Something just shifted in Disney’s world, and fans aren’t brushing it off. The studio dropped news involving Moana that should have felt like a slam dunk, yet the reaction fell flat. Instead of excitement, the internet erupted in frustration. Comment sections flooded, threads popped up instantly, and longtime fans began questioning why Disney would make such a move. Whatever Disney intended, the response made it clear: this decision wasn’t the crowd-pleaser they hoped for.
The pushback grew the moment the announcement surfaced. Fans who adore the Moana franchise didn’t hide their disappointment. What started as confusion quickly turned into a loud wave of criticism, and the conversation hasn’t slowed down since.
Fans Already Loved Moana Without Any Changes
A considerable part of the frustration comes from the fact that the franchise already had everything going for it. When the original Moana (2016) hit theaters, it became an instant modern classic. People absolutely loved the vibrant animation, unforgettable soundtrack, and Moana’s powerful arc. She didn’t need a fairy godmother or a destined prince—she shaped her own story, and that resonated with audiences everywhere.
The momentum continued with Moana 2 (2024). Fans got another adventure without feeling like the story was overextended. It proved the franchise still held plenty of heart and energy. Nothing about the series felt outdated or in need of a dramatic overhaul.
So, when Disney decided to take the next step, the reaction wasn’t one of relief—it was one of confusion.
Disney Pushes a Live-Action Remake
Disney’s decision to release a live-action version of Moana sparked mixed emotions from the start. Catherine Lagaʻaia stepped into the role of Moana, and Dwayne Johnson returned as Maui, which many thought would naturally draw interest. But the casting wasn’t the sticking point—fans simply couldn’t figure out why such a young film needed a remake at all.
Still, the curiosity stuck around… at least until Disney unveiled the first look.
The Trailer Drops and Fans Go Off
The official trailer landed across Disney’s platforms, but instead of sparking excitement, it ignited backlash. Fans wasted no time tearing into it. YouTube comments piled up rapidly, X and TikTok lit up, and the overall tone didn’t lean positive.
People called the trailer dull, unnecessary, and far too similar to what they’d already seen back in 2016. The energy that usually follows a Disney remake release felt muted, replaced with annoyance and disbelief.
CGI Becomes a Major Flashpoint
The most significant criticism centered around the visuals. Fans expected a grounded, realistic take, but what they got looked heavily dependent on CGI. Many said the footage didn’t feel “live action” at all. In fact, some argued it looked even more digitally stylized than the animated original.
That sparked a new wave of complaints. Why recreate a film shot-for-shot if the final product doesn’t feel new or different? And why choose a story that’s barely reaching its tenth birthday?
Fans repeated the same sentiment: Moana doesn’t need reimagining—especially not this soon.
Fans Aren’t Sugarcoating It
Some of the comments say everything about the current mood:
“Remastering something from 2016 is crazy.”
“Why does this need to exist?”
“Hey Siri, generate a live action trailer of Moana.”
“This ‘live’ action looks more CGI than the original.”
The sarcasm speaks for itself.
Fans Suggest Better Options for Remakes
Interestingly, fans aren’t against remakes as a whole. They simply want Disney to choose older films that actually warrant revisiting. Titles like Tangled, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Treasure Planet keep coming up—movies with deep nostalgia that have waited years for a second life.
Disney skipping those in favor of remaking a film from 2016 is what fans struggle to understand.
Disney Needs to Pay Attention
This early reaction tells Disney everything it needs to know. Fans love Moana, but not this direction. Between CGI complaints, remake fatigue, and confusion over why the film needed a second version so soon, the backlash feels unavoidable.
The movie might still find its audience, but right now, fans are begging Disney to leave recent classics alone and start building new stories again.
