Moana Live-Action Trailer Hit With Heavy Fan Backlash on YouTube

The live-action Moana trailer has dropped, and the reaction on YouTube is rough.

As of now, the teaser sits at 13k likes to 14k dislikes, with the comment section filled with fans calling the remake unnecessary, overly CGI-heavy and rushed, especially after Moana 2 just released last year.

Wednesday update: Dislikes are now at 85K dislikes to 37K likes.

Fans Say the Movie Looks “90% Animated”

A recurring complaint is that Disney’s “live-action” remake barely looks live-action at all. Many viewers point out that even the real footage looks processed and artificial:

“So much CG and image processing even the real footage looks animated.” – @LILGHETTI

“Fans: Wait, is this live action?
Disney: Yup, a live-action that looks 90% animated.” – @muneeb4723-e3c

Others compare shots—like Maui jumping off a cliff—to fake fan-made trailers.

“Too Soon” Becomes the Main Talking Point

Much of the backlash centers on timing. The original Moana is not even ten years old, and Disney released Moana 2 just last year. Fans are calling the remake pointless and a sign of creative exhaustion:

“The animated OG Moana film isn’t nearly old enough for a live-action remake.” – @theflashfan4556

“Didn’t Disney just release the sequel last year? Why are we getting a remake so soon?” – @Rollbrand370

“The original is not even ten years old yet… This confirms they are creatively bankrupt.” – @LuckyPunkProd

Many Want Cravalho Back as Moana

Another major complaint is the recasting of Moana. While Auliʻi Cravalho is an executive producer on the remake, fans are frustrated she isn’t starring:

“Wild that Disney didn’t cast Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana… she IS Moana.” – @RussellVea

“We Didn’t Ask for This”

Dozens of commenters accuse Disney of chasing box office cash with constant remakes instead of focusing on original films:

“Remember when this company used to make original animated projects instead of whatever this is?” – @carpenterjr

“For five minutes… could you stop making live action remakes… FOR FIVE MINUTES??” – @AloneTerry

“At this point, we’re all just grabbing the popcorn and watching Disney slowly collapse on itself.” – @huhhuhhuh4069

Others joke about how fast Disney pushed out the remake:

“Moana, Moana 2 and the live-action Moana remake before GTA VI.” – @CorporalFriendlyShark

Not All Negative—But It’s Overwhelmingly So

A few commenters are open to waiting for the final product, and some do praise Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. But the overwhelming tone is frustration and fatigue.

Even Disney leaving the comments open surprised viewers:

“How brave of Disney. Leaving the comment section open.” – @vicus2275

With dislikes edging out likes and thousands of comments criticizing the project, Disney faces an uphill battle convincing audiences there’s a reason for this remake—especially with a release date set for July 10, 2026.