Why the live-action ‘Moana’ trailer sparked controversy among fans

disneyof first trailer Because the live-action remake of “Moana” has caused controversy.

briefly introduce Moana Debuting on November 17, 2025, focusing almost entirely on newcomers Catherine LagaiaPlaying the title role, singing a new version of the Oscar-nominated song “How Far I’ll Go.” The action-packed sequence ends with Ragaia triumphantly shouting the line: “I’m Moana!”

Despite the powerful tone of the video, many die-hard Disney fans were critical of the trailer due to its apparent use of computer-generated technology, even though the project is being promoted as a live-action remake. Others felt that straightening Rajaaiya’s hair in one scene might have been culturally insensitive, while others complained that there was actually no such thing as Rajaaia’s hair. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnsonof hawaiian demigod maui.

One viewer sarcastically wrote in the trailer’s YouTube comments section: “Got to thank Disney for opening up reviews on this film.”

Keep scrolling to learn more about the Moana live-action remake and trailer controversy:

Disney confirms it will remake ‘Moana’ in April 2023

Dwayne Johnson announced via his YouTube channel in April 2023 that he was working on a live-action remake of Disney Moanain addition to continuing to voice the demigod Maui in the 2016 animated film.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be able to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” he said. “This story is my culture, this story symbolizes the grace and warrior strength of our people. I proudly wear this culture on my skin and soul, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, War Chief Peter Maiviais a very profound question for me. “

One month later, Ollie Cravalho ——Who voices the protagonist in the film? Moana – confirmed that she’s still involved in the remake as a producer, but won’t be playing the lead again. (Carvalho recently lent his voice to the 2024 animated sequel moana 2.)

“When I was cast as Moana at the age of 14, it dramatically changed my life and launched my career. I will not be playing the role again in this live-action revival,” she confirmed via Instagram. “I believe it’s absolutely important that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”

After a global casting process, Australian newcomer Catherine Laga’aia was finally cast as Moana in June 2024.

“I’m really excited to accept this role because Moana is one of my favorites,” the then-17-year-old actress said in a statement. “My grandfather was from Fa’aala, Palauli, Savai’i. My grandmother was from Leulumoega Tuai, on the main island of Upolu, Samoa. I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and represent young girls who look like me.”

Like the 2016 original, Disney’s remake will feature characters from Lin-Manuel Miranda. miranda’s companion hamilton veteran thomas kyle will command Moana from script Jared Bush and Dana LeDoux Miller.

First live-action ‘Moana’ trailer criticized for using CGI

The first trailer for Moana premiered on November 17, 2025, but didn’t create quite the buzz Disney had hoped. The video was viewed approximately 6.1 million times on YouTube within 24 hours of its release, well below the animated version’s record-breaking 178 million views. moana 2 The first day the trailer was released.

Disney fans who saw the trailer mostly criticized it. A common criticism is that even though the film is a live-action remake, most of the new footage appears to have used CGI.

One YouTube commenter quipped: “The word ‘reality show’ really comes into play here,” while another complained: “So basically it’s still animation, just with live people inserted.”

“This action has no life,” replied a third disappointed fan.

‘Moana’ star Catherine Lagaea’s hair is a major talking point

Another major talking point on social media is that Catherine Laga’aia’s hair appears to be straightened in the trailer, even though the actress has naturally curly hair like the animated character. For some, the straightening of Moana’s hair is a worrying sign that Disney is removing some of the cultural meaning behind it Moana.

“It gave the AI ​​and they straightened Moana’s hair??? Are you kidding me???” argued one angry fan byX.

“Why did they use a wand to curl the hair of the actress who played Moana?” one Threads user asked. “Her natural hair is absolutely perfect and the message this sends to young Pacific Islander girls is a bad one. I’m sad that they did this. As a Samoan woman with this hair texture, it breaks my heart that they did this. Especially since Moana in the animated version also has beautiful curly hair.”

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui is mostly absent from first live-action Moana trailer

What many found strange was that Dwayne Johnson’s character Maui has been almost completely absent from the trailers since his debut. via his Instagram account. (Maui appears only briefly in the distance before transforming into an eagle.)

Not only does Johnson reprise his role as a demigod, but he’s also a huge creative force behind the scenes. Moana Remake as executive producer, alongside his ex-wife Danny Garcia and ex-brother-in-law Hiram Garcia.

“It feels cowardly not to show Maui in its entirety,” one X user persist in.

another person echo These sentiments: “The trailer for the live-action version of Moana Looks solid, but for some reason they hide Maui…”

Not all reviews are negative

Although Moana The trailer was hugely controversial for a number of reasons, and it also had some passionate defenders of the trailer.

“I’m not hyping up the live-action version Moana Not at all, but this trailer looks awesome to me. I’m so excited right now,” one X user wrote.

another viewer shine: “New Trailer Moana The movie looks great! ! ! So excited and can’t wait. “

“I can’t wait, Moana is one of my daughter’s favorite movies. It’s just in time for her 2nd birthday and she’s so excited to see the trailer,” one fan Reply directly Contact Johnson via X.

As of publication, Disney has yet to respond to the backlash over the trailer.

Moana Released on July 10, 2026.