Disney’s live action adaptation closely follows the story of the beloved 2016 animated film, making it a faithful remake from beginning to end. Moana’s journey, Maui’s role and most of the memorable songs remain unchanged, making the film familiar for anyone who has seen the original.
Catherine Laga’aia delivers a sincere performance as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson comfortably returns as Maui. Rena Owen stands out as Grandma Tala, bringing warmth and emotion to the film’s strongest scenes. The visual effects are polished, with Heihei, Tamatoa and the living ocean continuing to provide some of the movie’s most entertaining moments.
However, the remake struggles to create the same emotional impact as the animated classic. The relationship between Moana and Maui feels less natural, and the added runtime does little to expand the story or develop the characters further. While the songs remain enjoyable, the new musical sequence does not add much to the overall experience.
Overall, Moana Live Action is a well made and enjoyable film, but it rarely offers anything that improves on the original. The animated version still delivers stronger emotions, more vibrant visuals and a greater sense of adventure. For longtime fans, this remake is a decent watch, but the original remains the better and more memorable experience.
Movie: Moana (Live Action)
Directed by: Thomas Kail
Story: Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
Featuring: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams
Action Directors: Mahina Napoleon, Kyle Rowling
Music: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, Mark Mancina
Theatrical Release: July 10, 2026
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes