Disney's live-action Moana opens to $45 million domestically, lagging behind Snow White remake

Disney's live-action adaptation of its 2016 animated hit "Moana" opened in 3,872 U.S. theaters with an estimated $18.2 million on its first day, projecting a domestic opening of about $45 million. The figure is modest compared with the studio's 2023 "Snow White" remake, which posted a $16.2 million opening day and $42.7 million weekend, eventually reaching $82.7 million domestically.

Industry analysts note that "Moana" received an A-minus CinemaScore, matching the 2024 "Lion King" prequel "Mufasa" and surpassing the B-plus score for "Snow White," suggesting relatively positive audience reception. However, with a production budget of roughly $200 million and an additional $100 million in marketing costs, the film faces a steep path to profitability, relying on ancillary revenue from theme parks and merchandise.

The opening was also muted overseas, with the United Kingdom reporting only £775,000 on the first day, a dip attributed to limited interest and the concurrent FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Competing releases contributed to the subdued performance. Universal's "Minions & Monsters" is projected to earn $21 million in its second weekend, a 43 percent decline from its $37 million debut, while Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story 5" is on track to surpass $400 million domestically and approach $1 billion globally by next weekend.