Did We Need a Live-Action Disney Moana in 2026 Amid Live Action Fatigue? - Film Review
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Release date: 10 July 2026 (UK)
Genre: Adventure/Musical
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director: Thomas Kail
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Lydia | Film Probe
Interview with Director Thomas Kail
Please watch the full interview here:
There is no denying that audiences have live-action fatigue, when a beloved story has a live action remake announced audiences grown and sign and beg for something original. In this case, I understand the push back but I like to look at these live-actions with a fresh perspective. I like to imagine this film could be a child’s first introduction to Disney or Moana and in that case, this is a fun reimagining. As someone who adores the animated classic and knows it so well, it is hard to not compare the films and be critical.
Similarly to Disney’s previous live action remakes, this version of Moana follows suite. The film is practically a shot for shot remake but it does add some fun moments of improv and extended dialogue which felt very natural to their characters. Catherine Laga'aia steps into the role of Moana and she does a beautiful job with the character, she adds humour, she sings beautifully and I can imagine her being a new role model for young audiences watching. Of course, Dwayne Johnson steps back into the role of Maui and again, he does a brilliant job. He quite frankly is Maui so the distinction between his animated self and his real self are pretty indistinct. In saying that, would it have been nice to see a new interpretation of Maui? Sure. Something I particularly loved and genuinely translated very well from animation to live-action was Maui’s tattoos, that was a highlight moment of the whole film for me.
The ocean plays such a vital role in Moana’s story and I will highlight how beautifully it was brought to screen in the live action. The ocean is a spiritual guide, an old friend and the water had personality. I thought it was executed superbly.
Was this live action remake necessary, in my opinion, no. Similarly to most Disney live action remakes they lack the raw magic and nostalgia of its original but despite this, did I go into Moana with an open mind and come out of the film being reminded how much I adore this story and its characters? Yes. Does it inject new life into the Disney animated classic, not really but it does perform in terms of scale and charm. These characters are bold, the story is sentimental and the message is monumental; follow your heart and carve out your own destiny. Moana is a story I hold very near to my heart and I was once again moved by the music and lyrics. Moana has the power to really connect with me and despite preferring the animated version, this film was able to make me feel those same emotions I felt 10 years ago.
Seeing sets and costumes materialised in live action was very special, seeing large scale choreography and traditional Samoan dancing will never fail to be a marvel on screen. Moana represents Polynesian mythology, it shines a light on culture and tradition and I do think that is important representation on screen. Moana (2016) didn’t need a live action reimagining but I do think this film will be a new source of magic for a new generation and that is what Disney strive to do.
For a very long time I apposed Disney live actions because I felt like it was erasing the original or trying to re-write the story but as I grow I realise this is just an opportunity for a larger audience to fall in love with the characters I already love. This version of Moana will never replace the original or hold a candle to it but it does deliver in fun, Lin’s the music is just as powerful and Catherine Laga'aia shines as Moana.
Probe Points
★★★☆☆
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