Moana 2 emerged as one of the leading films of the year 2024, trailing only behind popular titles such as Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2. As a sequel to Disney’s acclaimed 2016 animated film, Moana, the follow-up not only achieved mixed reviews relative to its predecessor but also remarkably outpaced the original in box office performance, nearly doubling its earnings. This impressive financial success solidifies the Moana brand’s potential for expansion in the future.
Although fans may have to wait several years for Moana 3, Disney is gearing up for the 2026 release of a live-action remake of the original Moana. Announced well in advance, this live action version comes a decade after the first film captured the hearts of audiences globally. Disney appears poised to capitalize on the momentum garnered by Moana 2, which may very well lead to one of the most fruitful live-action adaptations from the studio in years.
Moana 2’s $1 Billion Box Office Reflects Growing Fandom
The Franchise’s Strength is Evident in Moana 2’s Success
An impressive takeaway from the release of Moana 2 is how it significantly outperformed its predecessor. When the original Moana debuted in 2016, Disney enjoyed a reputation for delivering blockbuster hits based purely on their name. However, the landscape has shifted, and the studio faces increasing uncertainty, with recent films from Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe experiencing notable failures.
In stark contrast to these setbacks, Moana 2 triumphed at the box office, raking in over $1 billion. Originally conceived as a Disney+ series, the film was adapted into a feature-length release and ultimately grossed an impressive $1.059 billion—about $400 million more than the original’s $643 million. This surge in earnings clearly indicates that the Moana franchise continues to thrive, promising more content and stories to come.
Live-Action Remake of Moana set to Capture Box Office Attention
Anticipation Grows for the Upcoming Release
The escalating popularity of the Moana franchise places the upcoming 2026 live-action remake in a strong position to achieve considerable box office success, potentially surpassing even Moana 2. While Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White has faced challenges, the trailer for Lilo & Stitch has generated buzz. With Moana‘s recognition boosted by the recent sequel, anticipation is high for the live-action version.
The franchise’s recent performance assures stakeholders that the live-action remake is likely to be a financial boon. Although former box office stalwart Dwayne Johnson’s star power has waned recently, his connection to this project remains a strong selling point, further heightening expectations for its success.
Moana Could Surpass All Live-Action Remakes by Disney
Moana is on track to challenge for the title of Disney’s highest-grossing live-action remake, traditionally held by the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King. This film leveraged its status as one of Disney’s most iconic properties, coming out before the market became saturated with numerous live-action reimaginings.
| Top 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 |
Although achieving the $1.6 billion mark set by The Lion King is a tall order, Moana 2‘s remarkable $1 billion return indicates a strong trajectory for the franchise. Disney’s live-action adaptations tend to be successful investments, often reflecting the enduring popularity of their animated predecessors. Given the strength demonstrated by the Moana series thus far, the live-action adaptation has the potential to exceed Moana 2 and may even vie for the record set by The Lion King.