Disney’s live-action remake of Moana opened at number one last weekend, but the numbers tell a tougher story. The film brought in just $43 million in its first weekend. That start puts it on track to lose as much as $100 million, based on its high production and marketing costs.
The studio spent about $250 million to make the film. Marketing added at least another $120 million, pushing the total cost past $370 million, according to Variety. With that kind of budget, the movie would need a strong and steady run to break even, and early signs do not point in that direction.
This version of Moana closely follows the original animated film, which came out ten years ago. Critics say the remake feels too familiar. Some also question the timing. The animated sequel, Moana II, hit theaters just two years ago. That short gap may have reduced demand for another version of the same story.
Disney has seen success with live-action remakes before. In 2025, Lilo & Stitch crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide. Other remakes have also performed well, but they usually arrive years after the original or its sequel. This faster turnaround appears to have worked against Moana.
The studio’s recent track record adds more pressure. Last year’s Snow White remake became one of the industry’s biggest losses. It earned about $205 million worldwide against a budget that topped $400 million. Reports tied its poor performance to negative press, casting backlash, and public comments from its lead star that drew criticism.
In the end, Snow White is estimated to have lost at least $170 million. While Moana has not faced the same public controversy, it has struggled with critics. The film holds a 35 percent positive rating, and analysts lowered their projections several times before release.
Even with a weak start, Disney is moving forward with the franchise. The company has already confirmed that a third animated installment is in development. That decision suggests the studio still sees long-term value in the brand, even as the live-action version stumbles out of the gate.
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English (US) · 