Disney Says 2026 Films Missed Box Office, Emphasizes Value

On August 5, 2026, The Walt Disney Company acknowledged that two of its recent major releases, "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" and the live-action "Moana," significantly underperformed at the global box office. Despite these financial shortfalls, company executives emphasized a broader strategy, arguing that the value of such franchises extends far beyond theatrical revenue.

During an earnings call, Disney stated both films "underperformed our box office expectations." "The Mandalorian and Grogu," which opened over the Memorial Day weekend, concluded its theatrical run with approximately $345.2 million worldwide. Industry estimates place its break-even point between $500 million and $600 million, making it the lowest-grossing live-action Star Wars film released in theaters. The live-action "Moana," released in July 2026, has earned about $263 million globally against a reported production budget of roughly $250 million.

Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro directly addressed the results, stating that even when franchise films miss box office targets, the investments fuel other parts of the company. He pointed to strong audience reception as a key indicator of enduring franchise...