The live-action Moana is facing a difficult start as early critical reviews begin to surface. Following international screenings, the film has debuted with a 31% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, based on 48 reviews.
This early reception places the project among the lowest-rated entries in the studio’s catalog of live-action remakes. Currently, it sits just above the 2022 Pinocchio, which holds a 27% score. The critical consensus has noted that the film follows the narrative of the original animated feature very closely, which has seemingly impacted its overall reception.
Box Office Projections Shift
The critical response has already influenced financial expectations for the film. Initial domestic opening weekend projections were estimated between $80 million and $105 million. Following the early reviews, those forecasts have been adjusted downward to a range of $45 million to $60 million.
Production and Cast
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film features Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui. The cast also includes Catherine Laga’aia, who makes her feature film debut in the title role. The production team includes producers Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
While the film aims to bring the story of Motunui to a new medium, the early data suggests it may face an uphill battle with both critics and potential theatergoers. Whether audience sentiment aligns with these initial reviews remains to be seen when the film expands its theatrical footprint.
Source: ComingSoon.net
