Dwayne Johnson backs *Moana* remake despite poor reviews

Dwayne Johnson shrugged off the lukewarm reviews for Disney’s live-action remake of *Moana*, telling People the tepid early notices were “just the way it goes.” The movie, which opened last weekend, drew criticism for its visual flatness and the way it altered the Polynesian culture at the heart of the original animated film. Johnson, who plays the demigod Maui, called the first two reviews “amazing”—a sarcastic nod to the backlash he saw coming.

The remake lands in a crowded summer season where every Disney reboot faces intense scrutiny. Studios have been racing to retool classics like *Snow White*, *Lilo & Stitch*, and *Peter Pan* for modern audiences, but fans and critics often bristle at changes to beloved stories. For *Moana*, the biggest flashpoint was the decision to cast Johnson—a Samoan-American—after the original film’s Polynesian creators warned about the risks of cultural misrepresentation when Hollywood remakes animated hits. Disney defended the casting, arguing Johnson’s presence would bring star power to global markets, but the move also exposed tensions over who gets to tell which stories.

Johnson’s lighthearted response contrasts with the online debate. Critics like the *Los Angeles Times* called the film “a hollow spectacle,” while others argued it lacked the emotional punch of the 2016 original. At the box office, *Moana* debuted with $45 million domestically—strong for a mid-budget family film but below Disney’s highest hopes. The studio still expects long tail earnings from international markets, where the *Moana* brand remains popular.

For Johnson, the moment is another lesson in resilience. He’s weathered similar criticism before, like when *Black Adam* flopped last year. But his *Moana* role ties him to a franchise that still matters deeply to Pacific Islander communities. The remake’s future may hinge on whether audiences—especially families—embrace it over time. If the box office holds, Disney will likely press forward with more live-action revivals. If it stumbles, the backlash could slow down the studio’s rush to remake its vault.