Overview
- The live-action Moana opened in theaters Friday, July 10, 2026, after a Hollywood Bowl world premiere and has drawn poor early reviews, registering roughly 32–36 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Thursday preview screenings earned about $4.5 million, and domestic weekend tracking has slid to roughly $40 million–$65 million, a shortfall against reported production and marketing figures estimated at $200–$250 million.
- Industry outlets and box-office analysts say those numbers put the film at risk of a major financial loss given breakeven estimates cited as high as $600–$700 million in global grosses.
- Hawaiʻi officials confirmed the production generated tangible local benefits, estimating roughly $39 million in economic impact from nine days of Oʻahu shooting and reporting 560 Hawaiʻi resident hires plus 185 non-resident hires, while the state advanced SB 2580 to expand production tax incentives.
- Filmmakers emphasized Polynesian creative leadership on screen and behind the scenes—including cultural advisors, choreographers, costume designers and musicians—and the cast features newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui.