’s overall trajectory.

Looking forward, the question becomes whether Moana can recover. Its box office fate may depend on international markets, holiday matinees, and whether families who missed it in theaters eventually discover it on streaming. The mixed reviews won’t doom the film outright, but they do signal that Disney’s latest attempt to translate animated magic into live-action is a reminder of how tricky that alchemy can be. Johnson, for his part, seems ready to weather the storm, focusing on the story’s heart rather than the noise around it.

Source: Hollywood Reporter