Disney live-action remakes tend to be made years, if not decades, after the original’s release. From Snow White‘s live-action remake, which was released 88 years after the animated classic that came out in 1973, to the recently recently released Lilo & Sтιтch, released 23 years after the original, the studio has a track record of using remakes as a way of re-introducing classics to a new generation.

Tapping into nostalgia and targeting parents who grew up on the originals is a sound strategy for how Disney approaches remakes, but it could potentially backfire. Releasing a reimagined classic a generation away has risks. For instance, films like Snow White received backlash before they were released in theaters due to significant departures from the original movie.

Similarly, Little Mermaid saw little enthusiasm at the box office despite having received positive reviews. Except for Lilo & Sтιтch, the studio’s live-action remakes have not seen much success at the box office since the mᴀssive box office achievement of 2019’s The Lion King. One film is now breaking the trend by coming to theaters only 10 years after the original’s premiere and two years after the sequel’s release.

Moana’s Live-Action Remake Releases In Theaters In 1 Year

And It Should Be A Mᴀssive Hit

The Moana live-action remake was confirmed to be in the works in 2023, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, and Catherine Laga’aia will make her feature film debut as the тιтular wayfinder. The movie is scheduled to arrive on July 10, 2026, and will be released in theaters.

Similar to Lilo & Sтιтch, Moana has established itself as one of Disney’s most cherished franchises. Both the 2016 original movie and the 2024 sequel have been commercially successful and critically acclaimed, with the first movie grossing over $684 million globally and the sequel earning more than $1 billion (per The Numbers).

It’s clear that the Moana franchise is in high demand, and by not waiting for another generation and releasing a live-action remake one year from now, the studio could continue to ride its momentum.

The recent success of 2025’s Lilo & Sтιтch proves that live-action remakes have the potential to do very well at the box office while also being positively received. While there have been concerns about the release of the remake being too soon for a new generation, the plot details of the Moana live-action remake suggest that Disney is approaching the live-action version differently.

The new movie is expected to stick to the original source material mostly, but instead of tuning into the nostalgic factors, it aims to provide a more immersive viewing experience by diving deeper into Polynesian culture and mythology, as teased by Disney’s announcement video.

Like its animated predecessor, the film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

A similar approach can be observed in Lilo & Sтιтch, a film rooted in native Hawaiian culture. Set in Kauai, Hawaii, the movie incorporates Hawaiian language, music, customs, and values into the story about aliens and fond family. Its success further paves the way for the arrival of the Moana live-action remake. If done well, the upcoming Disney remake could be another smash hit for the studio.

Source: Disney, The Numbers