Moana 2 Soars to Record $221 Million Opening, Igniting Hollywood’s Moviegoing Celebration

Walt Disney Co.’s highly anticipated sequel “Moana 2” has exceeded all projections, becoming a significant driver at the box office this Thanksgiving weekend. The film garnered a staggering $221 million in ticket sales, shattering the previous record of $125 million held by “Frozen 2” since 2019.

The success of “Moana 2” coincided with strong performances from other major films like “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” culminating in an unprecedented Thanksgiving weekend total exceeding $400 million. This marks a critical turnaround for the film industry, which has faced numerous challenges since the pandemic.

“Wicked,” the beloved musical from Universal Pictures, raked in $117.5 million, bringing its global total to $359.2 million over just two weeks. This performance makes it the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation, surpassing the original “Grease” when accounting for inflation.

Despite a drop of 44% from its opening weekend, “Gladiator II” collected an additional $44 million, pushing its worldwide total to $320 million. Given its hefty budget of $250 million, profitability may be a tall order, but the film has still demonstrated solid audience interest.

This holiday weekend marks a significant milestone for theaters, showcasing their enduring appeal after a turbulent few years. Michael O’Leary, head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, expressed optimism for the industry, stating that the convergence of blockbuster releases shows potential for a strong recovery in cinema attendance.

Industry analysts note that the simultaneous release of major films like “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” signifies a shifting trend, where competition among blockbusters could invigorate moviegoing. Long believed to be counterproductive, this competition may ultimately benefit studios and fans alike.

Initially envisioned as a streaming series, “Moana 2” was reconfigured for theatrical release under the leadership of Bob Iger. The first film, celebrated for its box office success and streaming performance, laid a strong foundation for its sequel. The combination of popular voices, Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, has further captivated audiences.

As 2024 progresses, family films are expected to drive ticket sales significantly, potentially generating around $6.8 billion combined in sales for the year. Both “Moana 2” and “Wicked” may continue this trend into December, further solidifying the holiday moviegoing experience.

Looking forward, several Christmas films are anticipated to join the lineup, including Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” and Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” With such a robust slate of releases, the upcoming weeks could reaffirm cinema’s place in holiday traditions.

Final domestic figures will be available soon, but the initial estimates highlight a resurgence in the box office, signaling brighter days ahead for theaters and audiences alike.