Box Office Test for Disney's Live-Action Remake Follows Moana 2
Disney's live-action remake of 'Moana' faces a challenging box office debut as it hits theaters less than two years after the animated sequel. Despite a high production budget, the film has received mixed critical reviews.
Why it matters
The film's performance will test audience appetite for rapid franchise remakes and the sustainability of Disney's current release strategy.
Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia lead Disney ‘s live-action Moana , which aims to make waves in its box office debut this weekend but could face a challenge, coming less than two years after the latest entry in the island-centric film franchise.
Director Thomas Kail ‘s movie is eyeing a domestic weekend start between $60 million and $65 million with a launch spanning 3,900 theaters in North America. This is dialed back from last month, when tracking for the film - which marks the studio’s latest live-action reimagining after striking it big with 2025’s Lilo & Stitch - suggested Moana’ s domestic weekend debut could reach as high as $75 million or above. Related Stories Movies 'Freddy the 13th' Animated Horror-Comedy From Dan Trachtenberg Sets 2028 Release TV 'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' Movie Greenlit at Disney; Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon Return Alongside New Cast
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