Disney’s trailer for the live-action remake of “Moana” has officially dropped, and so too has fans’ respect for the animation giant, it seems.
The real-life adaptation of the 2016 hit animation sees Catherine Lagaʻaia – daughter of New Zealand-Australian actor Jay Laga’aia – as the lead heroine Moana and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson take on the role of Demigod Maui – the character he famously voiced in the original.
When it was first announced, many raised their concerns over the need for the film giant to remake a ‘classic’ that was barely 10 years old. What’s more, the sequel to the animated flick was only released in November 2024.
Now, the official full trailer has been released and within hours of it hitting YouTube, the comments section fired up.
Let’s just say, when people’s reactions online begin with: “I have to admit, I do admire the bravery of Walt Disney Studios of keeping the comment section open” and “only here for the comments,” you bet you stick around for the tea!
Fans mostly took aim at the fact that a live-action remake of a film so soon felt unnecessary and a little self-indulgent.
“A movie barely a decade old getting the remake treatment,” one person pointed out.
“This feels like nostalgia for yesterday afternoon,” another mocked.
“What can I say except, ‘Why did we need this?’” slammed another.
Others, claimed not only did it feel too soon, it also looked mysteriously similar to the animated version – with some going as far as accusing creators of relying on just 10 per cent of reality and the rest CGI.
“Wow! Can’t wait so see them NOT CHANGE A SINGLE THING!”
Another disappointed fan accused the new flick of being nothing but a money-grab opportunity.
“What inspired you to make a second version of the same film? Disney: ‘money.’”
OOOF.
In the past, Disney has allowed a fair bit of distance between a classic animation and their attempt at a live-action remake.
The Little Mermaid’s Ariel was brought to life on the big screen 34 years after the classic was released (albeit, with a bit of backlash), Alladin had 27 years between both versions, 25 years for The Lion King and 22 years for Mulan.
Exactly why Disney is rushing their beloved Polynesian wayfinder back to the big screen so soon remains a mystery. But if the trailer’s underwhelming CGI is any indication, Moana is destined to drown in the same sea of negative reviews as the live-action remakes before it.
“This looks like the parody AI trailers you find in the depths of YouTube,” one person pointed out.
“It’s like they fed the animated movie into ChatGPT and said ‘make it look realistic’,” another mocked.
And another joked: “This is the type of trailer that SNL would make.”
For Aussie fans, however, the remake does offer one major win in Catherine Lagaʻaia. The local rising star is bringing her proud Samoan heritage straight to the big screen to take on the iconic lead role.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites. My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa,” the 19-year-old said in a statement at the time of the cast announcement.
“I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”