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!
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I agree timing is a big reason plus many were otherwise celebrating outdoors in patriotic ways but honestly….I’m not sure I can sit through a movie with that awful Maui wig and a tattoo suit that makes him look even bigger than he is….and he’s complained a lot about the heavy hook he has to carry. It’s just too much negative info that distracts from enjoying the movie and….the original animation was just perfect!
I’d have rather seen the Rock in Jungle Cruise 2 with Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall and Veronica Falcon!! When is that being released? These live action remakes of classic animated movies are mostly duds. It’s disappointing that Disney can’t be creative again and release an animated movie that will become another classic! Of course with Walt and Eisner gone and Disney corporate firing all their animators…. I guess those golden days are over 😭
I have to agree with Anne, would rather see Jungle Cruise 2. So tired of Disney just adding live action remakes of so many classic animated films. Start being creative again.
My biggest complaint about this film is related to the wigs they used for Moana and Maui. Aside from that, as a Moana fan, I enjoyed the film and don’t really understand why there’s so much negativity about it.
I enjoy animation, I think all the actors are great but with the animation you aren’t distracted by the actors history. i’m still going to see it but not right away.
Disney needs to stop with live-action remakes. Yes, Stitch did well but after Snow White (which I still haven’t watched and probably won’t after seeing previews) but live-action does not always translate to money makers. Maui doesn’t even look like the cartoon one, rather, the Rock wearing something trying to look buff and his hair…no, just no.
Disney PLEASE stop making live-action remakes!
Agree – i enjoyed the original animated classic but it was released too close to M2 AND with both TS5 and a new Minions move out at the same time. All those are competing for the same demographics, and yes, just too soon.