Dwayne Johnson Shrugs Off Moana Reviews: 'Just the Way It Goes'
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- Dwayne Johnson told People he's accepted the tepid critical reception of the live-action 'Moana' remake, saying "that's just the way it goes" and recalling late-night kitchen island conversations with his wife about looking beyond opening weekend "noise."
- "Moana" received a 31% Rotten Tomatoes score and 42% on Metacritic, with Owen Gleiberman's Variety review among the kinder takes, writing that the remake "earns a place alongside" the original animated film.
- Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged during the Aug. 5 earnings call that the 'Moana' box office was soft, grouping it with 'Mandalorian and Grogu' as franchise films that didn't meet expectations.
- "Moana" could lose at least $100 million during its theatrical run, per Variety's reporting, even as Johnson said he remains proud of the film and the joy it brought audiences.
Why it matters: Disney's 'Moana' remake faces a projected $100 million theatrical loss despite Johnson's public defense. New CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged the soft box office during the Aug. 5 earnings call, grouping the film with 'Mandalorian and Grogu' as underperforming franchise properties that still 'fuel other parts of our company.'
