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Disney's Live-Action Moana Flops With D-Grade Reviews

7/11/2026

Summary

Disney Moana Flop

Disney released a live-action Moana in the United States on July 10, 2026, starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
The film copies the 2016 plot and songs, adds one new Miranda track, and received a D grade and 2/5 stars from Tom’s Guide.
Critics say about 40 % of the picture uses lifeless CGI and, despite Laga’aia’s praised performance, label the costly (hundreds of millions) remake a cash-grab flop.

Summary

Disney Announces Moana

Disney confirmed a third Moana film is already in development as the live-action version opens.
Disney says over 60 % of global box-office earnings for recent live-action remakes come from overseas markets.
Andrew Cripps, Disney’s head of theatrical distribution, says two Moana releases in two years will not saturate the market.
Analysts note that the ten-year gap between the original and live-action Moana, shorter than typical remakes, may dampen audience interest.

Summary

Johnson Seeks Reinvention

Johnson aims to shed his franchise image after the box-office bomb “The Smashing Machine.”
He told reporters his “burning desire” was to prove he could do more than franchise fare.
Critics derided his live-action Maui performance as “catatonic” and “lackluster.”
The Hollywood Reporter praised his chemistry with Catherine Laga’aia, calling the duo “terrific together.”
Johnson will next appear in “Jumanji 4,” keeping him tied to big-budget franchise projects.

History

Historical Context

In July 2013 Disney announced a live-action remake of The Jungle Book, which Jon Favreau directed and released on April 15 2016, earning $966 million worldwide and cementing the studio’s strategy of reviving animated classics. That success encouraged Disney to greenlight a July 2026 live-action Moana, produced by Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, extending the remake trend.

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Disney Moana Flop

Disney released a live-action Moana in the United States on July 10, 2026, starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
The film copies the 2016 plot and songs, adds one new Miranda track, and received a D grade and 2/5 stars from Tom’s Guide.
Critics say about 40 % of the picture uses lifeless CGI and, despite Laga’aia’s praised performance, label the costly (hundreds of millions) remake a cash-grab flop.

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