Moana’s Live-Action Remake Falls Short of Expectations

Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson, has opened to a disappointing $40 million to $45 million at the U.S. box office. The film’s underwhelming performance is a significant blow to the studio, considering its estimated production cost of $250 million.

The live-action Moana, directed by Thomas Kail, had been expected to perform better, with some estimates predicting a $60 million opening. However, the film’s preview screenings, which took place on Thursday, generated only $4.5 million, indicating a lack of interest among audiences.

The disappointing opening has sparked concerns about the film’s box office prospects, with some analysts predicting that it may struggle to break even. The film’s poor performance is all the more surprising given the success of the animated Moana 2, which opened to a whopping $139.7 million in 2025.

Moana’s live-action remake has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s poor reception is a significant setback for Disney, which had high hopes for the film’s success.

Other films that performed well at the box office this weekend include Toy Story 5, which generated $18 million in its fourth week, and Minions & Monsters, which earned $20 million in its second week. The latter film has now grossed $107.8 million in the United States.

In related news, Disney’s live-action Snow White, which was released earlier this year, opened to a similar $42.2 million, despite receiving positive reviews from critics. The film’s poor performance at the box office has raised concerns about the viability of live-action remakes in the current market.

With the live-action Moana’s poor performance, Disney will need to reassess its strategy for future live-action remakes. The studio will need to consider the potential risks and rewards of such projects and ensure that they are well-suited to the current market.

The live-action Moana’s underwhelming performance is a reminder that even the most well-known franchises can fall short of expectations. The film’s poor reception serves as a cautionary tale for studios looking to adapt beloved animated films into live-action remakes.

Box Office Update

The live-action Moana’s opening weekend is not the only notable event in the box office this weekend. Other films that performed well include:

• Toy Story 5: $18 million in its fourth week
• Minions & Monsters: $20 million in its second week
• Evil Dead Burn: $6 million in its opening weekend

The box office update is a reminder that the film industry is constantly evolving, and studios need to adapt to changing audience preferences and market trends.

Analysis

The live-action Moana’s poor performance at the box office is a significant setback for Disney. The film’s underwhelming opening has sparked concerns about the viability of live-action remakes in the current market.

Disney will need to reassess its strategy for future live-action remakes, considering the potential risks and rewards of such projects. The studio will need to ensure that its live-action remakes are well-suited to the current market and that they meet audience expectations.

The live-action Moana’s poor performance serves as a cautionary tale for studios looking to adapt beloved animated films into live-action remakes. It is a reminder that even the most well-known franchises can fall short of expectations.