The live-action adaptation of Disney's Moana will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting October 21. This release comes approximately three months after the film's initial theatrical launch, a period marked by significant box office struggles and internal reflection at the studio.
The Moana remake experienced a challenging run in theaters, with its opening weekend barely surpassing that of the live-action Snow White. Globally, the film garnered just over $323 million, making it the 16th highest-grossing film of 2026. This total falls short of previous Disney live-action remakes such as Lilo & Stitch, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.
Stakeholders have openly acknowledged the film's underperformance. Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as Maui, expressed his disappointment, stating, "That's just the way it goes." Disney president Dana Walden attributed some of the box office shortfall to the timing of the remake's release, coming shortly after the animated Moana 2, which achieved substantially greater box office success.
Critical reception also proved challenging, with IGN awarding the film a 6/10 and noting it as a "frame-by-frame retelling of the Disney animated musical that doesn't do enough to justify being made."
Despite these challenges, Disney remains optimistic about the franchise's future. The studio anticipates the live-action Moana will perform well on Disney+, leveraging the original film's popularity as one of the most-streamed titles on the platform. The franchise now encompasses three films, an EPCOT attraction, and extensive merchandise.
While Moana 3 is reportedly in development, it is unclear if it will also receive a live-action treatment. Disney appears undeterred in its remake strategy, with its next major live-action adaptation being Tangled, scheduled for release in 2028.