‘Moana’ Review: Captivating Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia and a Game Dwayne Johnson Invigorate One of Disney’s Better Live-Action Remakes
Thomas Kail directs this reimagining of the hit 2016 animated feature about a plucky Polynesian teenager’s coming of age, with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Thomas Kail directs this reimagining of the hit 2016 animated feature about a plucky Polynesian teenager’s coming of age, with songs by Lin-Manuel Mir
Read Full Story at Hollywood Reporter →Why This Matters
Disney’s live-action adaptations often face scrutiny for veering too close to nostalgia rather than reinvention, but *Moana* bucks the trend by leveraging its Polynesian cultural roots to craft something more authentic than its predecessors. The film’s emphasis on casting Indigenous talent—particularly newcomer Catherine Laga’aia—signals a shift toward diversifying creative leadership in Hollywood’s adaptation pipeline, a move that could redefine how studios approach global stories.
Background Context
The original *Moana* (2016) was groundbreaking for its representation of Polynesian culture, but its animated medium allowed for a stylized, fantastical interpretation that sidestepped some of the complexities of Pacific Islander identity. This live-action version arrives amid a broader reckoning in Hollywood over cultural appropriation and the underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in storytelling, with pressure mounting on studios to move beyond tokenism in casting and creative control.
What Happens Next
If *Moana* performs well, it could embolden Disney and other studios to prioritize Indigenous-led projects over safer, Western-centric remakes, potentially unlocking funding for underrepresented filmmakers. Conversely, a misstep in cultural authenticity—despite the new casting—might reignite debates over whether live-action adaptations inherently dilute the magic of animation, a criticism already leveled at recent remakes like *The Little Mermaid*.
Bigger Picture
The casting of Dwayne Johnson, a Samoan-American icon, alongside rising Indigenous talent reflects a broader industry trend of leveraging star power to legitimize diverse projects, even as critics question whether such choices are performative. Meanwhile, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement underscores the growing crossover between Broadway and Hollywood, where musical storytelling is being reimagined for a new generation of audiences.
