Dwayne Johnson on poor reviews for 'Moana' remake: "That's just the way it goes"

Dwayne Johnson's face lights up as he recalls the first reviews of the live-action remake of Moana, the Disney film he reprised his role as demigod Maui from the 2016 animated original and its 2024 sequel. "Our first two reviews came out," he says with a hint of nostalgia. "I'll never forget it, they were amazing. I was like, wow." That moment of elation didn't last long, however. Subsequent reviews were less enthusiastic, and Johnson acknowledges that they "went another way, as sometimes happens." In a recent interview with People, he reflected on the rough ride the film has had from critics, saying, "That's just the way it goes because we're in this business."

The live-action remake of Moana, released in cinemas on July 10, did not perform well at the global box office, making $266 million (£197 million) against a reported budget of $250 million (£185 million). The numbers are a far cry from the success of the original Moana, which made $643 million (£477 million), and its sequel, Moana 2, which raked in $1.06 billion (£786 million). The remake's poor showing at the box office is a stark reminder that even the biggest stars can't guarantee a hit.

Johnson's response to the poor reviews is telling. He acknowledges that the film's reception "went another way" and that it's "just the way it goes." This is a philosophical take on the unpredictability of the film industry. Johnson's words are a reminder that even with the best intentions and a talented cast, a film can still fall short of expectations. It's a humbling experience that requires a thick skin and a willingness to learn from criticism.

Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has also weighed in on the film's performance, acknowledging that it didn't meet the company's box office expectations. However, he remains optimistic about the film's prospects on Disney+, saying that he expected both titles to perform well when they arrive on the streaming platform. This shift in focus highlights the changing landscape of the film industry, where box office numbers are no longer the sole measure of a film's success.

Johnson's experience with the live-action remake of Moana is not an isolated incident. He also reflected on the disappointing box office result for The Smashing Machine, his A24 drama about the MMA fighter Mark Kerr. In our storytelling world, you can't control box office results, he said. But what I realised you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. This statement speaks to the importance of staying focused and committed to one's craft, even in the face of adversity.

In the end, Johnson's response to the poor reviews for the live-action remake of Moana is evidence of his resilience and commitment to his craft. As he said, "That's just the way it goes because we're in this business." This statement is a reminder that failure is an inherent part of the creative process and that it's how we respond to it that truly matters. By choosing to focus on the process rather than the outcome, Johnson is able to maintain a sense of perspective and continue to push forward, even in the face of criticism.

As a writer, I believe that Johnson's response to the poor reviews for the live-action remake of Moana is a valuable lesson for anyone working in the creative industry. It's a reminder that failure is not the end of the world and that it's how we respond to it that truly matters. By staying focused and committed to our craft, we can overcome even the toughest challenges and continue to create work that resonates with audiences.