Polygon has published a review of Disney's 2026 live-action remake of Moana, arguing that the film is a technically polished but creatively hollow copy of the acclaimed 2016 animated original. The reviewer's central criticism is that, while the original was a resonant fable about identity, the remake reproduces virtually every line, beat and song of its predecessor without developing any distinctive voice of its own. The piece situates the film within Disney's wider strategy of live-action remakes, noting that these projects are reliably lucrative even when, as here, there is little artistic justification for their existence.

The review acknowledges some points of interest. Director Thomas Kail devotes more time to Polynesian dance, and the human background cast lends the Motunui villagers a physical diversity and individuality that animation cannot. Dwayne Johnson returns as a slightly more human, weary Maui, aided by prosthetics and animated tattoos, while newcomer Catherine Laga'aia is praised as an impressive screen presence, particularly in her vocal performance and portrayal of defiance. However, the reviewer finds the film's heavy reliance on digital effects gives it a slick, weightless gloss, notes that some performances feel stilted, and dismisses Lin-Manuel Miranda's sole new song, "Along the Way", as forgettable.