All articles tagged with #moana
Dwayne Johnson says the live-action Moana is a source of pride despite mixed early reviews (32% on Rotten Tomatoes). He noted that in show business the response can swing, and that what mattered was the culture and Polynesian story shining through. The film has grossed about $266 million worldwide, and Disney signals strong potential for Moana on Disney+, with Johnson remaining supportive of the project.
Dwayne Johnson addressed the mixed critical reception to Disney's live-action Moana, noting early praised reviews cooled over time. The film grossed about $264 million worldwide on a reported $250 million budget, with a 31% critics score and an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Johnson emphasized the film’s cultural significance for Samoan audiences and urged audiences to focus on the larger lesson, saying, “If you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem,” as he and his wife discussed the response and the varied critical reaction, including some positive notes from critics like THR’s David Rooney.
Dwayne Johnson defended the live-action Moana after critics delivered tepid reviews (31% on Rotten Tomatoes, 42% on Metacritic), saying he’s proud of the film and urging focus on what comes after opening weekend. Disney’s earnings call acknowledged softer-than-expected box office but framed the project as fueling broader franchise value, with Variety estimating the theatrical run could lose at least $100 million.
Disney executives argue box-office totals aren’t the sole measure of a film’s value: The Mandalorian and Grogu and the live-action Moana posted modest grosses by franchise standards, but the company says these IPs drive growth in retail, theme parks, gaming, and Disney+ streaming, reinforcing a long‑term IP flywheel beyond ticket sales.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said The Mandalorian and Grogu and the live‑action Moana underperformed at the box office this summer, but the company argues the titles still boosted merchandise sales, theme-park visits and streaming value, with momentum from Spider-Man signaling upside for future releases.
Disney’s live-action Moana underperformed with a domestic $43M opening and $95M worldwide, reviving questions about the viability of its remake-driven strategy. The film’s weak debut follows a string of mixed results for past remakes, suggesting nostalgia alone isn’t enough to sustain big theatrical returns. TheWrap notes Disney may pivot toward original IPs (e.g., Tangled live-action, Lilo & Stitch sequel, Frozen) and lean more on ancillary revenue from parks and merch, signaling a potential shift away from remaking classics.
Disney’s live-action remake strategy is facing a setback after Moana underperformed at the box office, risking a substantial loss and prompting a rethink of pacing and budgets. While nostalgically revived properties like Lilo & Stitch continue to show potential, success now hinges on timing, long-tail benefits (merchandise, rides, Disney+), and selective project choices rather than simply redoing popular animated titles.
Disney’s live‑action Moana opened softer than expected, but the core investment thesis remains anchored in its Experiences business, strong IP, and a rising dividend. The softer box office intensifies debate over streaming economics, with some analysts urging more monetization through licensing rather than full direct‑to‑consumer distribution, though any leadership‑driven shift could be costly and uncertain.
Disney’s live-action Moana opened to $43 million domestically, well short of expectations for a $250 million production, and 34% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes (audience reception remains stronger with an A CinemaScore). The underwhelming debut amid competition from Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters has sparked questions about Disney’s live-action remake strategy, though Moana still has vocal supporters and potential future spin-offs in development.
Disney’s live‑action Moana launches with a $95.1 million global debut (about $43.1M domestic and $52M international), topping the worldwide box office. Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer follows with around $73.6–74M in its China opening, securing a strong second place overall. Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters also post solid numbers, while Evil Dead Burn and other titles fill out the top ranks. The China market remains a key driver for new releases, and Moana’s international performance keeps it among the year’s top global performers.
Disney's Moana live-action remake opened to a $43 million domestic debut, with analysts pointing to (1) a near-shot-for-shot remake that offered little novelty, (2) arriving too soon after the original and a successful Moana sequel, and (3) stiff competition from other family films and the World Cup, suggesting the animation-to-live-action strategy may be losing steam.
Disney’s live-action Moana opened to about $43M domestic and $52M worldwide on a budget near $395M with marketing, a disappointing debut that could cost the studio roughly $100–$125M and mirrors last year’s Snow White opening; analysts point to releasing the remake so soon after Moana 2, competition from Toy Story 5, and mixed-to-negative reactions as key factors.
Disney’s live-action Moana opened to about $43 million in its first three days and roughly $95 million worldwide, a far cry from its $250 million budget and earlier forecasts, as stiff family competition (Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters) and the coming Odyssey release threaten its box‑office prospects.
Disney's live-action Moana opened at No. 1 domestically but with tepid momentum, earning about $43 million in the U.S. and Canada and $52 million internationally for a $95 million global debut. Critics panned it as a near shot-for-shot remake, though audiences gave it a more favorable CinemaScore and reasonable word-of-mouth. The release underscores a mixed track record for Disney’s live-action remakes amid strong competition from other family titles, with upcoming films likely to shape the summer box office.
Disney's live-action Moana opened to a $95 million worldwide debut ($43 million domestic, $52 million international) on a $250 million budget, but critics dinged it with a 34% Rotten Tomatoes score while audiences gave mostly positive votes (63% would recommend; 78% of parents would recommend; CinemaScore A-). The tepid performance follows mixed results for the genre, with family-friendly titles like Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5 crowding the market, hinting at a ceiling for PG-rated remakes. With Nolan’s The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day arriving next, July may yield headwinds but could boost August totals.