Dwayne Johnson Speaks Out After Moana Faces Mixed Reviews, Says What Matters Most Isn't the Criticism

After Disney's live-action Moana received mixed reviews from critics and fell short of box office expectations, Dwayne Johnson has addressed the reaction surrounding the film for the first time. The actor said he always understood that not every project would receive universal praise and considers that reality part of working in the film industry.

Johnson, who voiced Maui in Disney's original 2016 animated Moana and its 2024 sequel, returned to the beloved role in the live-action adaptation. Although the project was one of Disney's major releases and arrived with high expectations, it ultimately failed to generate the level of critical acclaim many had anticipated.

Looking back at the film's earliest reviews, Johnson admitted he initially felt optimistic. "The first two reviews came out. I'll never forget it... They were amazing. I was like, 'Wow.'" However, he acknowledged that the overall reception quickly shifted. "Then it went another way, which sometimes happens. That's just the way it goes because we're in this business."

While the live-action Moana earned only a 31% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences responded much more positively, giving the film an 88% audience score. The significant gap made it one of the most talked-about examples of critics and moviegoers reacting very differently to the same film.

Johnson revealed that he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, had many conversations about the response after the movie premiered. According to the actor, it is important not to let opening-weekend reactions define a project's long-term value. "The challenge was remembering that there's so much beyond opening weekend. Let's remember what's going to matter after all the noise happening right now."

Despite the criticism, Johnson maintained a calm perspective. "If you love it, great. If you don't, no problem." For him, what mattered most was not the reviews or the box office numbers, but the response from the Samoan community, reflecting his own Polynesian heritage.

He explained that the most meaningful part of the experience was seeing Samoan children recognize themselves on the big screen. "Because of me and our kids, who can now look up at the big screen and say, 'That's us. For the first time, that's us on a big screen. That's us up there. How cool is that?'"

In the live-action remake, newcomer Catherine Laga'aia takes over the title role from Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films. Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, a character he has portrayed for nearly a decade and one of the Disney roles most closely associated with his career.

Although the film attracted considerable attention upon release, Moana struggled to meet commercial expectations. It grossed approximately $264 million worldwide against a reported production budget of around $250 million. Once marketing and distribution costs are taken into account, industry observers viewed the film as falling short of Disney's financial expectations.

Johnson's composed response reflects the perspective he has developed over decades in the entertainment industry. Before becoming one of Hollywood's highest-paid movie stars, he built his reputation as WWE superstar The Rock. His charisma, athleticism, and larger-than-life personality eventually helped him transition successfully from professional wrestling to acting in the early 2000s.

His film career flourished through blockbuster franchises and action hits including Fast & Furious, Jumanji, San Andreas, Rampage, Jungle Cruise, Red Notice, and Black Adam. Although not every project has earned critical acclaim, Johnson has remained one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, consistently drawing audiences to theaters around the world.

Alongside his success, Johnson has also faced criticism. In recent years, he has been scrutinized for reportedly exerting significant creative influence over some of his productions, particularly following Black Adam. The film was expected to launch a new era for DC Studios but ultimately underperformed, sparking debate about the franchise's direction and Johnson's role in shaping it.

The actor has also faced criticism for appearing in numerous action films built around similar character archetypes. Even so, Johnson has rarely responded defensively. Instead, he typically acknowledges the outcome, accepts the criticism, and expresses gratitude to the fans who continue to support his work.

Beyond acting, Johnson has built an impressive business portfolio. He co-founded the successful Teremana Tequila brand and has invested in entertainment, sports, and media ventures. His production company, Seven Bucks Productions, which he runs alongside his ex-wife and longtime business partner Dany Garcia, has produced a number of successful film and television projects.

In his personal life, Johnson married singer Lauren Hashian in 2019 after many years together. The couple share two daughters and frequently post family moments on social media. He also has an older daughter from his previous marriage to Dany Garcia. Although the pair divorced years ago, they have remained close friends and continue to work together professionally, an arrangement that is relatively uncommon in Hollywood.

Throughout numerous interviews, Johnson has emphasized that family remains his greatest priority. Despite an incredibly demanding schedule, he makes time for his children and often says that becoming a father changed the way he defines success, shifting his focus beyond box office numbers and awards.

For that reason, when reflecting on Moana, Dwayne Johnson says he is less concerned with ticket sales or review scores than with the film's cultural impact. To him, the greatest achievement lies in allowing Polynesian and Samoan audiences to see themselves represented on the big screen. That belief, more than critical opinion or commercial performance, explains why he remains at peace with the film's mixed reception and continues to focus on the lasting impact it may have on future generations.