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Moana’s Flop and the Slow Death of Live Action

The 2010s glut of “live-action” revamps of animated I.P. seems to have come to its final resting place after Moana’s meek box office showing. With dwindling bankable I.P. and waning fan interest, this was probably bound to happen.

Catherine Laga'aia in Moana
Still from the live-action Disney film, 'Moana.' Photo: Courtesy of Disney
Scott Mendelson
July 14, 2026

After Moana’s performance this weekend, I think it’s safe to add Dwayne Johnson tentpoles and live-action Disney remakes to the list of genres (alongside original animated features and comic book movies) that are nowhere near as safe in the 2020s as they were in the 2010s. To be fair, Johnson seems aware of this, with both The Smashing Machine and this family-friendly fantasy serving as parables for the former superstar confronting old age and irrelevance.