Disney's new live-action remake of *Moana* experienced a disappointing box office debut, opening with $43 million domestically.

This performance has led industry analysts to question the studio's strategy of adapting its animated classics into live-action films.

The relatively low opening figure is only marginally better than the "disastrous start" of last year's *Snow White* remake, indicating a potential shift in audience reception to these adaptations.

Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Rentrak, noted that *Moana*'s performance has prompted widespread questioning of Disney's animation-to-live-action approach.

This development is significant because Disney has historically relied on sequels and remakes as a low-risk method to generate substantial revenue.

However, a flop for a film based on one of its most popular characters suggests this strategy might be losing its appeal among fans.

Box-office analyst David Gross highlighted that while Disney pioneered the live-action phenomenon based on its animated films with remarkable success, *Moana*'s opening is not comparable to past successful remakes.

Unlike the controversial *Snow White* adaptation, the *Moana* remake avoided notable controversies and polarizing creative choices, such as those seen in the successful *Lilo & Stitch* remake, which grossed over $182 million in its debut.

Analysts have identified three primary reasons for the live-action *Moana*'s struggle at the box office.

Familiarity and Lack of Novelty

One key factor is the film's perceived familiarity.

Business Insider's Gabbi Shaw described the new *Moana* as an "almost shot-for-shot (and line-for-line, in some cases) remake of a five-star masterpiece." While this approach avoided alienating fans who might oppose significant changes, it also failed to excite audiences.

Shaw argued that the central dilemma with these remakes is that viewers, particularly parents with *Moana*-enthusiastic children, could simply opt for the "superior animated film" at home instead of going to the cinema.

Box-office analyst Scott Mendelson added that despite being controversy-free, the new *Moana* movie was "nobody was talking about, for better or worse."

Premature Release Timing

Another reason cited is that Disney may have released another *Moana* movie too soon.

The original animated film was released ten years ago, and a billion-dollar *Moana 2* sequel was released in 2024.

Although *Moana* films are popular and consistently rank among the most-watched on streaming platforms, analysts suggest that audiences, especially children, might already be getting their *Moana* fix from home.

David Gross commented that "This story wasn't ready to come back, and audiences are not rushing to see it." Shawn Robbins, director of movie analytics at Fandango, suggested the live-action adaptation arrived "at least half a decade too early" to benefit from nostalgia or to be passed down to a new generation of children.

Market Competition

Finally, the live-action *Moana* faced significant competition, including from other Disney releases.

Paul Dergarabedian noted that the marketplace is "a bit oversaturated with PG-rated family fare." Disney released the new *Moana* just three weeks after its own hit *Toy Story 5* and a week after Universal's *Minions & Monsters*.

These films, along with events like the World Cup, may have diverted audiences.

However, Scott Mendelson pointed out that family-friendly hits can sometimes spur interest in rival movies through in-theater trailers.

Ultimately, Mendelson concluded, "If people had wanted to see 'Moana,' they would have seen 'Moana.'"