Disney's live-action adaptation of Moana has made an encouraging start at the North American box office, earning $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings ahead of its full theatrical release. The early figures position the family adventure for one of the year's biggest opening weekends.

Disney is betting big on its live-action remake of Moana, which arrives in theaters July 10 with Dwayne Johnson returning as the larger-than-life demigod Maui.