Why Disney's live-action Moana remake became one of the studio's biggest box office misfires

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released in 2026, the live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit Moana struggled to find its footing. Despite a massive $250 million production budget and the return of Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the film faced critical backlash and disappointing ticket sales, sparking debates about the future of Disney's remake strategy.

The 2026 live-action Moana, directed by Thomas Kail, was conceived as a faithful, shot-for-shot adaptation of the original animated feature. Production was announced by Dwayne Johnson in April 2023, with the studio aiming to capitalize on the franchise's popularity during Disney's 100th-anniversary celebrations. Principal photography took place in Atlanta and Hawaii between July and November 2024, utilizing a budget estimated between $200 million and $250 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced.

Upon its July 10, 2026 release, the film faced significant headwinds. It debuted to a domestic opening of $43 million, a figure seen as a misfire for a major Disney production. By September 2026, the film had grossed $323 million worldwide, leading Deadline Hollywood to estimate potential losses for the studio between $100 million and $125 million. Analysts attributed the underperformance to audience fatigue regarding live-action remakes and stiff competition from other titles like Toy Story 5.

Critical reception was largely negative, with the film holding a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers frequently criticized the project's lack of artistic necessity, with some describing it as a lifeless facsimile of the 2016 original. While Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged the film failed to meet box office expectations, he noted that it continued to drive value through merchandise, theme park admissions, and anticipated long-term performance on the Disney+ streaming platform.

The production process also faced internal hurdles, including a brief consideration of using AI-generated deepfakes for Dwayne Johnson's face, a plan the studio ultimately abandoned to avoid controversy. Despite the film's lukewarm reception, the creative team—including songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda and composer Mark Mancina—sought to maintain the cultural spirit of the original, with Johnson emphasizing the project's deep personal connection to his Polynesian heritage.

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