Disney's 2026 live-action Moana is a nearly identical shot-for-shot remake of the 2016 animated original, sparking criticism that such uninspired filmmaking justifies Hollywood's AI takeover. The film, directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, runs just eight minutes longer but feels more dragged out, according to critics.
Pointless Remake
Critics argue the remake is completely pointless due to its extreme similarity to the original. Tori Brazier, Senior Film & Entertainment Reporter, called it a "do-over cash-grab" spun as a legacy movie just 10 years later. The film's budget is reported at $250 million by Variety, and its opening weekend tracking suggests it may underperform.
The remake features original Moana actress Auliʻi Cravalho as an executive producer, with Catherine Lagaʻaia taking over the lead role. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote songs for the original, has been promoted to producer and contributes a new song, Along the Way, performed by Lagaʻaia, Cravalho, and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
Lack of Creativity
Critics say the film offers nothing new beyond minimal backstory for Maui and emphasis on environmental themes. Unlike the 2025 Snow White remake, which expanded the story, this Moana sticks beat-for-beat to the original jokes and sequences. Brazier wrote: "It’s all just very obvious – and lazy."
The film's reliance on star power is also criticized. Johnson's poodle-like wig and 40-pound bodysuit are described as awkward distractions. Jemaine Clement returns as Tamatoa but adds little new.
Box Office Context
Disney's previous live-action remakes, such as Lilo & Stitch (2025), grossed over $1 billion, encouraging this trend. Moana 2 (2024) also earned over $1 billion. However, critics argue that financial success does not justify creative bankruptcy.
In contrast, summer hits like horror films Backrooms and Obsession, and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, demonstrate that risk-taking is rewarded. Nolan's film is the first fully shot on IMAX cameras, challenging technical and artistic boundaries.
AI Controversy
The article highlights the irony that while Hollywood condemns AI-generated films like Hell Grind and digital recreations of deceased actors, live-action remakes like Moana offer no more creativity than an AI prompt. Brazier concludes: "If this is what the biggest studios insist on doing, then they deserve the AI takeover."
Chief Critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh noted the film could have been created by the prompt: "Hey AI, give me a live-action version of Moana." She questioned: "How soon is too soon?" when key cast members reprise their roles.
Moana releases in cinemas on July 10, 2026.
