started · updated
Disney's Live-Action Moana Opens to Weak Box Office, Projected $100 Million Loss
Disney’s live‑action remake of Moana opened at No. 1 but earned only $43 million in the United States and Canada and $52 million in 50 overseas markets, for a $95 million worldwide debut. The film cost roughly $250 million to produce, with an additional $120‑$150 million spent on marketing, well above the $140 million opening Disney had projected. Analysts now estimate the movie will lose between $100 million and $125 million after theaters take their share. Critical reception was poor, with a 34 % Rotten Tomatoes score, while audiences gave it a 90 % positive rating and an A‑minus CinemaScore. The soft start has been linked to an oversaturated family‑film market, facing strong competition from Universal’s “Minions & Monsters” and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5.” The under‑performance raises concerns for Disney’s live‑action remake strategy, which has previously generated billions but may now be reaching a point of diminishing returns.