Moana Live-Action Earns $4.5 Million in Thursday Previews

Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana" generated $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings, indicating a potentially strong opening weekend. The film, which features Catherine Laga'aia in the titular role and Dwayne Johnson reprising his performance as Maui, is the latest animated feature from the studio to receive a live-action reimagining. This early box office performance positions "Moana" to compete effectively in its opening weekend. The original animated "Moana" was released in 2016 and achieved significant critical and commercial success.

The live-action "Moana" is directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on "Hamilton." The production team also includes producers like Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the original film's acclaimed soundtrack. The film's cast also features Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated version, in a new role. The decision to adapt "Moana" into live-action follows similar successful ventures by Disney with films such as "The Lion King" and "Aladdin." These previous adaptations have demonstrated a strong audience appetite for familiar animated stories brought to life with live actors and advanced visual effects.

The $4.5 million preview gross places "Moana" in a competitive position among recent family film releases. While specific weekend projections are still being finalized by analysts, this figure suggests robust audience interest. The film's marketing campaign has highlighted its faithfulness to the spirit of the original while introducing new elements and performances. The success of the original "Moana" soundtrack, which included hit songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome," is also expected to drive interest in the live-action version's musical numbers.