Dwayne Johnson defended the timing of Disney's live-action Moana adaptation during promotional appearances in New York this week.
The actor's comments come as the film faces criticism from audiences and reviewers who argue the remake is premature. This tension highlights a broader debate regarding Disney's strategy of converting its animated hits into live-action features shortly after their initial success.
Johnson discussed the project during interviews on Good Morning America and at the blue-carpet event for FOX 5 NY at the United Palace Theatre in New York. He said the production was not rushed or unnecessary, noting the passage of time since the first film's debut.
According to Johnson, it has been 10 years [1] since the original animated Moana was released. He said this timeline justifies a new iteration of the story for a new generation of viewers.
The promotional push coincides with a mixed reception from critics. A review article published on July 8, 2026 [2], noted that some Rotten Tomatoes reviews slammed the live-action adaptation of the Disney hit.
Despite the critical pushback, Johnson continued to promote the film's strengths during his media tour. He focused on the film's ability to bring the characters to life in a physical space, a move intended to enhance the emotional resonance of the story.
Johnson's presence at the United Palace Theatre served as a focal point for the film's New York publicity. The actor said he is committed to the role and the project's overall vision, regardless of the timing concerns raised by critics.
“It has been 10 years since the animated Moana was released.”
The friction between Johnson's defense and the critical reception suggests a growing gap between studio promotional cycles and audience appetite for remakes. By citing a decade-long gap, Disney is attempting to frame the live-action version as a legacy celebration rather than a redundant product, though early critical data indicates the strategy may not fully mitigate 'remake fatigue.'
