Summary
- The live-action “Moana” earned $43 million in North America
- Its worldwide opening reached $95 million
- The film reportedly cost approximately $250 million to produce
- Reviews were negative, although audience reactions were more positive
- Competition from “Toy Story 5” and “Minions & Monsters” affected ticket sales
Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana” topped the North American box office but failed to deliver the opening the studio had expected.
The film earned approximately $43 million in the United States and Canada during its first weekend, while international markets contributed another $52 million, bringing its worldwide total to $95 million. The result is considered modest for a production that reportedly cost around $250 million.
The performance is particularly significant because “Moana” is one of Disney’s strongest modern franchises. The original 2016 animated film remains highly popular on Disney+, while its 2024 sequel earned more than $1 billion worldwide.
Reviews and Audience Reactions
The new film was directed by Thomas Kail, with Dwayne Johnson returning as the demigod Maui and Catherine Lagaʻaia playing Moana.
Early reviews were largely negative, with several critics arguing that the production follows the animated film too closely without adding enough new ideas. Its Rotten Tomatoes score stood at 34%.
Audience reactions were considerably more positive. According to PostTrak data, 63% of viewers said they would definitely recommend the film to friends, while the figure among parents reached 78%. The film also received an A- CinemaScore.
Comparison With Other Disney Remakes
Disney’s live-action adaptations of its animated films have produced widely different commercial results.
Movies such as “Lilo & Stitch,” “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” earned more than $1 billion worldwide. In contrast, “Snow White” finished with only $205 million globally.
“Moana’s” debut was closer to that of “Snow White,” which earned $42.2 million in North America and $87 million worldwide during its opening weekend.
Strong Competition From Family Films
One of the main factors behind the limited opening may have been the large number of family films playing in cinemas at the same time.
“Minions & Monsters” ranked second with $20.5 million, while “Toy Story 5” followed with $18.5 million. The latter had already reached $879.1 million worldwide and continued to attract audiences after four weeks in cinemas.
The simultaneous presence of three major family films appears to have divided the available audience, limiting “Moana’s” ability to achieve a stronger debut.
The Film’s Box Office Prospects
Despite the disappointing opening, the film’s final commercial performance has not yet been determined. Family productions often show stronger staying power in cinemas, particularly when audience reactions are better than critical reviews.
The North American box office for 2026 currently stands just below $5.2 billion, approximately 10.7% higher than at the same point in 2025. However, July has started more slowly following two particularly strong months.
What We Think
“Moana’s” first-place finish is not enough to disguise the scale of its financial risk. With a reported $250 million budget and intense competition among family films, the production will need considerable staying power to be regarded as a success. The result also suggests that even the most popular franchises cannot depend entirely on nostalgia and a close reproduction of an already familiar story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the live-action “Moana” earn during its opening weekend?
The film earned $43 million in North America and a total of $95 million worldwide.
How much did the film cost to produce?
Its reported production budget is approximately $250 million, potentially excluding marketing expenses.
Who plays Moana?
Australian actress Catherine Lagaʻaia stars in the leading role.
Does Dwayne Johnson return in the film?
Yes. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the character he also voiced in the original animated movie.
Why were the box office figures below expectations?
Negative reviews, its close resemblance to the original film and strong competition from other family releases appear to have affected its opening.
