NEWS

Starring Catherine Laga'aia as the titular princess, and with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, “Moana” (2026) is a live action recreation of the original film from 2016. Released less than two years after the second film, “Moana”  (2026) emphasizes less exaggerated character designs and more Polynesian actors while still sticking very closely to the source material. No longer predominantly in an animated world, "Moana" (2026) now has most of the characters portrayed by actual Polynesian people. Because of this, the movie now emphasizes their culture and dances far more than the original film, making for impressive performances and more authentic portrayals of their lives.

Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia is a great choice as Moana. Even with this as her film debut, she performs as well as many seasoned actors. Combining a great singing voice with clear emotional investment, Catherine has the potential to go far in this business. On the other hand, seasoned actor, Dwayne Johnson, does not benefit from being in live action in this film. Though clearly trying to act well and being physically closer to the Maui of Polynesian myth than the one of Disney animation, his lackluster performance is less a result of his own acting and more a result of the disparity between animation and live action. Live Maui, by definition, is not capable of being as expressive or as inventive as animated Maui.

The main drawback of “Moana” (2026) is that it is a recreation of the original. With the previously noted exceptions, the film essentially copies its 2016 counterpart. As a story, there is little that this version offers that audiences cannot already get out of the original. However, it brings welcome cultural homages and a stellar new actress, and because the original story is compelling, MOANA is worth a watch, though it will likely be more appealing as a rental than a theatrical experience.

6/10