Disney's live-action Moana opens to weak reviews

Disney's live-action remake of "Moana" opened in theaters on July 10, 2026, to a wave of harsh critical reviews and modest early box office projections. The film, which had its premiere in Los Angeles on July 8, is currently tracking for an opening weekend in the range of $40 million to $60 million domestically, a figure that industry analysts note is soft against a reported $250 million production budget.

Critics have overwhelmingly panned the remake for its close adherence to the 2016 animated original, which debuted just a decade ago. Many reviews describe the new version as a near shot-for-shot recreation that brings little innovation to the beloved story of a Polynesian teenager who teams with the demigod Maui to save her island. A common critique is that the film feels unnecessary, with several reviewers labeling it a transparent attempt to monetize a recent property. The critical consensus score on Rotten Tomatoes has languished in the 30s, placing it among Disney's lowest-rated live-action adaptations.

The film's visual effects have drawn mixed reactions, with some critics arguing the photorealistic style and heavy use of CGI drain the story of its original vibrant color...