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Live-Action Moana Projected to Open Near $85 Million

A modest opening projection heightens profit pressure on the film’s roughly $200 million production budget.

Overview

  • Citing June 20's box-office tracking, multiple industry outlets report the live-action Moana is projected to debut around $85 million in North America on its July 10 release.
  • That projected start is well below recent breakout remakes like Lilo & Stitch and close to the How to Train Your Dragon remake’s opening, so early weeks and holdover will shape its total haul.
  • The film reunites original-song contributors Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina and stars Dwayne Johnson as Maui with 17-year-old Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, which could influence fan interest.
  • Analysts note heavy July competition from family tentpoles such as Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters and say marketing, critic reviews, and word-of-mouth must drive international sales for the picture to reach profitability.
  • The film’s franchise pedigree gives it upside but the mixed recent track record for Disney live-action remakes means commercial success will depend on sustained audience demand beyond opening weekend.