Dwayne Johnson has responded to the mixed critical reception for Disney’s live-action Moana, saying the reaction is simply part of the entertainment business while emphasizing the film’s cultural significance.
Dwayne Johnson has addressed the mixed response to Disney’s live-action Moana, acknowledging that the film received a very different reception from critics than the team initially expected. Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui from the animated version, said he has learned to accept the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
The film currently holds a 31% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while its audience score is significantly stronger at 89%. On Metacritic, the movie has a score of 42 out of 100, reflecting a generally mixed critical response.
Johnson explained that the first reviews were highly encouraging before the overall critical reaction shifted. Rather than dwelling on the negative response, he said audiences should decide for themselves whether the new version works for them.
The actor has also emphasized the cultural importance of the project. Johnson, whose mother is Samoan, said he is particularly proud of the film’s focus on Polynesian culture and representation. He believes that seeing these traditions and characters presented on a major theatrical scale can have a meaningful impact on younger audiences.
Despite the criticism, the film has received considerably warmer reactions from moviegoers. The contrast between the critical and audience responses has become one of the most notable aspects of the remake’s reception.
The live-action Moana is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, with Johnson returning as Maui. The film retells the story of the original animated adventure while bringing its characters and world into live action.
