Disney’s live-action remake of “Moana” appears to be sinking fast, with early numbers suggesting it could lose up to $100 million after a weak opening weekend at the box office, as reported [1] by Breitbart.
Despite debuting as the number one film, the movie’s opening earnings of $43 million were well below expectations.
That figure makes it highly unlikely the Dwayne Johnson-led remake will recover its $250 million production budget.
Adding to its uphill battle, the live-action “Moana” carried hefty marketing costs estimated at $120 million. Combined, those numbers bring the total price tag to more than $370 million, according to Variety.
Unlike other Disney projects that are spaced years apart, this remake followed relatively soon after an animated sequel.
The original “Moana” came out a decade ago, but “Moana II” was only released two years earlier, prompting critics to argue that Disney should have waited longer before revisiting the franchise.
Some industry voices even suggested Disney should have pursued another animated sequel, such as a potential “Moana III,” instead of venturing into the live-action market so soon.
The studio has enjoyed major success with other live-action updates, notably 2025’s “Lilo & Stitch,” which crossed the billion-dollar mark worldwide.
In most of those cases, however, the remakes arrived long after their animated predecessors had run their course.
In contrast, the new “Moana” faced a crowded legacy. Coming just two years after the last animated sequel, the film had little room to create anticipation or nostalgia among fans.
Disney’s recent track record also highlights high risks in this strategy.
The previous year’s “Snow White” adaptation became one of the biggest box-office failures in movie history, grossing only $205 million worldwide on a budget exceeding $400 million.
“Snow White” faced intense backlash during its promotion, including casting controversies, accusations of political messaging, and remarks from its lead star that alienated parts of the audience.
The result was a devastating $170 million loss.
While “Moana” avoided similar pre-release controversies, critical reception still proved icy. Review aggregators recorded just 35 percent positive feedback, and studio forecasts were repeatedly adjusted downward ahead of the film’s premiere.
Analysts say the combination of high costs, lukewarm critical response, and limited novelty compared to the existing animated films left the project with little chance of profitability.
Even topping the weekend box office was not enough to offset its massive expenses.
Still, Disney seems undeterred. The company has already announced that a third animated “Moana” film is in development, signaling that the brand remains central to its future lineup despite the current setback.
Whether audiences will return for another animated voyage remains to be seen. For now, the live-action version’s rough financial waters suggest that even Disney powerhouses can falter when timing and expectations collide.