Heihei, the Brainless Wonder
Arguably one of the most monumentally unintelligent characters in Disney history, Heihei is a masterclass in physical comedy. Voiced with a series of frantic squawks and panicked clucks by the legendary Alan Tudyk, this rooster survives his ocean voyage
through sheer, dumb luck. Whether he's repeatedly trying to eat a rock, staring blankly into the void, or accidentally swallowing the Heart of Te Fiti, Heihei's every action is a testament to failing upwards. The directors themselves called him "the dumbest character in the history of Disney animation." Translating this chaotic, non-verbal energy to a live-action or CGI format will be a fascinating challenge. Will he be a photorealistic chicken, or will they lean into a more stylized, cartoonish physicality to capture his unique brand of hilarious incompetence?
The Kakamora, Pint-Sized Pirates of Fury
Who knew coconut-clad marauders could be so terrifyingly adorable? The Kakamora are a brilliant visual gag—tiny beings with fierce, painted faces who mount a full-scale pirate assault. Their attack on Moana and Maui’s raft is a direct and thrilling homage to Mad Max: Fury Road, complete with percussive drums and high-speed action. The humor comes from the dissonance between their diminutive size and their serious, savage intent. They are, as Maui calls them, "murdering little pirates." The live-action film has a huge opportunity here to create a memorable, large-scale action sequence that blends genuine threat with the absurdity of being attacked by an army of coconuts.
Tamatoa, the Glam-Rock Crab
In the Realm of Monsters lives Tamatoa, a colossal crab obsessed with all things shiny. Voiced with delicious, villainous flair by Jemaine Clement, Tamatoa doesn't just steal the scene; he bedazzles it and puts on a concert. His song, "Shiny," is a magnificent tribute to the glam-rock style of David Bowie, a fact the animators even honored by giving him pupils of two different sizes. The song, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a showstopper, a villain's anthem about the importance of glittering surfaces over inner worth. Tamatoa's ego and flamboyant personality make him one of Disney's most memorable recent villains. There are strong rumors Jemaine Clement may return, and seeing this bioluminescent musical number brought to life is one of the remake's most anticipated moments.
Pua, the Heartbroken Pig
While Pua isn't a traditional jokester, his role provides a unique form of comedy rooted in audience expectation. As Moana's adorable pet pig, he's set up to be the requisite cute animal sidekick for her entire journey. Then, after a traumatizing first attempt to cross the reef, he gets scared and stays behind. The joke is on the audience, who expected him to be on the boat for the whole movie. His absence becomes a running source of mild bewilderment, making his joyful reunion with Moana at the end all the more satisfying. Pua's humor is subtle, playing with the very tropes Disney helped create. For the remake, the question is whether they will play the same trick on a new generation of viewers.
Grandma Tala, the Village's Wise Eccentric
Grandma Tala's humor isn't about gags; it's about a deep, joyful wisdom that allows her to exist outside the rigid rules of her community. She's the "village crazy lady," but she leans into it with a wink and a smile. Her funniest moments are those where she gently subverts expectations, whether by dancing with the ocean's waves or calmly declaring that when she dies, she'll return as a manta ray. Her eccentricity is a source of both laughter and profound strength, as it's her unwavering support that gives Moana the courage to embrace her own destiny. Rena Owen has been cast in the role for the live-action remake, tasked with capturing that perfect balance of warmth, humor, and ancestral gravitas.
