Disney's Live-Action 'Moana' Flops as Studio Takes $100 Million Loss

The Disney live-action remake of 'Moana' underperformed at the box office, losing the studio around $100 million. The film cost $370 million to produce and market, but only generated $323 million in worldwide revenue.

According to Disney President and CCO Dana Walden, the live-action adaptation was hurt by being released too soon after the animated sequel of 'Moana', which premiered about 18 months prior. This resulted in a lack of pent-up demand for another film.

'It's so competitive right now that you have to have ... the right film at the right time, with audiences feeling a certain degree of demand,' Walden said.

Despite the setback, Disney plans to continue developing the 'Moana' franchise, as owning its IP allows the studio to generate revenue beyond box office performance.