Disney drops first live-action ‘Moana’ teaser, but fans are not having it | WATCH TEASER

Walt Disney Studios has unveiled the first look at its live-action reimagining of ‘Moana’, but the teaser has sparked a mixed – and largely frustrated – response from fans who question the need for the remake.

Teaser showcases expansive visuals and new lead

Disney released the brief teaser on Monday, offering a sweeping view of Motunui recreated in live action with warm light, wide-open shores, and a familiar sense of scale reminiscent of the 2016 animated hit. The clip opens with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia performing lines from “How Far I’ll Go,” signalling her central presence as the new ‘Moana’.

Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, appearing only in silhouette, while fan favourites such as Hei-Hei make fleeting appearances. The cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

The film marks the feature directorial debut of Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, with the original ‘Moana’ voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho serving as an executive producer.

Disney has confirmed the film will open in India on 10 July 2026, with Catherine Laga’aia leading the cast and Johnson reprising his role.

Behind the scenes and plot details

The live-action version is directed by Emmy and Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail and produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auli’i Cravalho are listed as executive producers.

According to the official logline, "Moana answers the Ocean's call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui, on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people."

‘Moana’ also features John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen in key roles.

Social media backlash

While Disney projected the teaser as a nostalgic return, online reaction quickly shifted to disappointment, with many users questioning the project’s relevance.

Comments on YouTube ranged from confusion to irritation, including, “Why do we need a live-action one?” and “It looks cool, but what’s the point when everything looks exactly like the animated film?”

Fans also noted that ‘Moana 2’ released only last year, making this remake unusually quick by Disney standards.

On X, criticism was even stronger. One user wrote, “We DO NOT need a Moana remake! It’s another unnecessary Live Action movie for a film less than 10 years old deciding animation is a “lesser” medium again. I’m tired of the disrespect. The film is great as is, why does it need a remake? Because Disney needs more money? Come on,”

Another user added, “So disney made a moana two with the same voices and then less than a year later made a live action with the same dude playing maui and only changed the girl who plays moana…yeah okay,”

A third stated, “i cant believe moana is getting a live action when the movie isnt even 10 years old,”

Viewers also raised questions about the film’s heavy reliance on CGI and how closely it mirrors the animated version. One comment read, “Moana is only 10 years old…so many shots look just like the animated version. What are we doing?”

‘Moana’ now joins other recent reinterpretations such as How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch, and Snow White. 

Despite criticism, Disney’s strategy has remained profitable – with How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch earning solid box office returns earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies)