Live-action remake of ‘Moana’ gets ravaged by critics in latest blow to Disney Studios
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An OutKick opinion piece, published on Fox News, argues that Disney's live-action remake of "Moana" has been poorly received by critics, framing it as the latest setback for the studio. The article positions the film within a broader narrative of what the author sees as creative stagnation across Hollywood, suggesting audiences are increasingly asking "who was asking for this?" in response to a stream of remakes, reboots and sequels.
The bulk of the visible text consists of links to other OutKick and Fox News articles rather than substantive detail about the "Moana" remake itself, and the piece cuts off before offering specifics such as review scores, box-office figures or the film's release date. It cites other recent examples the author views as struggles for major studios, including Disney's "Mandalorian and Grogu" and the "Supergirl" release, and references actress Fran Drescher's warning that reboots risk "degrading" classic legacies. The article's tone is critical and commentary-driven rather than a straightforward news report.
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Disney's new "Moana" film is a live-action remake of its 2016 animated musical, part of the studio's long-running strategy of turning past animated hits into effects-heavy, real-world versions with human actors. Disney has released several of these in recent years, including remakes of "The Lion King," "Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid," with mixed results in terms of critical reception and box-office performance.
The wider context is a debate over Hollywood's growing reliance on remakes, reboots and sequels rather than original ideas. Critics of this trend argue it risks diminishing the reputation of beloved originals, a concern echoed by figures in the industry such as actress Fran Drescher, while studios generally see remakes as a lower-risk way to draw audiences already familiar with the material.
This matters because Disney is one of the world's largest entertainment companies, and how its films are received affects both its finances and its broader reputation for creative output. Coverage of the "Moana" remake's critical reception is being framed by some commentators as part of a pattern of recent setbacks for the studio, alongside other titles such as "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and Warner Bros' "Supergirl."
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