The live-action Moana opened to $43 million domestically, missing Disney’s internal projections of over $60 million and third-party trackers’ estimates of up to $75 million. According to data reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s $250 million production budget puts its low debut in line with other struggling remakes like Snow White and Dumbo.
Why Live-Action Moana Struggled Against Projections
Timing played a critical role in the film’s soft launch. Shawn Robbins, Fandango director of analytics and founder of Box Office Theory, told The Hollywood Reporter that the business comes down to timing, which didn’t work in Moana’s favor. The theatrical release of Moana 2 in November 2024—which surpassed $1 billion—likely satisfied the audience’s demand for the franchise shortly before the live-action version arrived.
The film also faced stiff competition from other family-centric summer titles. Disney’s own Toy Story 5 and Illumination’s Minions & Monsters crowded the market. While Minions & Monsters also saw a franchise low for the Despicable Me series over the Fourth of July weekend, the saturation of the family demographic impacted Moana’s opening numbers.
Did you know? Despite the low box office start, the film is “verified hot” with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes audience score and an A- CinemaScore, including an A+ from viewers under 18.
Comparing Disney’s Live-Action Track Record
The $43 million opening puts Moana in a “dubious company” of underperformers. It trails 2019’s Dumbo ($45.9 million) and last year’s Snow White ($42.2 million). However, these figures contrast sharply with the “sweet spot” of 1990s nostalgia hits. Robbins noted that Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019) all opened above $90 million domestically and crossed $1 billion globally.
| Film | Domestic Opening | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Moana (Live-Action) | $43 Million | Underperformed Budget |
| Snow White (Live-Action) | $42.2 Million | Low Debut |
| The Lion King (2019) | $90M+ | $1B+ Global |
Future Pipeline: Tangled, Frozen, and Lilo & Stitch
Disney’s strategy for future remakes remains fluid. The studio is currently producing a live-action retelling of the 2010 film Tangled in Spain. According to The Hollywood Reporter, development on Tangled was briefly paused following the 2025 launch of Snow White but resumed in the fall after the massive success of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, which earned $183 million in its four-day domestic opening and surpassed $1 billion globally.
The success of Lilo & Stitch has already triggered the development of a sequel. Other properties previously in development that may return include Robin Hood, Bambi, The Aristocats, and The Sword in the Stone. Fans continue to speculate on a potential live-action Frozen, though Disney has not officially confirmed that project.
The Dwayne Johnson Factor and Market Volatility
Dwayne Johnson remains a primary draw, but his recent track record is mixed. While Moana 2 was a bright spot, he has faced commercial misfires with Black Adam, Red One, and The Smashing Machine. He is scheduled to return in Sony’s Jumanji: Open World later this year, though it faces a crowded window opening just one week after Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three.
The broader 2026 market shows a “top-heavy” trend. Robbins describes the summer as “wild,” noting that while The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael crossed the billion-dollar mark, other titles like Supergirl and Masters of the Universe disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the live-action Moana make in its opening weekend?
It earned $43 million domestically in North America.
Why did Moana underperform compared to other Disney remakes?
Factors include a $250 million budget, competition from Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters, and the recent theatrical release of the animated Moana 2.
What other Disney live-action movies are in development?
Tangled is currently in production in Spain, and a live-action Lilo & Stitch sequel is in the works.
What do you think? Does the success of the original animated film guarantee a live-action hit, or has Disney reached a saturation point with remakes? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry analysis.
