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Live-Action Moana Opens Softly and Tests Disney’s High-Cost Remake Strategy

Poor early box-office returns plus low critic ratings intensify debate over whether Disney should continue spending heavily on live-action remakes.

Overview

  • The film opened July 10–11 with about $18 million on Friday and was tracking to a roughly $42–46 million domestic opening weekend, well below earlier forecasts.
  • Critics gave the movie low marks, with Rotten Tomatoes scores in the mid-30s, while audiences rated it more kindly, receiving an A− CinemaScore and strong fan ratings on some platforms.
  • With a reported production budget near $200–250 million, the soft start has raised immediate concerns about the movie reaching profitability and the studio’s near-term remake plans.
  • Hawaiʻi officials reported the production generated an estimated $39 million in local economic activity and hired hundreds of residents, and the state recently expanded tax incentives to attract more shoots.
  • Industry watchers say the result follows a pattern of mixed outcomes for Disney remakes and could slow or reshape the studio’s slate, especially after comparisons to Snow White’s underperformance and Lilo & Stitch’s success.