Moana (2016) Movie News | Updates & Behind-the-Scenes

Dwayne Johnson has publicly responded to the mixed critical reception surrounding the 2016 animated adventure Moana, following reports that the film has underperformed at the box office in recent weeks. The actor, who voiced the larger-than-life demigod Maui, addressed the conversation directly during a press event on Thursday, acknowledging the divided fan reaction while also defending the project’s artistic ambitions.

“We knew going in that we were telling a story that didn’t fit the usual mold,” Johnson said. “It’s a movie about a teenage girl finding her own path, and Maui is a supporting force in that journey. Some audiences expected more of a traditional hero’s arc, and I respect that. But I’m proud of what we made, and I believe it will find its audience over time.”

The film, directed by Ron Clements, follows Moana, an impetuous chieftain’s daughter in Ancient Polynesia, who sets sail across the ocean to find the demigod Maui and undo a curse that has reached her island. Auliʻi Cravalho voices the title character, with Johnson providing the voice of Maui, and a supporting cast including Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, and Nicole Scherzinger. With a runtime of 107 minutes, the movie blends adventure, comedy, family drama, and animation, and currently holds a TMDb rating of 7.565 out of 10.

Despite that solid critical score from audiences on the platform, the film’s theatrical run has struggled to sustain momentum. Industry analysts point to a crowded release calendar and shifting family-viewing habits as contributing factors, but Johnson’s comments suggest a deeper debate about narrative expectations. The actor did not mince words when asked whether the mixed reviews had caught him off guard.

“Honestly, the feedback has been loud, and I hear it,” Johnson continued. “Some people wanted more laughs, some wanted more action, and some just wanted more of me singing, which, fair enough.” He paused, then smiled. “But the heart of Moana was never about spectacle. It was about a girl learning that the ocean can’t save you - you have to save yourself. That’s a story worth telling, even if it doesn’t break every record on opening night.”

The actor’s defense arrives as the film’s box-office performance has become a talking point among industry insiders. While exact figures were not disclosed, sources close to the production confirmed that the movie has lagged behind initial projections, particularly in international markets where the Polynesian cultural setting has drawn both praise and scrutiny. Some critics have lauded the film’s visual beauty and Cravalho’s breakout vocal performance, while others have argued that the story’s pacing and tonal shifts undercut its emotional payoff.

Johnson, who has built a career on blockbuster franchises like Fast & Furious and Jumanji, acknowledged that Moana represents a departure from his usual on-screen persona. “I’m used to playing the guy who saves the day,” he said. “But here, I’m playing the guy who needs saving. That’s a different kind of vulnerability, and I think some viewers didn’t know what to do with that. I get it. It took me a minute to get it too.”

He also pushed back against the notion that the film’s underperformance signals a broader failure of original animated storytelling. “Animation is one of the hardest genres to get right,” he explained. “You’re competing with decades of beloved classics, and you’re also trying to do something fresh. Moana is fresh. It’s not a sequel, it’s not a remake, it’s not based on a toy line. We took a risk, and sometimes risks don’t pay off immediately.”

That risk, he argued, is precisely why the film deserves a longer look. “I’ve seen movies get rediscovered years later. Moana has that kind of staying power. Kids who see it now will grow up with it, and their kids will watch it too. That’s the legacy I care about more than a weekend number.”

Cravalho, who was a teenager when she recorded her role, has not issued a public statement, but Johnson hinted that she shares his confidence. “Auliʻi is a force of nature,” he said. “She gave everything to that role, and she knows what we built. We both believe in this movie, and we believe in the people who will find it.”

The film’s production team has remained quiet on the box-office reports, but Johnson’s remarks are likely to be seen as an effort to shape the narrative ahead of potential awards-season conversations. Moana premiered on October 13, 2016, and has remained a staple of streaming platforms, where its audience scores have stayed consistently strong. Johnson pointed to that as evidence of the film’s enduring appeal.

“People are watching this movie at home, and they’re loving it,” he said. “That counts for something. That counts for a lot, actually.” He leaned forward, his tone turning serious. “Theatrical numbers tell one story. But the story that matters is the one a family tells each other after the credits roll. I’ve received letters from parents saying their daughters now want to be navigators, not princesses. That’s the win. That’s the whole point.”

As the conversation around Moana continues, Johnson made clear he has no regrets. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he said. “And I hope people give it another chance. Not because I need the validation, but because they deserve the experience.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter