First look: Disney’s live-action Moana trailer divides fans over casting choices

The first trailer for Disney’s live-action Moana has been released, sparking excitement among fans. However, opinions regarding the outcome of the movie production are divided.

Although the movie’s development was known after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced his casting last year, the release date remained a mystery. Now that the trailer has been released, fans are eagerly anticipating the seemingly distant date of 26 July 2026.

The first trailer has successfully showcased the representation of Polynesian culture, generating excitement among fans eager to see their beloved movie and character realized in live-action.

@.pedrofx Moana Live Action Trailer Edit. #moana #moanaliveaction #moanaedit #disney #disneyedit ♬ som original – .pedrofx

A TikTok user, Avalanche, commented, “I’m so excited I basically grew up watching this movie, and I’m from New Zealand too.”

CJ commented, “This is gonna be a massive hit in theatres next year!!”

Another fan commented, “Moana live casting is probably one of the few good live-action castings they’ve ever made 🙏,” by ๑•͈ᴗ•͈๑”

@aynsley_broom I just couldn’t believe it when watching this preview for the live action #moana that they straightened and then wand curled her beautiful curly hair. Like even young Moana has the curls, but as the older Moana she doesn’t. I just don’t understand why they made that decision. And I know she’s just a fictional character, but this is a fictional character that means so much to so many in our Pasifika community. And I hate the message that this sends to young girls and women. #moanaliveaction #pasifika #pacificislander #samoan ♬ original sound – Aynsley Broom (Moananu Pula)

However, the change to Moana’s hair, alongside the overall character editing, has led to fan concern. Many express dissatisfaction, suggesting the characters now appear AI-generated.

Catherine Laga’aia, who will play Moana, has naturally curly hair Fans were enthusiastic about her casting, but a question has arisen: why has the production straightened her hair?

The controversy surrounding the changes to the Moana character has reignited anger among fans who were not satisfied with the changes to Ariel in The Little Mermaid, who was originally not black but was changed into a black girl played by Halle Bailey.

“The actress playing Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) in the live-action is Samoan. She’s perfect for this role. They made” Ariel’s a Black woman, yet Moana’s hair not being an exact match to the film is what’s upsetting y’all? Seriously.” This prompted a subsequent debate among fans in the comments regarding Ariel’s romantic storyline.

@sensacinelatam Cómo olvidar el día que Dwayne Johnson cantó en vivo su interpretación como Maui. 🤚Aquí los que estamos emocionados por ‘Moana 2’ y ya queremos ver el live-action. CC: The Tonight Show #moana #moana2 #dwaynejohnson ♬ sonido original – SensaCine Latam

Fan complaints regarding Maui’s changed physique are countered by some who argue Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s casting as the demigod is appropriate, given his previous role as the voice actor.

Regarding division among fans, a fan commented, “Honestly, why are people so worried about her hair or if this still looks animated, CGI exists, and the producers straightened her hair to give her ‘mermaid’ curls for god knows why.”

Despite some division among fans, the film’s international popularity virtually guarantees a significant cinema turnout upon its release, regardless of specific critiques, such as the disapproval of the hair.

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