Toy Story 5 has crossed $879 million globally, according to Variety’s latest box office report, cementing its status as one of the year’s top-performing films. The animated sequel has maintained steady momentum since its release, drawing audiences across generations and sustaining strong returns in both domestic and international markets. Its success reflects Disney’s continued strength in family-friendly storytelling, especially when built on a beloved franchise with deep emotional resonance and consistent creative quality.
In contrast, Disney’s live-action remake of Moana struggled to gain traction, earning just $52 million internationally in its debut and $43 million domestically — a total of $95 million worldwide. The film’s $250 million production budget made the performance especially disappointing, especially given Disney’s earlier projections of $75 million overseas and $130–140 million globally. This debut also ranks among the weakest for Disney’s live-action remakes, according to Variety’s analysis. The mismatch between expectations and reality highlights how audience sentiment toward remakes has shifted, with many viewers now seeking fresh narratives rather than literal recreations of animated classics.
Disney and fashion label Ganni continue their partnership with a new Daisy Duck collection, a detail mentioned in the same Variety report but unrelated to the box office performance of either film. The collaboration reflects Disney’s broader strategy of extending its IP reach beyond film into lifestyle and retail — a path Toy Story 5’s success may further support through merchandise and licensing. Ganni, known for its Scandi-minimalist aesthetic and playful collaborations, has previously worked with Disney on collections featuring characters like Daisy Duck, aligning pop culture with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
The box office divergence between Toy Story 5 and Moana underscores how audience appetite for live-action remakes can vary significantly, even within the same studio. While Toy Story 5 benefits from the trust built over decades of animated storytelling and a reputation for emotional depth and innovation, Moana’s live-action version faces higher expectations and greater scrutiny — particularly as Disney continues refining its approach to reimagining classic titles. The film’s underperformance may prompt Disney to reevaluate how it positions future live-action adaptations, especially those based on culturally rich properties where authenticity and resonance matter deeply to global audiences. Meanwhile, Toy Story 5’s continued growth suggests that original sequels in established franchises still hold powerful appeal — especially when they deliver fresh narratives without compromising the spirit of the originals.
Frequently asked questions
How much has Toy Story 5 made globally?
Toy Story 5 has crossed $879 million globally, according to Variety's latest box office report.
Why did Moana live-action remake underperform?
The live-action remake of Moana underperformed due to a shift in audience sentiment toward remakes, with viewers now seeking fresh narratives rather than literal recreations of animated classics.
How does Toy Story 5 compare to Moana live-action?
Toy Story 5 has far outperformed Disney's live-action Moana, which earned just $52 million overseas in its debut weekend and $95 million worldwide.
What is Disney's strategy with live-action remakes?
The article suggests that Disney's strategy involves extending its IP reach beyond film into lifestyle and retail, as seen in its partnership with fashion label Ganni.
How much did Disney's live-action Moana earn domestically?
Disney's live-action Moana earned $43 million domestically in its debut.
