Moana 2 emerged as one of the top films of the previous year, ranking just behind Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 to secure its place among the highest-grossing movies of 2024. This sequel to Disney’s beloved 2016 animated film, Moana, received mixed reviews in comparison to its predecessor.
However, it nearly doubled the Box Office earnings of the original, solidifying the future of the Moana franchise for years ahead. Although Moana 3 may still be several years off, the live-action adaptation of the original Moana is scheduled to debut in 2026, marking a decade since the first film captivated viewers.
The cast and release date for the live-action version have already been revealed, and Disney seems eager to capitalize on the success of Moana 2. This sequel has the potential to deliver the highest level of success for Disney’s live-action remakes in recent years.
The $1 Billion Box Office Success of Moana 2 Highlights The Growing Popularity of The Franchise
One of the strongest arguments for the live-action adaptation of Moana is the remarkable performance of its sequel compared to the original film. Released in 2016, Moana debuted during a period when Disney could confidently expect most of its films to achieve significant success solely due to the brand’s reputation.
However, the current landscape is quite different, as Disney finds itself on less stable footing. Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and even the previously invincible Marvel Cinematic Universe have recently produced films that can only be labelled as major disappointments.
In contrast, Moana 2 experienced remarkable success, generating over a billion dollars for the company. Initially intended as a Disney+ series, it was transformed into a feature-length film. With a gross of $1.059 billion, Moana 2 far surpassed the original Moana’s $643 million, exceeding all expectations.
This impressive performance indicates that, despite some recent challenges faced by Disney, the Moana franchise is thriving and is poised for further expansion with additional projects in the pipeline.
Moana’s Live-Action Adaptation Is Set To Take The Box Office By Storm Next Year
As the Moana franchise continues to gain traction, the upcoming 2026 live-action remake appears poised to be another major success for Disney, potentially surpassing the anticipated Moana 2.
While Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White seems to be falling short, despite Rachel Zegler’s impressive performance, the recent trailer for Lilo & Stitch has captured considerable interest. Additionally, the excitement surrounding Moana remains strong, especially with the success of Moana 2 set to release next year.
Disney’s live-action adaptations have established themselves as significant players in the Box Office arena, despite varying levels of success among them. With Moana now recognized as a thriving franchise rather than just a standalone film, its financial success appears almost assured.
Although Dwayne Johnson may not be the surefire Box Office draw he once was, his association with this project still holds considerable influence, making it an encouraging indicator for the remake’s potential earnings.
Will Moana Become Disney’s Highest Grossing Live-Action Remake ?
Moana is poised to surpass Disney’s highest-grossing live-action remake, a title currently held by 2019’s The Lion King, which marked one of Disney’s initial ventures into remaking beloved films and remains their most profitable effort to date.
The Lion King’s remarkable success can be attributed to several key elements, including its status as arguably Disney’s most iconic original creation and its release timing, which preceded the market’s saturation with live-action adaptations of animated classics.
Although The Lion King’s impressive $1.6 billion revenue is a tall order, Moana 2 swiftly surpassed its predecessor by an additional $400 million, marking a significant leap for a franchise that was already thriving.
Disney’s live-action adaptations can be unpredictable, but they frequently yield positive results, typically aligning with the franchise’s existing popularity. With Moana’s franchise demonstrating its vast potential, the upcoming live-action film has the potential to not only surpass Moana 2 but also challenge The Lion King’s record.
Highest Grossing Disney Live Action Remakes
| Film | Worldwide Box Office |
| The Lion King | $ 1,656,943,394 |
| Beauty and the Beast | $ 1,263,521,126 |
| Aladdin | $ 1,050,693,953 |
| Alice in Wonderland | $ 1,025,467,110 |
| The Jungle Book | $ 966,550,600 |