Dwayne Johnson Addresses Moana's Box Office Performance

Aug 9, 2026

77 min

Aug 9, 2026 06:31

Dwayne Johnson speaks out on Moana's box office struggles and mixed reviews

## Moana's Financial and Critical Reception

Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana," released on July 10, has earned approximately $266 million globally. This figure falls short of its $250 million production cost and $120 million marketing budget, potentially leading to a $100 million loss. Despite these numbers, Dwayne Johnson, who stars as Maui, has shared his thoughts on the film's reception.

## Johnson's Perspective

In a recent interview, Johnson reflected on the mixed reviews, noting that initial feedback was positive but later turned more critical. He emphasized that discussions about the film's reception were frequent at home, particularly with his wife. Johnson highlighted the cultural significance of the film, especially for his children, as it showcases Polynesian culture, which is part of his heritage.

## Audience vs. Critic Opinions

The film has a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, contrasting with an 88% audience score. This discrepancy indicates a divide between critics and viewers, with some critics praising it as a strong Disney remake, while others view it as inferior to the animated original.

## Disney's Strategy

Disney's CEO, Josh D'Amaro, acknowledged the film's underperformance but emphasized the importance of franchise films in supporting other company ventures. He also mentioned the potential success of "Moana" on Disney+, where the original remains highly popular.

## Future of the Franchise

While an animated "Moana 3" is reportedly in development, a second live-action film seems unlikely. The quick release of the live-action version following a successful sequel may have contributed to its struggles at the box office.

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