Dwayne Johnson has responded to the mixed reviews surrounding his latest project, the live-action remake of “Moana.” Despite facing criticism, the actor remains proud of the film and its impact on audiences.
Johnson Reflects on Critical Reception
In an interview with People, Johnson discussed his initial reactions to the film’s reviews. “Our first two reviews came out,” he recalled. “I’ll never forget it… They were amazing. I was like, ‘Wow.’ [Then] it went another way, as sometimes happens. That’s just the way it goes because we’re in this business.” The actor emphasized conversations he had with his wife about the film’s future beyond its opening weekend. He acknowledged the significance of public perception, stating, “Let’s remember what’s happening right now and the noise that’s happening right now.”
Emphasizing Joy Over Criticism
While the film has not garnered acclaim from critics, Johnson expresses pride in “Moana” for its ability to bring joy to viewers. “If you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem,” he remarked, highlighting his focus on the audience’s experience rather than critical feedback.
Mixed Reviews and Box Office Challenges
“Moana” currently holds a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 42% on Metacritic. Notably, Variety offered a more favorable perspective, with Owen Gleiberman writing, “The remake of ‘Moana’ can’t, and shouldn’t, replace the original. But it earns a place alongside it.”
Disney’s Financial Outlook
During Disney’s earnings call on August 5, new CEO Josh D’Amaro acknowledged that the box office performance of “Moana” has been disappointing. He noted, however, that investments in such core franchises can still benefit other parts of the company. “Even when our franchise films don’t meet our box office expectations, as with the ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the live-action ‘Moana,’ our investments in these core properties fuel other parts of our company,” D’Amaro stated.
According to reports from Variety, “Moana” could potentially face losses of at least $100 million during its theatrical run. Despite these challenges, Johnson and the Disney team are optimistic about the film’s long-term impact.
