A new Reddit discussion has put Disney's live-action Moana back in the middle of the remake argument. The movie opened in July, but a post this week from someone who disliked it brought fresh replies about the songs, Dwayne Johnson's Maui and the basic question many fans asked before release: why remake a film that came out only ten years ago?
“Who is this for?”
The original Moana came out in 2016, and Moana 2 followed in 2024. One commenter in the new discussion pointed out how little time passed between the animated film and the live-action version. Another, who said they were 12 when the original opened, wrote that they are still in college now. For those viewers, this is not an old childhood film being introduced to their children. It is a recent movie they can still watch.
“i'm still in college. who is this for?” — a fan in the new Reddit discussion
The post's author said they loved the animated film but found the remake too close to it to offer anything new. Other replies agreed that animation could make the characters and musical scenes more expressive.
Maui is dividing viewers too
Dwayne Johnson voiced Maui in the animated films and plays him on screen here. Some Reddit users said the live-action performance lacked the energy of the cartoon version. A few discussed his costume and how the movie films him. Other commenters pushed back on personal insults and focused on whether the songs and physical comedy worked in live action. The interesting question is about the performance, not the actor's age or appearance.
Families who liked it have an answer
In a separate Moana fan discussion, a parent said their four-year-old kept talking about the film after seeing it. Another viewer said they enjoyed seeing the songs on a big screen because they missed the animated film's theatrical run. Some praised Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and the film's Pacific Islander cast. One fan admitted the remake was unnecessary but still enjoyed it as a movie.
“It was excellent. Super well made. The kids loved it” — another viewer
One adult wanted a new take on the story. Another took a child to see Moana in a theater for the first time. Those experiences led to very different reactions to the same movie.
Disney says the live-action film will come to Disney+, but has not announced a streaming date. The animated film and its sequel are already on Disney+; the remake is still awaiting its streaming debut.
