Disney rolled out the blue carpet Tuesday night as the live-action Moana held its world premiere at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, just three days before the film sails into theaters on July 10. Dwayne Johnson arrived carrying Maui’s magical fish hook and brought his whole family along, while newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, director Thomas Kail, producer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, and original Moana voice Auli’i Cravalho, who executive produces the remake, all walked the carpet. The Hollywood Reporter notes the evening opened with Kail and Miranda welcoming guests before the Nonosina dancers brought the Pacific Islands to life with traditional dance, live percussion, and chanting.
First Reactions Are All Over The Map
Attendees were allowed to share brief social media reactions after the screening, with full reviews embargoed until July 8, and the response landed anywhere from delighted to brutal. On the positive side, some called it one of Disney’s best live-action remakes, praising the heart, humor, and faithfulness of the adaptation. Nearly every reaction, good or bad, singled out Catherine Laga’aia as the standout, with several critics saying she outshines Johnson’s Maui at every turn.
The harsher takes were very harsh, with some critics dismissing the film as a shot-for-shot retread that takes few creative risks and questioning why it exists at all when the 2016 animated original is streaming on Disney+. That familiar debate has followed nearly every Disney live-action remake, and Moana is clearly not escaping it.
A Big Opening Weekend Is Still Expected
Mixed reactions or not, the film is tracking toward a global opening north of $130 million according to industry projections. Johnson has been working overtime on the promotional trail, including surprising a Sydney crowd with a live Moana performance, and Disney recently revealed a new look at Pua and Heihei ahead of release. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film also stars John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, with music from Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. Moana opens everywhere Friday, July 10.
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