19 Nov - Disney has recently unveiled the first trailer for its live-action remake of "Moana" and boy, people are not amused. The teaser of the movie, which is helmed by Thomas Kail, began with the voice of Moana singing the Lin-Manuel Miranda-composed "How Far I'll Go" and the first look of the character as a young child interacting with the waves. It then features many sights that are similar to the animated feature, including the coconut pirates Kakamora, and the demigod Maui himself, who shapeshifts into an eagle before the scene cuts to Catherine Laga'aia as Moana. Following the trailer's release, many took to the comments to express their amazement, not at how great the movie could be, but as to why the movie has to be made at all, especially when a lot of special effects were used for it.
One commenter wrote, "So, basically it is still animated, just with live humans inserted into it." Another posted, "Coming out with a theatrical sequel last year and a live action remake two years later is crazy work." Others also questioned the reason why a 2016 animated feature is turned into a live-action film when there are still other titles like "The Princess and the Frog," "Treasure Planet" and "Atlantis" that are way older than "Moana" that are up for a live-action remake. "I am surprised Disney hasn't thought of remaking Treasure Planet or Atlantis, as those two films have so much potential in live action!" said one netizen. "We could have gotten an Atlantis or Treasure Planet remake, but we got this," said another. And then there is the obligatory but necessary speculation: "I bet Dwayne Johnson was the one to push this movie to be made."
The live-action "Moana" is set for release in July 2026. Check out the teaser trailer here and see for yourself if it is "still animated, just with live humans inserted into it."