Moana Live Action Box Office Tracking Is Not Looking Good
Disney is once again on a live-action remake kick after the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” did well. Their next film, “Moana,” likely won’t repeat the success of “Lilo & Stitch” is box office tracking is correct.
The film will open in theaters this week, but presales aren’t great.
Currently, it’s on track for a $55 to $75 million domestic opening, with some sites saying it could go even lower, coming in at $45 to $60 million.
However, this might be a film that people don’t buy presale tickets for and if it’s good it could be like “Elemental” and hold on long enough over the summer to make some money.
Disney is eating itself
Because the summer films are so stacked together Disney / Pixar “Toy Story 5” could cut into the box office for “Moana”.
Illumination’s “Minions and Monsters” already came in lower than initially expected, hitting a series-low opening. Likely due to an overcrowded box office.
Why is Moana tracking so low?
Besides the crowded box office, many are tired of Disney’s live-action remakes. When “Moana” was announced, many pointed out that the movie was only a few years old. Even at release, the original isn’t even ten years old yet- not until November, 2026.
It’s too soon to remake this film, plus it was already great as is. No remake was necessary.
Dwayne Johnson looks weird as live-action Maui.
People have been talking about it since the trailer. He may have done the character’s voice, but when it comes to physically portraying the demigod, he might not have been the best choice. But it was his production company, Seven Bucks Productions, that worked with Disney on the film.
People have thoughts about the possible low box office.
“This movie makes no sense. They should’ve saved the money and just work on Moana 3. And stop trying to use big IP for Disney+ shows, that ruined Moana 2 and I’m sure it would’ve ruined Princess and the frog with the Tiana show. Just make princess and the frog 2, bring back Dr Facilier somehow!” - ramo141
“I don't think anyone was dying to see The Rock in a muscle suit and a wig from Temu. If they wanted to do a live-action Moana, it should've been AFTER the animated movies finished AND someone else playing Maui”- Gemini Jack
“good, they should have stayed with the animated version and moved on. Besides who really wants to see the rock with a long curly haired wig. 🤣” - Mick Guyder
“Why would you pay to see it, when you could just watch the original movie at home? A movie that was just released 10 years ago.” - John Byars Entertainment
“I asked my daughter about seeing this and she had no interest which is crazy …I mean what did they think releasing it so close to Toy Story” - Gregory McGraw
“The movie is completely pointless! The original is fantastic and the sequel is like a year old. Live action does nothing for it also. My kids love Moana but have no interest in this one in the theater” - Jason Klein
“A remake for the original thats not even 10 years old yet, that is way too soon.” - SpryteMix
Again, it is possible the film will sell a lot more tickets at the door. Overseas markets could also bring larger returns, as we saw with “Zootopia 2.” But with current predictions, it isn’t looking like a big blockbuster.
Time will tell.