The first trailer for Disney's highly anticipated live-action remake of Moana has been met with a wave of criticism from fans, many of whom are branding the preview 'CGI slop' and questioning the film's purpose.
Fan Backlash Erupts Online
Released on Monday, the minute-long teaser introduces 17-year-old Catherine Laga'aia as the titular heroine and confirms the return of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as the demigod Maui. Despite the star power, the online reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with viewers struggling to differentiate the new version from the original 2016 animated film.
The trailer showcases several iconic scenes, including Laga'aia singing on a mountain on the island of Motunui and dramatic shots of a giant whale and the sea parting. However, fans on social media platform X were quick to voice their disappointment. One user pointedly asked why a live-action adaptation was necessary for a film that 'just got a CGI-animated sequel last year.'
A Question of Necessity
A common complaint centres on the film's heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery, which makes the 'live-action' label seem misleading to many. '0.42 percent of this trailer is live-action,' one fan quipped. Another added, 'Holy s**t the CG looks worse than the original film. An impressive achievement!'
Further criticism highlighted the seemingly shot-for-shot nature of the remake. 'This might be the most unnecessary shot-for-shot live-action remake in history,' declared one viewer, while another observed that it was 'almost indistinguishable from a fully animated movie.'
Cast Pride and Cultural Connection
Despite the fan scepticism, the lead actors have expressed deep personal connections to the project. Newcomer Laga'aia, who has Samoan heritage, stated she is 'honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.'
Dwayne Johnson also shared his pride in a 2023 statement, explaining that the story is emblematic of his culture and that playing Maui is inspired by the spirit of his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia.
The live-action Moana is scheduled to sail into cinemas on July 10, 2026.
