Disney's live-action remake of Moana is making headlines before many cinemagoers have even taken their seats, with early reviews branding the big-budget adaptation an 'AI-generated' spectacle that struggles to recapture the heart of the beloved animated original.
While the studio's remake arrives with impressive visual effects, a returning Hollywood star and a fresh leading actress, critics argue the film falls into the same trap as several recent Disney reboots: prioritising nostalgia and technical polish over originality. The reaction has also fuelled a wider conversation about whether Hollywood's reliance on familiar franchises is making blockbuster filmmaking feel increasingly formulaic.
Critics Compare The Remake To AI
Several reviewers have drawn comparisons between the film and content generated by artificial intelligence, suggesting the remake feels assembled from familiar ingredients rather than driven by a fresh creative vision.
The criticism centres less on the cast and more on the production itself. Reviewers argue that the film closely recreates the original's most memorable moments without offering enough new ideas to justify revisiting the story nearly a decade later.
The AI comparison has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the release, reflecting growing concerns that some modern blockbusters prioritise recognisable intellectual property over creative risk-taking.
The debate comes at a time when artificial intelligence is already reshaping conversations across the entertainment industry, from screenwriting and visual effects to copyright and creative ownership.
Dwayne Johnson Returns As Maui
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the larger-than-life demigod Maui after voicing the character in Disney's 2016 animated hit. Joining him is Australian Samoan actress Catherine Laga'aia, who steps into the role of Moana for the first time.
Although much of the critical response has been mixed, reviewers have generally praised Johnson's natural charisma and the chemistry he shares with Laga'aia throughout the adventure.
Even critics who questioned the remake's purpose acknowledged that Johnson remains one of the film's strongest assets, bringing humour and familiarity to a character audiences have embraced for years.
However, some reviewers felt his performance was not enough to elevate a story they believed followed the original too closely.
CGI Sparks Fresh Debate
Another recurring criticism has focused on the film's extensive use of computer-generated imagery.
Although marketed as a live-action adaptation, much of Moana still depends on digital environments, fantasy creatures and visual effects to recreate the magical Polynesian world first introduced in animation.
For some critics, that approach blurs the distinction between live action and animation, making the remake feel visually impressive but emotionally distant.
Several reviews suggest that because so much of the world remains computer-generated, the production rarely feels substantially different from the animated version that audiences already know.
Can The Original's Magic Be Recreated?
Released in 2016, Disney's original Moana became one of the studio's biggest modern successes thanks to its memorable characters, uplifting story and acclaimed soundtrack featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The film introduced audiences to the determined young voyager Moana and her unlikely partnership with Maui as they set out to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti and save their island home.
The remake follows the same central storyline while introducing a new cast and updated visual effects. Director Thomas Kail makes his feature film debut, while original screenwriter Jared Bush returns to adapt the screenplay for live action.
For many critics, however, the new version struggles to recreate the emotional warmth and sense of discovery that made the original such a favourite with families around the world.
Disney's Remake Strategy Faces Scrutiny
The reaction to Moana has also reignited debate about Disney's long-running strategy of remaking its animated classics.
In recent years, films including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King have enjoyed strong box office success despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. While supporters argue these projects introduce classic stories to new generations, others believe that too many rely on nostalgia rather than innovation.
The response to Moana suggests audiences and reviewers are becoming more willing to question whether every animated success needs a live-action counterpart.
Despite the criticism, the film is still expected to attract significant attention when it arrives in Australian cinemas on 9 July 2026, followed by releases in the UK and the US on 10 July 2026.
Whether cinemagoers agree with the early reviews remains to be seen, but one thing is already clear: Disney's latest remake has sparked a conversation that extends far beyond the film itself. As debates over AI, originality and blockbuster filmmaking continue, Moana has become one of the year's most closely watched—and most hotly debated—cinematic releases.
