Disney’s foray into another live-action remake, this time with the beloved tale of Moana, saw a strong yet underwhelming debut in the North American box office. The film, which stars Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui and introduces Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, garnered $43 million in its opening weekend across the United States and Canada. Globally, it amassed $95 million, including $52 million from international markets. However, these figures fall short when measured against its hefty production budget of $250 million.
Despite a warm reception for Lagaʻaia’s portrayal, the film has faced its share of criticism, particularly for its adherence to the plot of the 2016 animated version. This has resulted in a mixed critical response, reflected in its 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, audiences appear to be more forgiving, with many families expressing willingness to recommend the film according to viewer surveys.
Disney has experienced varying levels of success with its live-action adaptations in recent years. While some have been major hits, others, like Moana, have struggled to capture the same box office magic. This latest release has drawn comparisons with Disney’s live-action Snow White, which also encountered a lukewarm theatrical opening.
Industry experts suggest that Moana’s performance could be attributed to the crowded market of family-friendly films, with several PG-rated competitors vying for audience attention simultaneously. Despite the less-than-stellar start, there’s hope for sustained interest, as family films often benefit from word-of-mouth to maintain a steady box office presence in the weeks following their release.