Live-Action 'Moana' Projected to Have $85 Million Opening Weekend

Box office projections for Moana have been revealed, anticipating a modest opening weekend in North America.

Moana Opening Weekend Projections

Dwayne Johnson as Maui in live-action Moana.

According to Deadline, Disney’s live-action version of its 2016 animated film, Moana, is projected to have an $85 million opening weekend in North America when it opens on July 10. Though this seems like a lower forecast, Moana will have to compete with Toy Story 5 (between $150 million to $175 million predicted opening weekend), as well as Illumination/Universal’s Minions & Monsters (projected $95 million opening on July 1).

In comparison with other live-action films, Snow White (2025) projected a $50 million opening weekend and fell short of those predictions. Mufasa (2024) opened to a rocky start, with the film only grossing $35 million during its U.S. opening weekend, but remained steady, defying “flop” labels. Lilo and Stitch (2025) was by far the most successful in recent years, with an estimated $145.5 million opening weekend.

Moana

In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the Oscar-nominated animated movie, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Johnson) on a journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton); produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho (the original voice of Moana in the animated films Moana and Moana 2).

Moana features original songs by Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina.

AMC theater treats and novelties, including a glow-in-the-dark Heart of Te Fiti bag charm, have been announced. A new original song titled “Along the Way” was also released by Disney.

Watch the final trailer below: