Dwayne Johnson Shrugs Off ‘Moana’ Criticism as Live-Action Remake Stumbles at Box Office

Dwayne Johnson isn’t losing sleep over the tepid response to Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’. The actor, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, says the film’s mixed critical reception and disappointing box office showing are just par for the course in Hollywood.

In a recent interview, Johnson reflected on how the initial reviews started strong before critics turned on the film. But he didn’t seem bothered by the shift in sentiment, chalking it up to the unpredictable nature of the movie business. Once a film hits theaters, he explained, audiences and critics rarely agree.

Disney released the live-action ‘Moana’ on July 10, 2026 nearly a decade after the original animated film became a global sensation. Director Thomas Kail brought Catherine Laga’aia on board as Moana, with Johnson returning as Maui.

The movie follows the same basic plot as the 2016 original, with Moana venturing from her island alongside Maui to save her people. While some viewers have enjoyed the film, critics have largely panned it. The film currently sits at a 31 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences have been kinder with an 88 percent rating.

Much of the critical backlash centers on how closely the remake mirrors the original. Reviewers have described it as a straightforward recreation rather than a fresh take on the story.

The lukewarm reviews have translated into a weaker-than-expected theatrical run. The film has earned approximately $263 million worldwide against its $250 million production budget a thin margin for a major Disney live-action remake, especially one based on such a commercially successful franchise.

By comparison, the animated ‘Moana 2’, released in 2024, crossed the $1 billion mark globally. Johnson’s recent projects have also shown that even A-list star power doesn’t guarantee box office gold.

Despite the film’s struggles, Johnson remains proud of what the movie represents. Throughout the development and promotion of the live-action adaptation, the actor has stressed the importance of Polynesian culture on the global stage.

For Johnson, who has Samoan heritage, bringing the story to a new generation meant more than just chasing box office dollars. He’s highlighted how meaningful it is to see Polynesian representation in a major Hollywood production. His wife, Lauren Hashian, has also spoken about the emotional experience of watching the story come to life through their children’s eyes.

Johnson’s remarks suggest he’s separating the film’s cultural impact from its critical reviews and financial performance.

Johnson’s return as Maui was one of the live-action remake’s main selling points. The actor originally voiced the character in the 2016 animated film and reprised the role for ‘Moana 2’.

In the new adaptation, Catherine Laga’aia makes her feature film debut as Moana, while Johnson brings his trademark charm to the demigod. Though the remake hasn’t matched the success of Disney’s other live-action adaptations, Johnson’s performance has earned recognition from both audiences and critics alike.

For now, ‘Moana’ serves as a cautionary tale for Disney about the challenges of translating beloved animated classics to live action. While the mixed reviews and modest box office returns stand in sharp contrast to the franchise’s earlier triumphs, Johnson appears content to view the project through a broader lensone centered on representation and cultural significance rather than the bottom line.