Disney’s magical world continues to expand with the highly anticipated release of “Moana 2.” Set to hit theaters during the Thanksgiving week, the sequel is already creating a buzz with box office projections suggesting it could exceed $100 million from its initial five-day opening. These insights by tracking service Quorum predict an impressive $75 million to $82 million of that total coming during the more lucrative Friday to Sunday window. Such figures hint at a promising comeback for Disney, especially considering their stronghold over family-oriented films during this holiday season.
Comparison with Previous Hits
To put these numbers into perspective, the first “Moana,” which debuted in 2016, opened to $82 million over its five-day holiday launch, eventually grossing a remarkable $248.7 million in the United States alone. Should “Moana 2” meet its projections, it would mark the most significant Thanksgiving opening since “Frozen 2,” which raked in $125 million in 2019. Notably, a successful opening for “Moana 2” would not only reinforce Disney’s dominance in animated family films but could also shatter the current record for films released on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, held by the original “Frozen” at $93.5 million.
With other high-profile films vying for audience attention over the Thanksgiving period, “Moana 2” will face stiff competition from Universal’s “Wicked: Part One” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II.” Current projections suggest that “Wicked” is likely to open between $67 million and $74 million, while “Gladiator II” is expected to pull in $42 million to $47 million during the same timeframe. Observers are keen to note that “Moana 2” currently shows stronger potential among female audiences, particularly those under 25, often referred to as “the Frozen crowd.”
The marketing strategy for “Moana 2” appears to be resonating well with audiences. The sequel’s first trailer has become the most-watched animated film trailer in Disney’s history, garnering an astounding 178 million views within just 24 hours. This eclipses the view counts of both “Inside Out 2” and “Frozen 2,” setting a high bar for audience eagerness and engagement.
Directed by a talented team including Dave Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, “Moana 2” is enriched by contributions from acclaimed music artists like Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, along with Grammy nominees and winners like Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. The return of voice talents Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and Maui underscores the sequel’s connection to its predecessor, heightening anticipation among fans.
As “Moana 2” approaches its release date amid a competitive field of films, industry analysts remain optimistic about its potential. Given the buzz surrounding it and Disney’s historical success during the Thanksgiving holiday, the sequel seems poised to capture the hearts and ticket sales of audiences across the nation. As families seek engaging entertainment during the holiday season, “Moana 2” stands out as a strong contender in the animated film arena, reaffirming Disney’s legacy in storytelling through captivating characters and enchanting music.
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