The Thanksgiving holiday has brought a feast of box office success, with Moana 2 leading the charge. The Disney animated sequel has shattered numerous records, with a projected debut of $215 million to $220 million.
A Record-Breaking Debut
Moana 2 has secured the largest five-day debut in history, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($204.6 million). The film has also become the top Thanksgiving opening and earner of all time, beating Frozen ($93.6 million) and Frozen II ($125 million).
Exceeding Expectations
Initial projections had Moana 2 tracking for a five-day holiday debut in the $125 million to $135 million range. However, the film’s actual performance has far exceeded these expectations, with a global total of $192.7 million through Friday alone.
A New Benchmark for the Domestic Box Office
The combined success of Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II has propelled the domestic box office to unprecedented heights. The five-day revenue total is expected to surpass $425 million, shattering the previous record set in 2018.
The Power of Broad Appeal
Moana 2’s success demonstrates the potential for films to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The movie’s broad appeal has been a key factor in its record-breaking debut.
Wicked and Gladiator II Also Shine
Wicked is expected to gross $118.4 million over the five-day period, while Gladiator II should earn $45 million. Both films have performed strongly, contributing to the overall success of the domestic box office.
From Television to Theatrical Success
Moana 2 was initially developed as a television series before being reworked as a theatrical sequel. The first Moana film, released in 2016, became a cultural phenomenon and the most streamed film across all platforms in 2023.
A New Era for Disney Animation
Moana 2’s success marks a new era for Disney Animation, which continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and animation. With a slate of upcoming releases, Disney is poised to dominate the box office in the years to come.
