On July 11, 2026, Disney's live-action remake of Moana debuted with an opening day gross of $18 million across 3,875 North American theaters. While the film led the box office, the earnings fell short of Disney's projections and the original animated film's debut.
Box Office Performance of Moana
The Moana live-action adaptation is anticipated to gross approximately $45 million by the end of its opening weekend. This figure is significantly lower than the $56 million earned by the original animated version in its 2016 debut. Despite these numbers, Disney has invested heavily in the remake, with a production cost of $250 million, up from the $175 million spent on the animated film.
Industry analysts suggest that the film will need to maintain a strong presence in theaters to recoup its costs. The opening day earnings reflect a growing trend of mixed receptions for live-action adaptations of animated classics.
Comparative Analysis with Other Disney Releases
When comparing Moana to other recent Disney releases, the performance highlights a concerning trend for the studio. Recent adaptations, including The Little Mermaid, have also struggled to meet expectations. The following are key figures from notable Disney live-action adaptations:
