Dwayne Johnson has addressed the brutal fan backlash surrounding Disney’s live-action Moana, sharing his perspective on the film’s mixed reception. Some movies arrive with enormous expectations, especially when they revisit a beloved animated classic. Disney’s live-action Moana had plenty riding on it, with audiences already deeply attached to the original story, characters, and music. However, the remake has faced a difficult reception since its release, with critics and audiences voicing disappointment over the new take.

For Dwayne Johnson, who returns as Maui, the response has been a reminder of how unpredictable the movie business can be.

Dwayne Johnson has acknowledged the mixed response to Moana, admitting that the reaction was not what he initially expected. Speaking to PEOPLE, the actor recalled how positively the first reviews landed before the overall reception took a different turn. Despite the backlash, Johnson remains proud of the film and has chosen to focus on the audience members who enjoyed it.

“Our first two reviews came out,” Johnson said. “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.”

Despite the criticism, Johnson said to PEOPLE he remains proud of the movie and focused on the joy it brought to audiences. He also discussed having late-night conversations with his wife about looking beyond the immediate noise surrounding the film and its opening weekend.

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While the response to Moana may have been challenging, Johnson is already returning to another fan-favorite franchise that promises a very different kind of chaos.

Sony Pictures has finally released the first trailer for Jumanji: Open World, revealing the plot of the upcoming final installment in the modern Jumanji trilogy. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan are all returning as their iconic characters. The trailer also introduces a hilarious new twist, as the characters find themselves battling glitches while dealing with chaos that spills into the real world.

This time, however, the video game characters escape their console and enter the real world while remaining stuck in demo mode. That means their hilarious flaws and glitches are amplified, including Johnson’s Dr. Smolder Bravestone suddenly speaking with a Spanish accent, along with awkward running and language mishaps. The trailer also teases giraffes and ostriches roaming through the streets, adding to the mayhem.

Jake Kasdan, who directed the previous two films, returns for the final chapter. Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser'Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, Rhys Darby, and Danny DeVito are also set to return. Jumanji: Open World is officially slated for release on December 25, 2026, giving fans a fresh twist on the franchise just in time for the holiday season.

While Moana may not have received the reception Johnson hoped for, the actor is clearly looking ahead. With Jumanji: Open World promising plenty of comedy, chaos, and familiar faces, Johnson has another major franchise adventure waiting in the wings.

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What do you think about Dwayne Johnson’s response to the Moana backlash? Let us know in the comments!