Disney's 2016 live action adaptation of Moana promises to offer viewers a new experience; however, critics argue that it fails to capture the magic of the original version. The film stands out as one of the live action remakes that Disney has frequently turned to in recent years. Yet, many viewers and critics believe this new version is unnecessary.

Disney has been producing live action adaptations since the 1990s, and this trend has accelerated over the last decade. Since Cinderella in 2015, the studio has released at least one remake film each year. In addition to Moana, a live action version of Tangled is currently in production, and a sequel to Lilo & Stitch is in the preparatory stages. This demonstrates Disney's commitment to such projects.

However, since many of these films have achieved significant box office success, the studio views these types of projects as a safe investment. Films like Beauty and the Beast in 2017 and The Lion King in 2019 have earned Disney billions of dollars. Therefore, reintroducing stories that audiences are familiar with emerges as a more appealing option than taking risks.

The new version of Moana is seen as a production that has emerged amidst economic uncertainties and the media world's cautious approach. With only 10 years having passed since the original film, the notion that this remake is unnecessary is widespread. Critics note that many elements of the film are disappointing and fail to deliver the expected surprises to viewers.