Moana 2 Propels Disney’s Financial Success Amid Streaming Challenges
Published On: February 6th, 2025
Disney’s Moana 2 has made a significant splash since its theatrical release on November 27, 2024. The sequel reunites Moana and the demigod Maui on a new oceanic adventure alongside a crew of unexpected seafarers. Following a successful box office run, the film became available for digital purchase and rental on January 28, 2025, across platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Fans can purchase the film for approximately $29.99 or rent it for $24.99. A physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD is scheduled for March 18, 2025.
Financially, Moana 2 has been a boon for Disney. The film has grossed over $1 billion globally, contributing to a 5% increase in Disney’s revenue, which reached $24.69 billion in the first fiscal quarter of 2025. This success led to a 44% rise in adjusted per-share earnings, surpassing Wall Street expectations.
A mixed financial bag for Disney
Despite the triumph of Moana 2, Disney faced challenges in other areas. The company reported a loss of approximately 700,000 Disney+ subscribers during the same quarter. However, this decline was offset by price increases and growth in other streaming services like Hulu, resulting in a $293 million operating income for Disney’s direct-to-consumer segment.
Over the past year, Disney has experienced a mix of successes and setbacks. While blockbuster releases like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King have bolstered the company’s entertainment segment, external factors such as hurricanes in Florida have impacted its theme park operations. Nonetheless, Disney’s net income rose to $3.66 billion from $2.87 billion the previous year, indicating resilience amid challenges.
Looking ahead, Disney is focusing on its streaming services as a key growth area. The anticipated addition of Moana 2 to Disney+ is expected to attract new subscribers and retain existing ones. Additionally, the company plans to launch a new ESPN streaming product later this year, aiming to enhance its digital offerings and capitalize on the growing demand for online content.
Moana: The power of a strong franchise
Critically, Moana 2 has received mixed reviews. While the animation quality and voice performances, particularly by Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, have been praised, some critics feel the sequel lacks the originality of the 2016 original. The songs are considered serviceable, and while the main character is well-developed, supporting characters have been described as underdeveloped. Despite these critiques, the film’s nomination for Best Animated Feature Film at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards underscores its impact, even though it failed to secure any Oscar nominations due to facing stiff competition from more innovative contenders.
Disney has yet to announce concrete plans for the future of the Moana franchise. Given the commercial success of Moana 2, and what happens in its mid-credit scene, we will probably see another sequel. As it is, we should be also getting a live-action adaptation next year, which will be a test of whether this franchise has legs— or if there’s a limit to fan interest. That said, the franchise’s dedicated fan base and the enduring appeal of its characters suggest that Disney will continue to explore opportunities to expand this beloved IP.
In summary, Moana 2 has not only delighted audiences but also played a pivotal role in bolstering Disney’s financial performance amid a dynamic market landscape.