# Dwayne Johnson defends live-action Moana after mixed reviews

2026-08-08T20:05:46+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Dwayne Johnson has defended Disney's live-action Moana remake after it received mixed reviews and a softer-than-expected box office performance. The film holds a 31 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 per cent on Metacritic. Johnson told People magazine that the first two reviews were "amazing" before the critical response shifted, adding that he and his wife discussed the backlash at home. He said he is proud of the film for putting Polynesian culture on the big screen. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged the film's box office fell short of expectations but said the franchise still fuels other parts of the company.

## Coverage

- cinemaexpress.com <https://www.cinemaexpress.com/english/news/2026/Aug/08/dwayne-johnson-defends-moana-amid-mixed-reviews>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/dwayne-johnson-talks-about-the-moana-backlash-for-the-first-time-it-went-another-way-as-sometimes-happens/articleshow/133061594.cms>

Tags: Box office, Disney+, Dwayne Johnson, live-action remake, mixed reviews, Moana
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