- Mar 13, 2024
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Moana is one of the most popular Disney movies of the past decade. The franchise has 1.5 billion hours streamed on Disney+, 22 million toys sold, and 26 billion music streams. The original film brought in a whopping $684 million at the worldwide box office, and its sequel crossed the $1 billion mark globally.
©Disney
But despite the Wayfinder’s popularity, the new live-action Moana has only earned $43 million at the U.S. box office in its first weekend. For reference, the animated Moana earned $56 million in its opening weekend back in 2016, not adjusted for inflation. Since Moana is one of the most popular Disney characters of the past decade, why did the live-action remake flop?
According to Deadline, the live-action Moana earned $43 million at the U.S. box office in its first weekend. While that may seem like a lot of money, this opening weekend is one of the weakest for Disney’s live-action remakes, with Dumbo earning $45.99 million and Snow White grossing $42.2 million. But Moana had no controversies to cause low sales like its predecessors. So why did Moana sell so few tickets?
©Disney
Film experts suggest that the live-action Moana failed because of the timing. Moana 2 just came out in 2024, so there’s no rush for Moana fans to run to theaters for it. It’s also only been a decade since the original film, and critics have stated that it’s “a paint-by-numbers adaptation of the original.” Paired with similarities to the recent original film and poor critical acclaim, the average Moana fan is likely in no rush to see the new film.
‘Moana 2’ ©Disney
Additionally, most Disney fans are headed to movie theaters to see a different film. Toy Story 5 was just released on June 19th to an opening weekend of $160 million in the U.S. It’s already earned $880 million worldwide and is expected to surpass the $1 billion mark by the end of its theatrical run.
‘Toy Story 5’ ©Disney
As of July 12th, 2026, the live-action Moana has only earned back $95 million worldwide of its $250 million budget. We’ll be sure to update you on any and all Moana info as it’s released. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney movie news!
What do you think of the new live-action Moana? Comment below!
©Disney
But despite the Wayfinder’s popularity, the new live-action Moana has only earned $43 million at the U.S. box office in its first weekend. For reference, the animated Moana earned $56 million in its opening weekend back in 2016, not adjusted for inflation. Since Moana is one of the most popular Disney characters of the past decade, why did the live-action remake flop?
©Disney
Film experts suggest that the live-action Moana failed because of the timing. Moana 2 just came out in 2024, so there’s no rush for Moana fans to run to theaters for it. It’s also only been a decade since the original film, and critics have stated that it’s “a paint-by-numbers adaptation of the original.” Paired with similarities to the recent original film and poor critical acclaim, the average Moana fan is likely in no rush to see the new film.
‘Moana 2’ ©Disney
Additionally, most Disney fans are headed to movie theaters to see a different film. Toy Story 5 was just released on June 19th to an opening weekend of $160 million in the U.S. It’s already earned $880 million worldwide and is expected to surpass the $1 billion mark by the end of its theatrical run.
‘Toy Story 5’ ©Disney
As of July 12th, 2026, the live-action Moana has only earned back $95 million worldwide of its $250 million budget. We’ll be sure to update you on any and all Moana info as it’s released. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney movie news!
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What do you think of the new live-action Moana? Comment below!
