Disney's 'dismal' live-action Moana panned by critics
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui, a decade after the original hit animation.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""It escapes the remake blues - in fact it soars above them"."
— Owen Gleiberman , Celebrity
""Competent but pointless and unexciting back-to-basics live-action remake"."
— Peter Bradshaw , Celebrity
""A waste of everyone's time and talent"."
— Clarisse Loughrey , Celebrity
""Feels like an AI interpretation"."
— John Nugent , Celebrity
""A lazy cash grab for shareholders"."
— Kevin Maher , Celebrity
""Could have been made by a ChatGPT prompt"."
— Robbie Collin , Celebrity
""Captivating family entertainment that deserves to find an audience - brimming with visual interest"."
— David Rooney , Celebrity
Key People
Catherine Laga'aia is a 19-year-old Australian-Samoan actress playing the lead role of Moana in the live-action remake.
Clarisse Loughrey is a film critic for The Independent known for her critical reviews.
David Rooney is a film critic for the Hollywood Reporter.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, is a well-known wrestler and Hollywood actor.
Jared Bush is the screenwriter who adapted the script for the live-action Moana.
John Nugent is a film critic for Empire who reviewed the live-action Moana negatively.
Kevin Maher is a film critic for The Times.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a composer known for his work on the music of the original Moana.
Owen Gleiberman is a film critic who reviewed Disney's live-action Moana positively.
Peter Bradshaw is a film critic for The Guardian, known for his movie reviews.
Robbie Collin is a film critic for The Telegraph.
Thomas Kail is a director making his film debut with the live-action Moana.
Locations
All Coverage
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui, a decade after the original hit animation.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Oompa Loompa, doompety done: Actor takes final bow
Rusty Goffe on working with his son and an AI-generated Gene Wilder in a new Willy Wonka TV show.
September 23, 2026 at 05:36 AMResident Evil movie director says he was not prepared for fan backlash
The video game adaptation is a hit with critics, but director Zach Cregger says the fan response surprised him.
September 18, 2026 at 12:58 PMLiam Neeson involved in new movie revealing story behind Tuam babies
The Lost Children of Tuam, co-produced by Liam Neeson, is now in cinemas.
September 26, 2026 at 05:43 AMRyan Reynolds and Rob Mac buy historic Wrexham football pub
The Turf is a regular feature on the Welcome to Wrexham Disney documentary series.
September 21, 2026 at 12:06 PMPrince and Princess of Wales share a laugh with Tom Cruise at film premiere
William and Catherine renew their friendship with the Hollywood star at the premiere for his film Digger.
September 23, 2026 at 08:42 AMNew Zealand's Peters urges strong US role in Pacific - reuters.com
New Zealand's Peters urges strong US role in Pacific reuters.com
September 21, 2026 at 04:46 AM