Disney promised that its live-action Moana (2026) would stay true to the beloved animated film that debuted in 2016, and for the most part, it delivers on that promise. The songs are familiar, the adventure follows the same path, and the emotional message remains intact.
But longtime fans quickly noticed something interesting.
Rather than producing a scene-for-scene recreation, Disney quietly introduced a surprising number of changes throughout the film. Some are easy to spot, while others require a sharp eye and a good memory of the original.
Here are five of the biggest differences.
1. The movie isn’t nearly as comedic
One of the first things many viewers notice is the film’s tone.
The animated Moana embraced cartoon-style comedy, with exaggerated reactions, fast-paced jokes, and plenty of visual humor.
The live-action remake tones much of that down.
Maui still cracks jokes, but Dwayne Johnson delivers many of them with a calmer approach. Several familiar one-liners also arrive more subtly than they did ten years ago, giving the movie a more grounded atmosphere.
The emotional moments feel stronger as a result, but the remake doesn’t chase laughs as aggressively as the original.
2. Chief Tui’s tragic story has changed
Disney quietly rewrote an important piece of Moana history.
Originally, Chief Tui explained that his best friend drowned during a voyage beyond the reef, creating the fear that defines much of his parenting.
Now, that victim is his cousin instead.
It’s a relatively minor dialogue change, yet it alters one of the central motivations behind his character.
3. Pua almost disappears
Fans of Pua may be surprised by how little screen time the lovable pig receives.
While Pua was constantly by Moana’s side in the animated movie, the live-action adaptation greatly reduces his role.
Instead, Hei Hei remains the primary animal companion throughout the voyage and even receives a few additional moments with Maui.
It’s one of the remake’s biggest character reductions.
4. Several classic jokes are gone
Some jokes simply didn’t survive the transition to live action.
One of the most obvious omissions is Maui’s “tweeting” joke involving Hei Hei’s beak, which has disappeared entirely.
The change reflects the film’s broader approach.
Rather than modern pop-culture humor and rapid-fire punchlines, the remake leans toward quieter dialogue and more emotional exchanges.
It’s a different comedic style than audiences remember from 2016.
5. Disney expands Moana’s leadership journey
Not every change removes material.
The remake actually adds several moments that strengthen Moana’s eventual role as chief of Motunui.
The ceremonial stones receive greater emphasis, while additional scenes show the worsening blight affecting the island during Moana’s absence.
Those additions make her success feel even more meaningful by the time the story reaches its conclusion.
More than a remake
Disney’s newest version of Moana isn’t trying to reinvent one of the company’s most successful animated films.
Instead, it makes dozens of careful adjustments that collectively give the story a different personality.
Some fans will appreciate the more grounded performances and expanded emotional beats. Others may miss the faster-paced humor, larger role for Pua, and some of the animated film’s more playful moments.
Either way, one thing is clear: after ten years, Disney didn’t simply remake Moana. It quietly rewrote parts of it while preserving the heart that made the original such a modern classic.
