As the post-Thanksgiving weekend unfolds, moviegoers are flocking to theaters, dispelling the narrative that holiday distractions deter attendance. Leading the charge is Disney’s “Moana 2,” which has exhibited remarkable resilience at the box office, projecting earnings of approximately $55 million to $60 million for its second weekend. This impressive take sets a new benchmark for any No. 1 film during this traditionally slow period, surpassing the previous record held by “Frozen 2,” which grossed $35.1 million in 2019.
This weekend’s performances have been buoyed by a strong showing on Friday, where “Moana 2” raked in approximately $11 million to $12 million. With this, the sequel is poised to outperform the original “Moana,” which concluded with a total domestic gross of $248.7 million in 2016. Despite experiencing a drop of 57% to 60% from its impressive opening weekend, which earned $139.7 million, “Moana 2” continues to exhibit strong audience demand.
What sets “Moana 2” apart in this holiday season is its widespread attraction and reach, being screened in over 4,200 theaters. This extensive exposure not only helps in capturing family audiences but also solidifies its status as a formidable contender in the box office landscape.
Close on the heels of “Moana 2” is “Wicked,” the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this cinematic presentation has garnered substantial acclaim and is on track to reach the $300 million mark this weekend as well, potentially achieving this milestone by Saturday. “Wicked,” featuring stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, recorded a commendable Friday gross of $4.78 million, culminating in a projected $31.7 million for the third weekend. While its weekend earnings reflect a decline of around 61% from the prior weekend, the film’s overall box office trajectory remaining strong signals its immersive storytelling and celebrated performances.
At 3,885 theaters, “Wicked” enjoys a slightly fewer number of screenings compared to “Moana 2,” yet it captivates audiences with its vibrant musical numbers and compelling plot, ensuring it remains a significant player.
While “Moana 2” and “Wicked” battle for the top, other films have begun to carve out their own niches. “Gladiator II” from Paramount continues its sojourn in theaters, amassing a third weekend gross of approximately $12.3 million. Despite a 60% decline in audience turnout, it has collectively earned over $132.5 million since its release. Audiences have responded well to the grandiosity of the sequel, affirming its place in the market.
Meanwhile, “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” an Indian action-gangster film, has made waves in the fourth position. With its strategic release and marketing, the film opened to a strong performance, positioning itself for a weekend total close to $10.1 million. This film’s success underscores the growing interest in international cinema among American audiences, signaling a diversification of viewer preferences.
The weekend has not been as kind to some smaller titles. A24’s horror-comedy “Y2K,” directed by Kyle Mooney and featuring Rachel Zegler, is estimated to open with a mere $2 million. Despite a modest production budget of under $15 million, the film’s performance indicates that niche cinema continues to face challenges competing against more prominent blockbusters.
In contrast, Paramount’s 10th anniversary re-release of “Interstellar” emerges as a surprise performer in its limited run, showcasing a robust theater average and earning $4.77 million over the weekend. This successful re-release illustrates the enduring legacy of Christopher Nolan’s work and offers fans a timely opportunity to revisit a modern classic.
As the holiday season progresses, the box office presents a fascinating tableau of competition and creativity. “Moana 2” and “Wicked” dominate the rankings, while supporting films like “Gladiator II” and “Pushpa 2” illustrate an evolving landscape that welcomes diverse stories. The weekend’s figures highlight a revitalized interest in cinema despite potential distractions, and it will be exciting to witness how these trends evolve as new releases vie for audience attention in the weeks to come.
Leave a Reply