Dwayne Johnson Responds to ‘Moana’ Mixed Reviews: “That’s Just the Way It Goes”

Dwayne Johnson is taking the mixed response to Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’ in stride.

While audiences and critics have landed in dramatically different places on the blockbuster remake, The Rock says the reaction is simply part of the business.

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Speaking to PEOPLE, Johnson recalled initially being encouraged by the movie’s first reviews.

“Our first two reviews came out. I’ll never forget it… They were amazing. I was like, wow.”

Then, he joked, the response “went another way.”

Indeed, the Thomas Kail-directed film presently sits at 31% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while its audience score stands much higher at 88%.

Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui in the movie alongside Catherine Laga’aia, said:

“That’s just the way it goes because we’re in this business.”

For the 54-year-old, however, its cultural impact ultimately matters more.

“If you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem.”

He added that what “really mattered” was seeing Pacific Island culture embrace the film and its representation.

Johnson’s comments come after the live-action ‘Moana’ was formally previewed earlier this year ahead of its July theatrical arrival.

Reviews may be mixed, but The Rock appears clear about the metric he values most.