Disney’s latest live-action film, Moana, opened at the top of the North American box office, but its earnings fell short of expectations. In its debut weekend, the film garnered $43 million across the United States and Canada. Beyond North America, Moana brought in an additional $52 million from international audiences, culminating in a global opening of $95 million. These figures are set against a production budget reportedly totaling $250 million.
Under the direction of Thomas Kail, the movie sees Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia, who marks her debut as Moana. While Lagaʻaia’s performance has been lauded, the film has been criticized for its adherence to the storyline of the 2016 animated version. Currently, Moana holds a 34% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, although audience feedback has generally been more favorable. Survey results suggest that many viewers, particularly families, are inclined to recommend the film despite its mixed reviews from critics.
Disney has experienced significant success with some of its live-action remakes in recent years, although others have not fared as well commercially. The initial performance of Moana has drawn parallels to that of Snow White, which also experienced a modest opening in theaters. According to industry experts, one factor that might have influenced Moana’s opening weekend performance is the stiff competition from other family-friendly films available at the same time, with several PG-rated movies competing for audience attention.
Despite the film’s slow start, analysts point out that family-oriented movies often enjoy a steady box office run if buoyed by positive word-of-mouth. This potential for sustained viewership in the weeks following its release could provide a boost to Moana’s overall box office performance. The film’s ability to attract a consistent audience might hinge on the reception from families, who appear to be willing to support the film despite the critical divide.
