Moana live-action remake struggles with $45 million opening weekend proj

Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia, opened to a muted reception at the box office, with projections placing its domestic weekend gross at $40 million to $45 million—far below expectations and significantly underperforming compared to its animated predecessor. The film, which carries a $250 million production budget, faced challenges from both market competition and audience fatigue, marking another setback for Disney’s recent live-action remakes.

The movie earned $18 million on its opening day, including $4.5 million in Thursday previews, according to multiple reports. While the final weekend total approached $45 million, it fell short of the $60 million-plus target Disney had initially hoped for, with some analysts suggesting the film might end the weekend at the lower end of that range. This performance contrasts sharply with the original 2016 “Moana,” which opened to $82 million over five days, and its 2024 sequel, “Moana 2,” which debuted to $225 million. The live-action version’s numbers also lagged behind the $42 million opening of 2025’s “Snow White,” another Disney live-action misfire.

The film’s underperformance has raised questions about its financial viability. With a production budget of $250 million and additional marketing costs, “Moana” needs sustained audience engagement to recoup its investment. However, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 34% and a CinemaScore of A- suggest mixed critical and audience reception. The movie’s overseas debut was similarly lackluster, with just £775,000 in the U.K. Amid competing events like the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Disney’s live-action remakes have seen a mixed track record in recent years. While films like “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) and “The Lion King” (2019) achieved strong box office results, others such as “The Little Mermaid” (2023) and “Snow White” (2025) struggled to justify their costs. The success of “Lilo & Stitch” in 2025, which grossed $1 billion globally, offered a rare bright spot, but the “Moana” remake’s struggles highlight a broader trend of declining returns for such projects.

The film’s timing also played a role. Production began in mid-2024, overlapping with the release of “Moana 2,” which had already drawn audiences to theaters. Additionally, the film faced competition from other summer releases, including Universal’s “Minions & Monsters” and Disney’s “Toy Story 5,” which continued to perform strongly. “Minions & Monsters” earned $6.5 million on Friday, while “Toy Story 5” added $5.6 million, underscoring the crowded market for family films.

Despite the financial challenges, Disney remains confident in the “Moana” brand. The franchise has maintained a loyal fanbase, with over 1.5 billion hours streamed on Disney+ and significant merchandise sales. However, the live-action version’s inability to translate that popularity into box office success raises concerns about the future of Disney’s live-action strategy. The film’s director, Thomas Kail, and cast, including Johnson and Laga’aia, have emphasized the project’s creative ambition, but commercial performance will ultimately determine its legacy.

As the film heads into its second weekend, its ability to attract audiences and sustain momentum will be critical. With Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” set to debut next week, the pressure on “Moana” to deliver a strong showing intensifies. For now, the film’s $45 million opening weekend projection underscores the risks of reviving beloved animated properties in an increasingly competitive and skeptical market.