Disney live-action Moana to stream on Disney+ following box office disappointment

Disney has confirmed that the live-action remake of ‘Moana’, starring Dwayne Johnson, will begin streaming on Disney+ on October 21. The release follows a digital purchase window in September and a physical media launch on October 6.

The film’s theatrical run was considered disappointing, earning between $315 million and $323 million worldwide against a reported production budget of approximately $250 million. Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden attributed the lower-than-expected box office performance to market competition and timing. Walden noted that the live-action film opened only 18 months after the release of ‘Moana 2’, suggesting the short interval did not allow sufficient time for audience demand to build for another installment in the franchise.