Disney’s live-action Moana (2026) walked into its opening weekend already bruised. It’s walking into its second weekend facing something far worse than bad reviews. A Rough Debut Just Got Rougher Moana‘s opening was already being discussed in terms usually reserved for cautionary tales. The film debuted to roughly $43 million domestically across its first three days, with a four-day total ...

Every so often, a Disney movie transcends the typical experience of a night out at the cinema and becomes something profoundly impactful for the local community where it was produced. The live-action adaptation of Moana, which has sailed into theaters nationwide, exemplifies this phenomenon in Hawai’i. According to state officials, the film’s production has not only generated tens of millions ...

Disney’s Snow White (2025) has been replaced in a ranking of recent live-action remake releases. Disney’s live-action Moana (2026) has arrived in theaters, and the numbers are already telling a rough story. The film debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 36% critic score, edging out Snow White (39%) for the dubious distinction of the studio’s lowest-rated live-action remake in recent ...

For nearly a decade, Walt Disney Studios has treated its live-action remake pipeline like a guaranteed billion-dollar paycheck. By translating beloved animated treasures into star-studded cinematic events, the studio effortlessly dominated the global box office. But as the summer of 2026 kicks into high gear, that reliable cash cow is showing massive signs of structural strain. Credit: Disney With less ...

In 1923, a 21-year-old Walt Disney moved to Hollywood to start his animation studio. He chose the West Coast over the capital of animation, New York City, because his brother, Roy, was in Los Angeles recovering from tuberculosis. By 1926, Walt had hired legendary animator Ub Iwerks and opened the Walt Disney Studio. For decades, Walt and his studio pumped ...

What can the judge say to Disney, except, “You’re welcome!” The House of Mouse was handed a massive victory when a Los Angeles jury ruled that the company did not steal the idea for its 2016 hit film Moana. And now, Disney can move on from the Moana drama and figure out how they want to continue the Polynesian princess’s story without ...

A lawsuit filed against Disney is moving forward. Related: Confirmed: ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Breaks Cardinal Rule of the Original Films Disney is now facing off against writer and creator Buck Woodall in court following a lawsuit claiming Disney stole materials to create its Moana franchise. Buck Woodall filed a copyright lawsuit in January 2025, claiming Disney stole key ideas from ...

EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is known for its breathtaking topiaries, colorful floral displays, and delicious outdoor kitchens. In 2025, the festival is adding something extra special for fans of Disney’s Moana—brand-new topiaries featuring Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua! Moana Takes Center Stage For the first time ever, Moana characters will have their own topiary display at the festival. ...

Days before the Thanksgiving premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 (2024), Walt Disney World Resort brought a new version of the Polynesian Disney Princess to EPCOT. Moana (2016) has practically taken over The Walt Disney Company. Conceived initially as a Disney+ series, executives decided to upgrade Moana 2 to a feature film after seeing what Walt Disney Animation Studios had planned. Although ...

Eight years ago, Disney introduced audiences to its first Polynesian princess in Moana. Moana lives on the island of Motunui, which is slowly dying. She dreams of traveling off the island and finding a way to save her people. Moana’s father — who is the Chief — forbids her from leaving, but Moana learns that her ancestors were seafaring people. ...