Dwayne Johnson breaks silence on ‘Moana’ reviews after critics turn against Disney remake

The live action remake has a 31% Rotten Tomatoes critics score, while audience approval remains much stronger

Dwayne Johnson has addressed the mixed critical response to Disney’s live action Moana remake, acknowledging that the film’s reception changed sharply after its first reviews arrived.

Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui from the 2016 animated film, discussed the response in an interview with PEOPLE while reflecting on the pressure surrounding the new adaptation. The actor said the first two reviews gave him reason to believe the film would receive a strong critical welcome before the overall response became considerably less enthusiastic.

"Our first two reviews came out," Johnson said. "I’ll never forget it … They were amazing. I was like, ‘Wow.’ Then it went another way, as sometimes happens."

The actor accepted the change without suggesting that the reaction had diminished his pride in the project. He described the situation as part of working in the film industry and said he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, discussed the response privately at home.

"That’s just the way it goes because we’re in this business," Johnson said.

Johnson also stressed that he was looking beyond the immediate critical conversation surrounding the film. He said his discussions with Hashian centred on remembering what would happen after the opening weekend and considering the broader response to the project rather than focusing exclusively on reviews.

The critical reception has indeed been challenging. Moana currently holds a 31% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes based on hundreds of reviews, while its audience score is substantially higher at 89%. Metacritic lists the film with a score of 42 from critics, placing it in the mixed or average category.

The difference between critics and audiences has given the film a complicated reception. While professional reviews have frequently questioned the need for a live action remake of a comparatively recent animated classic, audience reactions have been considerably warmer. Rotten Tomatoes records a strong audience approval figure, suggesting that viewers who have chosen to watch the film have responded more positively than critics.

Johnson has maintained that he is proud of the film and its cultural significance. The actor has spoken about the importance of seeing Polynesian culture represented on screen, particularly because his own background includes Samoan heritage. His wife has also discussed the personal meaning of the project and its representation for their family.

The remake is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, with Johnson returning as Maui. Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, John Tui portrays Chief Tui and Frankie Adams appears as Sina. Jemaine Clement also returns to the franchise as Tamatoa.

The new film follows the familiar story of Moana leaving her island and embarking on an ocean journey with Maui. It retains much of the original film’s story and music while presenting the characters and world with live action performers and visual effects.

Despite the critical response, Johnson has made clear that he does not view the reviews as the sole measure of the film’s success. His comments point towards a longer view of the remake, particularly its audience response and cultural impact.

"If you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem," Johnson said.

The comments come as Moana continues its theatrical run.