Disney's highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana has finally unveiled its first trailer, but the reaction from dedicated fans has been decidedly mixed. The footage, released this week, has sparked widespread debate across social media platforms about the necessity of remaking a beloved animated classic that premiered less than a decade ago.
Fan Reaction: More Questions Than Excitement
The trailer showcases Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprising his role as the charismatic demigod Maui, alongside newcomer Catherine Laga'aia stepping into the title role previously voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho. While the preview features breathtaking scenic views of Motunui and the nostalgic musical themes that made the original so memorable, these elements haven't been enough to silence the overwhelming question echoing through fan communities: Why does this remake exist?
Social media platforms have become ground zero for this debate, with YouTube comments sections and Twitter feeds filling with sceptical responses. "Why do we need a live action one????" wrote one frustrated fan, capturing the sentiment shared by hundreds of others. Another commenter expressed confusion about the creative direction, noting: "Look I hope it's good but I just don't understand the appeal of this. Like...the water, all the creatures, and everything looks exactly like the animated film."
Timing Concerns and Franchise Fatigue
The timing of this remake has become a particular point of contention among Disney enthusiasts. Moana will not even be ten years old when the live-action version arrives in cinemas on 10 July 2026. This remarkably short turnaround makes it Disney's fastest-ever transition from animated original to live-action remake.
Compounding the timing issue is the recent release of Moana 2 in November 2024, leaving many fans feeling overwhelmed by the rapid succession of Moana content. "Coming out with a theatrical sequel last year and a live action remake two years later is crazy work," observed one critic, while another commented: "Never expected a live action remake THIS early."
The heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery in the trailer has also drawn criticism, with several viewers pointing out that the extensive CGI makes the live-action version appear nearly identical to its animated predecessor. "So many shots in the trailer are CGI that it looks just like the animated version...like, what are we doing!?!" one fan questioned.
Proven Remake Formula Despite Criticism
Despite the vocal criticism, Disney's strategy of creating live-action versions of their animated classics has consistently proven financially successful. The studio's recent remakes of How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch have both performed exceptionally well at the box office, with the latter breaking records earlier this year.
The new Moana film features an impressive supporting cast including John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Crucially, Lin-Manuel Miranda returns to produce the film alongside original composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i, ensuring the musical magic that defined the 2016 original remains intact.
As Disney continues its run of live-action adaptations—with recent announcements including How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch, and Snow White—the commercial success of these projects suggests that fan scepticism may not ultimately impact box office performance. However, the strong reaction to the Moana trailer indicates that audiences are becoming increasingly discerning about which stories genuinely benefit from the live-action treatment.
