On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with Disney’s “Moana” live-action remake. And Jon Erwin, the filmmaker behind “Young Washington,” explains how his Wonder Project banner is making indie theatrical films work as a business.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety's&nbsp;Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/moana-box-office-opening-weekend-weakest-disney-live-action-remake-1236808979/">Disney&rsquo;s &ldquo;Moana&rdquo; live-action remake.</a> And Jon Erwin, the filmmaker behind <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/young-washington-director-jon-erwin-ai-1236801002/">&ldquo;Young Washington,&rdquo; explains how his Wonder Project banner</a> is making indie theatrical films work as a business.

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Strictly Business

Variety journalists and industry leaders converse about news and trends in media and entertainment. "Daily Variety" episodes offer entertainment business headlines and news analysis, published Monday through Thursday. "Strictly Business" episodes, published on Friday, feature long-form interviews with the newsmakers, movers and shakers who drive the business of entertainment.

Variety journalists and industry leaders converse about news and trends in media and entertainment. "Daily Variety" episodes offer entertainment business headlines and news analysis, published Monday through Thursday. "Strictly Business" episodes, published on Friday, feature long-form interviews with the newsmakers, movers and shakers who drive the business of entertainment.

Variety's Strictly Business

Daily Variety -- Box Office: ‘Moana’ is Disney Misstep; ‘Young Washington’ Director Jon Erwin on Making Indies Work at the Multiplexes

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