Disney’s first trailer for its live-action remake of Moana proved to be controversial.
A brief look at Moana debuted on November 17, 2025, and focused almost exclusively on newcomer Catherine Laga’aia’s portrayal of the title character as she sings a new version of the Oscar-nominated song “How Far I’ll Go.” The action-packed footage ends with Laga’aia triumphantly belting out the line: “I am Moana!”
Despite the empowering tone of the footage, many diehard Disney fans were critical of the teaser because of its apparent use of CGI even though the project is being promoted as a live-action remake. Others took issue with the possible cultural insensitivity of straightening Laga’aia’s hair in one scene, plus there were gripes about the virtual absence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Hawaiian demigod Maui.
“Gotta give credit to Disney for leaving the comments open on this one,” one viewer sarcastically wrote in the trailer’s YouTube comment section.
Keep scrolling for more info on the live-action remake of Moana and the trailer controversy:
Disney Confirmed Its Remake of ‘Moana’ in April 2023
Dwayne Johnson announced via his YouTube channel in April 2023 that he was producing Disney’s live-action remake of Moana, in addition to reprising his voice role as the Demigod Maui from the 2016 animated film.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” he said. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”
One month later, Auliʻi Cravalho — who voiced the title character in Moana — confirmed that she remained involved in the remake as a producer but would not play the title character again. (Cravalho most recently lent her voice to the 2024 animated sequel Moana 2.)
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role,” she confirmed via Instagram. “I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
Australian newcomer Catherine Laga’aia eventually landed the role of Moana in June 2024 after a worldwide casting call.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” the then-17-year-old actress said in a statement. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Like the 2016 original, Disney’s remake will feature original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda’s fellow Hamilton veteran Thomas Kail will direct Moana from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller.
The 1st Live-Action ‘Moana’ Trailer Criticized For Its Use of CGI
Moana’s first teaser debuted on November 17, 2025, but didn’t make quite the splash with some that Disney may have been hoping for. The clip was viewed approximately 6.1 million times on YouTube in its first 24 hours of release — which is way down from the record-breaking 178 million views that the animated Moana 2 trailer got on its first day.
Disney fans who did watch the teaser largely panned it. One common criticism was that much of the new footage seemingly used CGI despite the film being a live-action remake.
“The term ‘Live Action’ is doing some real heavy lifting here,” one YouTube commenter quipped, with another person complaining: “So basically it’s still animated just with live humans inserted into it.”
“There is no life in this action,” a third disappointed fan replied.
‘Moana’ Star Catherine Laga’aia’s Hair Was a Major Talking Point
Another major talking point via social media was that Catherine Laga’aia’s hair was seemingly straightened in the teaser, despite the actress having naturally curly hair like the animated character. For some, the straightening of Moana’s hair was a worrying sign that Disney was removing some of the cultural significance behind Moana.
“It’s giving AI, AND they straightened Moana’s hair??? Are you kidding me???” an angry fan argued via X.
“Why would they wand curl the actress’s hair who plays Moana?” a Threads user asked. “Her NATURAL hair is absolutely perfect, and the message this sends to young Pasifika girls is not okay. I’m so sad they did this. And as a Samoan woman who has this kind of hair texture, it breaks my heart that they did this. Especially since Moana in the animated version has beautiful curls too.”
Dwayne Johnson’s Maui Is Mostly Absent from 1st Live-Action Moana Trailer
Many found it strange that Dwayne Johnson’s character, Maui, was almost entirely absent from the teaser since he debuted the footage via his Instagram account. (Maui is only briefly shown at a distance before he transforms into an eagle.)
Johnson not only reprises his role as the Demigod but has also been a huge creative force behind the Moana remake as an executive producer, alongside his ex-wife Dany Garcia and former brother-in-law Hiram Garcia.
“It feels cowardly to not show Maui fully,” an X user insisted.
Another person echoed those sentiments: “The trailer for the live-action Moana looks pretty solid but they kept Maui hidden for some reason…”
Not All Reviews Were Negative
While the Moana trailer caused significant controversy for multiple reasons, there were some passionate defenders of the teaser.
“I wasn’t hype for the live-action Moana at all, but this trailer looks goooooorgeoussss to me. I’m pretty excited now, ng,” an X user wrote.
Another viewer beamed: “The trailer for the new Moana movie looks amazing!!! So excited can’t wait.”
“I can’t wait, Moana’s one of my daughter’s favorite movies. This is coming out in time for her 2nd birthday, she got so excited watching this trailer,” a fan replied directly to Johnson via X.
Disney has yet to respond to the trailer backlash as of publication.
Moana hits theaters July 10, 2026.
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