Disney has long been a box office powerhouse, but 2026 is proving to be a mixed bag for the House of Mouse. While Toy Story 5 has crossed $800 million globally, other major releases have stumbled. The Mandalorian and Grogu, the first Star Wars film in seven years, is on track to become the franchise's lowest-grossing entry, with around $340 million worldwide. Now, Disney's latest live-action remake, Moana, is facing its own uphill battle—but finding unexpected success on streaming.
The live-action Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, arrived in theaters with a $250 million budget and high expectations. However, the film failed to crack $100 million in its opening weekend, putting it on a path to become one of Disney's biggest financial losses. Critics have been harsh, giving it a 32% Rotten Tomatoes score, with many calling it a soulless shot-for-shot copy of the beloved 2016 original. Audiences have been kinder, awarding it an 89% Popcornmeter score, but that goodwill hasn't translated to ticket sales.
Instead, fans are flocking to Disney+ to watch the film. A special behind-the-scenes look at the live-action Moana was recently added to the streaming platform, and it has quickly climbed into the top five most popular titles. This shift underscores a growing trend: audiences prefer to enjoy big-budget remakes from the comfort of home, especially when the theatrical experience feels like a rehash. For more on why some remakes miss the mark, check out our list of Pointless Remakes: 7 Movies That Should Have Never Been Rebooted.
The Moana remake's struggles are part of a larger pattern for Disney's live-action strategy. While Lilo & Stitch was a hit, Snow White was a costly misfire. The decision to remake a film that's only a decade old has puzzled many, and the box office results suggest audiences agree. With a break-even point of over $500 million, Moana is shaping up to be a significant loss for the studio.
Meanwhile, the streaming success of the special look offers a silver lining. It shows that interest in the Moana universe remains strong, even if the theatrical release didn't resonate. This mirrors other recent trends, like Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' Blasts Back to iTunes Top 10 as 'The Odyssey' Dominates Box Office, where older titles find new life on digital platforms.
As Disney navigates this shifting landscape, the Moana live-action remake serves as a cautionary tale. Fans are clearly willing to engage with the property—just not in theaters. Whether this will change Disney's approach to future remakes remains to be seen. For now, the special look on Disney+ is the place to catch the magic, without the hefty ticket price.
