Dir: Thomas Kail
Cast: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement
With classic songs at its disposal, the newest entry in the endless parade of live-action Disney remakes offers a dose of fun, though it ultimately feels underwhelming and mostly reminds us just how magical the original animation truly was
Are we really still doing this? Like so many others, I grew up under the spell of Disney; their animated and live-action classics are woven into the fabric of childhoods everywhere, making it hard to speak ill of them. Yet, the path Disney has chosen in recent years is troubling, paved with endless sequels and unimaginative live-action remakes that lack the spark that once defined the brand. The elusive “Disney Magic” feels all but vanished from their latest offerings, as seen in the lukewarm box-office numbers, which reveal audiences are drifting away from a studio that, after its 90s golden age and the Pixar acquisition in 2006, once seemed untouchable.
I am not entirely opposed to remaking classic animations in live-action, as it offers a chance to breathe new life into cherished, if somewhat outdated, stories for today’s audiences. Since Disney’s first feature-length animation back in 1937, the world has transformed dramatically, so it is no surprise that the studio’s timeless classics might puzzle or even shock younger viewers raised in a more open-minded era. Animation itself has soared far beyond the simple hand-drawn beginnings of Disney. Although I have a soft spot for the traditional techniques still used by the likes of Studio Ghibli, younger generations, accustomed to computer-generated worlds, may find it hard to connect with older styles. In this way, live-action remakes can serve as a bridge, inviting modern kids to discover Disney’s classic tales for the first time, which they might have dismissed as old-fashioned.
Every now and then, Disney manages to get it right. Although I usually find live-action remakes lacking compared to their animated originals, a few stand out, like 2016’s “The Jungle Book” and 2021’s “Cruella”. These films are not flawless, but by reimagining old stories with fresh perspectives—giving “The Jungle Book” a new tone and spotlighting the infamous villain in “Cruella”—Disney has genuinely offered something different. Will these remakes ever outshine the originals? Probably not, but they might just inspire younger viewers to explore the classic animations and rediscover the magic in Disney’s treasure trove of childhood favourites.
What truly grates on me are these pointless, nearly frame-for-frame remakes that bring nothing fresh to the table—no new story, no new themes, not even a creative twist, just a hollow echo of what came before. Enter the latest and perhaps most shameless offender: Disney’s live-action “Moana”. Of all their recent animated offerings, this vibrant Polynesian adventure is among my favourites, which makes its live-action redo just a decade after the original all the more perplexing. Every potential benefit of a remake vanishes here, since “Moana” already boasts modern themes, cutting-edge animation, and a devoted young fanbase. So why bother? The answer is painfully clear: profit. Disney is squeezing yet another beloved classic for cash, just as they did with a lacklustre sequel only a couple of years ago.
Much like the most uninspired live-action remakes, “Moana” treads familiar waters, retracing the animated original’s footsteps as it follows the future chieftess of Motunui on her quest to become a wayfinder. Raised on her secluded Polynesian island, Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) has never dared to cross the reef that shields Motunui from the wrath of the sea gods. But when a mysterious blight sweeps across the island, withering crops and emptying the sea of fish, Moana becomes convinced that the only hope for her people lies in returning the “heart” of Te Fiti, the living island and goddess of nature.
Guided by the wisdom of her Gramma Tala (Rena Owen), Moana learns she must track down the shape-shifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who stole the heart centuries ago, and persuade him to restore it to Te Fiti. Undeterred by her parents’ fears, Moana bravely sets out on a camakau, her loyal but clueless rooster Heihei in tow, trusting the stars and the ocean gods who have chosen her to light the way.
If, like me, you adored the original “Moana” when it first came to cinemas in 2016, there is still enjoyment to be found here, simply because the source material is so strong. The characters, the story, the rich Polynesian mythology, and especially the unforgettable songs are all present, and they are the heartbeat of the film’s success. While this remake cannot recapture the original’s sense of wonder, I will never tire of watching “How Far I’ll Go” or “You’re Welcome” light up the big screen again. But does rehashing a film less than a decade old really justify its existence? In this case, the answer is a clear and resounding “no”.
“Moana” is not just one of Disney’s standout modern animations; it became a cultural touchstone. Yet, rather than using live action to tap into deeper emotion or further explore the film’s lush Polynesian heritage, Disney and its creative team have settled for imitation. The most glaring example is Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, a part he voiced so memorably a decade ago. I loved Johnson’s animated Maui, and I get why he would want to step into the role in person while he still can. As a producer, I would not be shocked if Johnson himself championed this remake, eager to embody a character he clearly loves. But something feels off in the transition from animation to reality. Maybe it is the dreadful wig, the oddly shiny muscle suit, or simply Johnson’s age, but the real issue is that Maui’s warmth and charm seem to have faded. The emotional highs that animation can deliver are almost impossible to replicate, and this is especially true in live-action or hyper-realistic remakes like 2019’s “The Lion King”. Johnson still radiates charisma, but on screen, I saw the actor, not the demigod.
Turning to Moana herself, I think Catherine Laga’aia rises admirably to the challenge of bringing the Polynesian wayfinder to life in her first major film role. She shines in the musical numbers and forges a heartfelt bond with Rena Owen as her grandmother, delivering some of the adaptation’s most moving moments—perhaps its only real improvement over the original. Still, through no fault of her own, Laga’aia is boxed in by a script and direction that closely mimic Auli’i Cravalho‘s original performance, making it nearly impossible to put her own stamp on the character. Then there is the odd choice regarding her hair. Like Dwayne Johnson, Laga’aia wears a wig that hides her natural curls beneath a straightened style. In the animated film, Moana’s wavy hair was a visual delight and a first for a Disney princess, so covering it up strips away much of her individuality and charm.
As I write this, the live-action “Moana” is floundering at the box office and may not even recoup its massive $250 million budget. Perhaps these disappointing numbers will finally serve as a wake-up call for Disney’s bigwigs, showing them that audiences are weary of endless live-action re-treads. What we crave is something bold, imaginative, and truly original—animated or live-action adventures like the ones Disney once delivered better than anyone. With the company now juggling Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, their priorities seem scattered. Still, I hold out hope that one day Disney will reclaim the magic that made our childhoods unforgettable.
Moana is now showing in UK Cinemas
Dan Loves Film 
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