Disney's highly anticipated live-action film 'Moana' is facing potential box office challenges ahead of its release.
With a remake arriving just 10 years after the original, critics argue that it may be too soon to evoke nostalgia among audiences. Additionally, the film's similarities to the original and excessive use of computer-generated graphics (CG) have raised concerns about its uniqueness.
On July 9, the BBC published an article titled 'What Went Wrong with the Live-Action Moana,' stating, "From the announcement, there has been more concern than excitement about this project. While it utilizes Disney's flagship intellectual property, it has not been embraced as a special event by audiences."
Box office prediction agencies in North America estimate that 'Moana' will earn between $50 million and $85 million during its opening weekend in the U.S. This figure falls short of half the opening weekend earnings of last year's Disney live-action film 'Lilo & Stitch.'
The BBC identified 'premature remake' as the primary reason for the film's struggles. Since the original animated film was released in 2016 and continues to be popular on Disney+, the key element of nostalgia for the remake is less effective.
Moreover, the success of 'Moana 2,' which grossed over $1 billion worldwide last year, paradoxically diminishes the live-action version's impact. Film critic Tim Robey told the BBC, "Producing a live-action version right after the sequel made it feel like a factory-produced project, leading audiences to think, 'Haven't we already seen this movie?'"
Concerns have also been raised about the visual quality of the film. The BBC noted that while the live-action adaptation replicates most of the original characters, scenes, and camera angles, it fails to capture the vibrant colors and liveliness of the animation. Reactions suggest that the presence of real actors against a CG background diminishes immersion compared to the original.
Local experts interviewed by the BBC indicated that audiences are growing weary of the use of subpar CG as a compromise, suggesting that choosing either full animation or practical effects would be more effective.
However, the BBC assessed that Disney's strategy of live-action remakes is not a complete failure. While 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Snow White' fell short of expectations, 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and 'Lilo & Stitch' achieved box office success.
Nonetheless, the article concluded, "Live-action remakes must find a balance between the familiarity of the original and new entertainment, and 'Moana' may serve as an example of failing to achieve that balance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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