When Disney announced a live-action remake of Moana, fans expected the sweeping ocean adventure, unforgettable songs, and beloved characters that made the 2016 animated film an instant classic. Starring Catherine Laga’aia in the role made famous by Auliʻi Cravalho, alongside Dwayne Johnson, who returned to play Maui after voicing the character in the animated original, the film promised a faithful retelling of Disney’s modern classic. And while the new version largely delivers on that front, it also quietly tweaks plenty of small details along the way.
Some of the changes are obvious, but others are so subtle that even longtime fans may not notice them on a first viewing. From redesigned props and altered character relationships to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it visual references and updated jokes, these little differences help distinguish the live-action adaptation from its animated predecessor.
Below are several differences between the live-action Moana and the original animated film that you might have missed.
Moana, In Theaters Everywhere