What's Happening?
Disney's live-action trailer for 'Moana' has garnered 182 million views within its first 24 hours of release, marking it as the second most viewed trailer for a Disney live-action film, following 'The
Lion King' which achieved 225 million views. The trailer's success indicates a strong anticipation for the film, which is set to open on July 10, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film stars newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. The storyline follows Moana as she ventures beyond her island's reef with Maui to restore prosperity to her people. The original animated 'Moana' film grossed $643.3 million, while its sequel, 'Moana 2', earned $1.059 billion, making it a significant merchandise driver for Disney.
Why It's Important?
The impressive viewership of the 'Moana' trailer underscores Disney's continued dominance in the entertainment industry, particularly in live-action adaptations of animated classics. This success is likely to translate into substantial box office revenue and merchandise sales, reinforcing Disney's strategic focus on leveraging its popular franchises. The film's anticipated release could further boost Disney's financial performance, especially given the historical success of the 'Moana' franchise. Additionally, the involvement of high-profile talents like Dwayne Johnson and Lin-Manuel Miranda adds to the film's appeal, potentially attracting a wide audience and enhancing Disney's brand value.
