The first trailer for Disney’s live-action remake of Moana has sparked controversy among fans. The teaser, which debuted on November 17, 2025, featured newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as the title character, singing a new version of the popular song “How Far I’ll Go.” However, the trailer received criticism for its apparent use of CGI, despite being promoted as a live-action remake.
One of the major points of contention was the straightening of Laga’aia’s hair in one scene, which fans felt detracted from the cultural significance of the character. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with some arguing that the decision to straighten Moana’s hair was a missed opportunity to celebrate Pacific Island culture.
Additionally, fans were disappointed by the virtual absence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s character, Maui, in the trailer. Maui, a Hawaiian demigod, plays a crucial role in the original animated film, but was barely featured in the live-action teaser. This omission left many fans puzzled and wondering about the direction of the remake.
Despite the criticisms, Disney’s live-action remake of Moana has been highly anticipated since it was confirmed in April 2023. Dwayne Johnson, who is producing the film and reprising his role as Maui, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the story to the big screen. The remake will also feature original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda and will be directed by Thomas Kail.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the first trailer of Disney’s live-action remake of Moana highlights the challenges of adapting beloved animated films into live-action versions. Fans will have to wait and see how Disney addresses these concerns as the film’s release date approaches. Dwayne Johnson, known for his charismatic roles in various action-packed movies, is set to reprise his role as the Demigod Maui in the upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s beloved film, Moana. However, fans were left disappointed as Maui was only briefly shown at a distance before transforming into an eagle in the recently released trailer.
Despite the lack of Maui in the trailer, Johnson has been a significant creative force behind the Moana remake as an executive producer, working alongside his ex-wife Dany Garcia and former brother-in-law Hiram Garcia. The decision to keep Maui hidden in the teaser has sparked controversy among fans, with many expressing their disappointment on social media.
“It feels cowardly to not show Maui fully,” one fan insisted, while another echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The trailer for the live-action Moana looks pretty solid but they kept Maui hidden for some reason…”
However, not all reviews were negative. Some viewers defended the teaser, praising the overall look of the film and expressing their excitement for the remake. “I wasn’t hype for the live-action Moana at all, but this trailer looks goooooorgeoussss to me. I’m pretty excited now,” one user wrote. Another fan beamed, “The trailer for the new Moana movie looks amazing!!! So excited can’t wait.”
One fan even directly reached out to Johnson on social media, expressing their excitement for the film and sharing that Moana is their daughter’s favorite movie. Disney has yet to respond to the trailer backlash, but fans can look forward to the release of Moana in theaters on July 10, 2026.
As fans eagerly anticipate the live-action adaptation of Moana, the controversy surrounding the trailer has only added to the anticipation for what promises to be a visually stunning and captivating retelling of the beloved animated film. Disney’s decision to keep Maui hidden in the teaser has certainly piqued curiosity and generated buzz for the upcoming release. scratch about the benefits of mindfulness meditation:
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