Live-Action Moana Stumbles at Box Office

Disney's live-action "Moana" is facing a difficult start at the box office, with initial projections indicating an opening weekend of around $45 million. This figure falls significantly short of the studio's expectations, which had targeted over $60 million, and even further from earlier tracking that suggested a potential $75 million debut. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia, holds a $250 million production budget and will rely on sustained family viewership throughout the summer.

The movie's opening performance echoes concerns seen with other recent Disney live-action remakes. For instance, "Snow White," released in March 2025, also experienced a subdued opening and led to the pausing of development for its "Tangled" remake. The original animated "Moana" was a considerable success, earning $643 million globally after its 2016 debut, while the 2024 animated sequel "Moana 2" surpassed $1 billion worldwide.

Despite the lukewarm box office start for the live-action "Moana," the franchise's overall popularity is undeniable. Disney reports over 1.5 billion hours streamed on Disney+ for the property, alongside substantial toy sales and music streams. The film currently holds a 34 percent critics rating, though reviews like The Hollywood Reporter's have praised its charm.