The live-action version of Disney’s Moana emerged as the leader at the North American box office, though its opening weekend earnings of $43 million in the U.S. and Canada didn’t quite meet expectations. Globally, the film amassed $95 million, including $52 million from international markets, against a hefty production budget of $250 million.
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film marks the return of Dwayne Johnson as Maui and introduces Catherine LagaÊ»aia as Moana. While LagaÊ»aia’s portrayal has garnered acclaim, the adaptation has faced criticism for sticking too closely to the narrative of the 2016 animated original. The film currently holds a 34% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, though audience feedback has been more favorable. Surveys reveal that many viewers, especially families, are likely to recommend the film despite the mixed critical reception.
Disney has seen tremendous success with several live-action remakes in recent years, though not all have fared well commercially. Moana’s performance at the box office draws parallels to Snow White, another film that experienced a modest start in theaters.
Industry experts suggest that intense competition from other family-friendly films has affected Moana’s initial box office numbers. Several PG-rated releases have been vying for attention from audiences at the same time. Despite its slow start, analysts point out that family films often enjoy sustained box office success in subsequent weeks, driven by positive word-of-mouth.