Key Facts
Disney's live-action adaptation of Moana opened to a disappointing $95 million globally, with $43 million from domestic markets and $52 million from international territories. The film, which cost $250 million to produce, fell short of Disney's projections of $130–$140 million worldwide.
International Performance
Top overseas markets included Australia ($5.3 million), France ($5.2 million), and South Korea ($3.8 million). However, the film bombed in China with just $1.2 million, contributing to its weak international debut.
Comparison to Other Disney Remakes
Moana joins 2025's Snow White as one of the weakest starts among Disney's live-action remakes. Analysts note that nostalgia is key for these adaptations; films based on 1990s and early 2000s classics like The Lion King and Aladdin have crossed $1 billion, while Moana (original 2016) and its 2024 sequel may be too recent to generate similar nostalgia.
Cast and Reception
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film stars newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Despite mixed critical reviews, audience scores were higher, which could boost word-of-mouth. However, competition from Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters limited its potential.
Other Box Office Highlights
- Toy Story 5: Earned $45 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its global total to $879.1 million. It is on track to surpass Toy Story 4's $1.07 billion.
- Minions & Monsters: Added $39 million internationally, totaling $280 million globally. Despite being the lowest-grossing entry in the franchise, its $85 million budget ensures profitability.
- Evil Dead Burn: Opened to $27 million worldwide, below its predecessor but with a modest $20 million budget. Top markets included India ($1.5 million), UK ($1.2 million), and Mexico ($1.1 million).
- Michael: Surpassed $1 billion globally, becoming the first biopic to reach this milestone and the second film of 2026 to do so.
What Readers Should Know
Disney's live-action Moana faces an uphill battle to recover its $250 million budget. While strong audience scores may help, the crowded family film market and lack of nostalgia could limit its long-term run. Meanwhile, Toy Story 5 continues to dominate, and Michael has made history at the box office.
FAQ
How much did Moana live-action earn at the box office?
The film earned $43 million domestically and $52 million internationally, totaling $95 million worldwide.
Why did Moana underperform?
Analysts suggest the original animated film (2016) and its 2024 sequel are too recent, reducing nostalgia appeal. It also faced competition from Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters.
How much did Toy Story 5 earn globally?
Toy Story 5 has earned $879.1 million worldwide, including $475.3 million overseas and $403.8 million domestically.