Disney’s new live-action adaptation of "Moana" closely follows the original 2016 animated film, prompting varied responses regarding its purpose and execution. Released recently, the remake revisits the story of Moana, a Polynesian princess who embarks on a journey to find the demigod Maui, restore the heart of a goddess, and save her island community.
The original animated "Moana" combined lush visuals, a culturally rich narrative, and memorable music, much of which was crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. Praised for its respectful incorporation of Polynesian language, myths, and history, the initial film enjoyed both box office success and sustained popularity on streaming platforms. Its significance was further cemented by the 2024 sequel, which grossed over $1 billion globally, and a third installment is reportedly in development.
Despite this, the new live-action version, directed by Thomas Kail, has drawn criticism for its near-identical replication of the original screenplay. Although the film credits a new script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, viewers and critics note that most plot points, dialogue, and even jokes remain unchanged. Some minor alterations have been made, such as the transformation of a wordplay joke from an outdated reference to a new pun, but these changes have not notably enhanced the story.
The cast features Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, replacing Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the character previously and serves as an executive producer. Other roles, including Moana’s parents and grandmother, are portrayed by actors John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen, respectively. While performances have been praised for bringing depth to the roles, some argue these strengths do not compensate for the film’s overall lack of innovation.
One of the key points of contention lies in how the live-action medium affects the film’s presentation. The 2016 animated version employed computer animation integrated with traditional Polynesian artistic styles to create fantastical sequences, particularly in musical numbers. These elements contributed to the film’s mythical atmosphere and visual flair. In contrast, the live-action format requires a more literal depiction, which critics say diminishes the imaginative and magical aspects of the story.
Notably, the character of “Mini Maui,” the sentient tattoo who serves as a sidekick in the original, is significantly reduced in the remake. This change has been attributed to the challenges of portraying such a fantastical element alongside a live human actor, but it also compromises the film’s sense of enchantment and character interplay.
The remake’s release has sparked debate over its necessity, with some viewing it as a safe commercial endeavor capitalizing on an already successful franchise rather than offering fresh storytelling or creative reimagining. The decision to remake a recent and widely available film without substantial changes raises questions about the strategic direction behind the project and whether audiences might have preferred an original sequel or spin-off exploring new narratives within the "Moana" universe.