Why the Live Action Moana Trailer Is Causing Controversy Among Fans

Disney’s first trailer for its live-action rendition of Moana has sparked controversy.

A sneak peek at Moana premiered on November 17, 2025, emphasizing the performance of newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as she sings a revamped version of the Oscar-nominated track “How Far I’ll Go.” The action-filled clip concludes with Laga’aia passionately declaring, “I am Moana!”

Although the clip exudes empowerment, numerous dedicated Disney fans criticized the teaser for its apparent CGI usage, despite being labeled a live-action remake. Additionally, some expressed concerns over the cultural implications of straightening Laga’aia’s hair and noted the minimal presence of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s demigod, Maui.

“I have to hand it to Disney for keeping the comments enabled on this one,” one viewer remarked sarcastically in the YouTube comment section.

Continue reading for more details on the live-action Moana remake and the trailer controversy:

Disney Confirmed Its Remake of ‘Moana’ in April 2023

Dwayne Johnson revealed on his YouTube channel in April 2023 that he would be producing Disney’s live-action Moana, in addition to reprising his role as the Demigod Maui from the 2016 animated version.

“I’m truly honored and filled with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” he shared. “This narrative reflects my culture and embodies our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture with pride both on my skin and in my spirit, and this unique opportunity to reconnect with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, holds significant meaning for me.”

Just a month later, Auliʻi Cravalho—the voice of the title character in Moana—confirmed her involvement as a producer for the remake but clarified that she would not reprise the title role. (Cravalho recently lent her voice to the 2024 animated sequel Moana 2.)

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it profoundly changed my life and initiated my career. In this live-action adaptation, I will not be reprising the role,” she confirmed via Instagram. “I believe it’s crucial for casting to accurately reflect the characters and stories we aim to portray.”

Australian newcomer Catherine Laga’aia won the role of Moana in June 2024 after a global casting call.

“I’m thrilled to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” the then-17-year-old actress expressed in a statement. “My grandfather hails from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who resemble me.”

Similar to the original from 2016, Disney’s remake will feature new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Fellow Hamilton alum Thomas Kail will direct Moana based on a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller.

The 1st Live-Action ‘Moana’ Trailer Criticized For Its Use of CGI

Moana’s first teaser launched on November 17, 2025, but it didn’t quite garner the expected excitement. The clip received around 6.1 million views on YouTube within its first 24 hours—far fewer than the animated Moana 2 trailer, which amassed a record-breaking 178 million views on its first day.

Many Disney fans who viewed the teaser voiced their disappointment, particularly criticizing its evident reliance on CGI despite being a live-action remake.

“The term ‘Live Action’ is working overtime here,” one YouTube commenter quipped, while another complained: “So it’s basically still animated but with live humans inserted into the mix.”

“There’s no life in this action,” a third dissatisfied fan remarked.

‘Moana’ Star Catherine Laga’aia’s Hair Was a Major Talking Point

Another hot topic on social media was the apparent straightening of Catherine Laga’aia’s hair in the teaser, even though the actress has naturally curly hair akin to the animated character. Many saw this change as a troubling indication that Disney was sidelining important cultural elements of Moana.

“Is this AI, AND they straightened Moana’s hair??? Seriously???” an upset fan commented via X.

“Why did they curl the hair of the actress portraying Moana? Her NATURAL hair is beautiful, and the message this sends to young Pasifika girls is unacceptable. It saddens me that they did this. As a Samoan woman with this hair texture, it breaks my heart, especially since Moana in the animated film has stunning curls too.”

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui Is Mostly Absent from 1st Live-Action Moana Trailer

Many found it odd that Dwayne Johnson’s character, Maui, was barely featured in the teaser, which he debuted on his Instagram account. (Maui is only briefly glimpsed in the distance before transforming into an eagle.)

Johnson not only reprises his role as the Demigod but also serves as a significant creative force behind the Moana remake as an executive producer, along with his ex-wife Dany Garcia and former brother-in-law Hiram Garcia.

“It feels cowardly to not fully reveal Maui,” an X user contended.

Another user agreed, stating: “The trailer for the live-action Moana seems solid, but they kept Maui hidden for some reason…”

Not All Reviews Were Negative

While the Moana trailer stirred significant controversy for various reasons, there were also some enthusiastic defenders of the teaser.

“I wasn’t excited for the live-action Moana at all, but this trailer looks absolutely gorgeous to me. I’m feeling hopeful now,” an X user wrote.

Another viewer gushed: “The trailer for the new Moana looks incredible!!! So excited, can’t wait.”

“I can’t wait; Moana is one of my daughter’s favorite movies. This is coming out just in time for her 2nd birthday, and she got so thrilled watching this trailer,” a fan replied directly to Johnson via X.

As of this publication, Disney has not yet addressed the backlash regarding the trailer.

Moana is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.