The plan for Moana 2 has taken a different direction, indicating that Disney executives may have overlooked a key factor that contributed to the success of the first movie on their streaming platform. In today's digital age, streaming numbers play a significant role in determining the viability of continuing a film franchise. However, it is essential to analyze the data in context and consider all relevant factors. It seems that Disney may have missed some crucial elements in their decision-making process for Moana 2.
The 2016 film Moana stands out as one of Disney's top animated movies of the 21st century, garnering immense popularity and acclaim. As the franchise expands with a live-action adaptation and an animated sequel in the works, expectations are high. Initially planned as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 has now been reimagined to unfold on the big screen instead. While Moana has been a success in various formats, the reception and engagement with the film post-release suggest that transitioning the sequel to a different format may not be the optimal choice.
Disney Is Forgetting The Streaming Factor When It Comes To Moana 2's Movie Change
Families often stream the same movie many times (Moana included)
Disney CEO Bob Iger has clarified the studio's decision to transform the Moana TV show sequel into a full-length feature film. In an interview with The Wrap, Iger emphasized, "We believed it warranted a cinematic release. The original Moana movie, released in 2016, has recently surpassed 1 billion hours of streaming on Disney+." Despite Iger's impressive statements, an important factor has been overlooked. Due to Moana's availability on Disney+ for families with young children, the film is frequently watched repeatedly.
After paying a monthly subscription fee for Disney+, Moana and all other content can be viewed an unlimited number of times.
The first Moana movie was released in 2016, three years before the 2019 launch of Disney+.
However, this is very different from getting people to go to the cinema and pay for a ticket. Once a month's subscription for Disney+ is paid, Moana and all the other content can indeed be watched an unlimited number of times. This format of consumption doesn't translate to a movie receiving a theatrical release, with many fans only seeing the same film within the cinema itself one or two times. Therefore, the interaction with a cinematic release of Moana 2 is unlikely to match the attention garnered by its predecessor on Disney+.
Moana 2's Release Strategy Could End Up Hurting The Sequel
Disney's recent cinematic efforts haven't done too well
Moana with a shell by the sea - Disney's recent cinematic efforts haven't done too well - Moana 2's Release Strategy Could End Up Hurting The Sequel
Despite the financial success of 2016's Moana movie, Disney has been experiencing a string of box office disappointments with its more recent animated films. Even the highly popular 2021 film Encanto initially struggled in theaters but found success when it was later released on Disney+. With this recent trend in mind, opting for a cinematic release for the sequel to Moana may pose a risky decision.
There are also artistic ramifications to consider in addition to business considerations. Moana 2 was initially planned as a TV show, but Bob Iger decided to turn it into a feature-length movie after viewing the episodes. This suggests that the show is either finished or very close to completion. However, transforming a TV show into a movie can present challenges due to the differences in storytelling formats between the two mediums. It may lead to pacing issues and the omission of significant moments that were originally intended for Moana 2.
Moana is currently available for streaming on Disney+, and the release date for Moana 2 in cinemas is set for November 27, 2024.
Source: The Wrap
Editor's P/S:
The article raises valid concerns about Disney's decision to transition "Moana 2" from a Disney+ series to a theatrical release. While the original film's success on the streaming platform suggests that the sequel could benefit from a similar format, Disney may have overlooked the unique viewing habits of families with young children. The unlimited access and repeatability of streaming allow for a different level of engagement with content compared to a one-time cinematic experience.
Furthermore, Disney's recent box office struggles with animated films and the challenges of adapting a TV show into a movie add to the uncertainty surrounding "Moana 2"'s theatrical release. It remains to be seen whether the sequel will be able to replicate the success of its predecessor, particularly given the evolving landscape of content consumption.
