The latest example? The tepid response to The Walt Disney Company's latest attempt at a "live-action" remake of one of their animated films, "Moana."The original "Moana" was widely enjoyed by critics and audiences, with popular songs that are still frequently played today, even as the film approaches its 10-year anniversary.Its animation style was also praised for the colorful, lush representation of a Pacific island.
While it didn't reinvent the wheel, there was some level of creativity and originality to the presentation of a familiar coming of age story.CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S 'THE ODYSSEY' GETS OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE REACTIONS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL CASTING CHOICESAuliʻi Cravalho arrives at the premiere of "Moana" on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) (AP Photo/Richard Shotwell)Unsurprisingly, it was a huge financial success.
It grossed $248.7 million at the domestic box office, adding a whopping $394 million internationally.That $643 million total adjusted for inflation is now nearly $900 million.And Disney, never one to leave well enough alone, didn't.
Fast-forward to 2026, and trailers for the live-action remake of "Moana" hit theaters and the internet to well, mixed reactions would be an understatement.Instead of the vivid, colorful world of the animated film, every background seemed washed out, desaturated, and uninteresting.
Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as Maui, wore a wig that was comically, laughably amateurish.Even in just two minute increments, it was clear and obvious that most people involved in the production had little interest in it.Still, small sample sizes can be deceiving, raising hopes that it might make for a better film than trailer.
Yet now that its July 10 release date is approaching, the first critical reviews have been published.And...
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