Disney has done it again, with the highly anticipated release of Moana 2 making waves at the box office over the Thanksgiving weekend. The animated sequel, which features the voices of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, debuted with astounding success, raking in $221 million across the U.S. and $386 million globally during its opening weekend. This impressive total not only secures Moana 2 as the biggest Thanksgiving release ever but also marks it as the highest-grossing five-day opening for any animated feature film.
This new record eclipses the previous best held by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed $205.6 million during its opening weekend earlier this year. Disney's Moana 2 beat out major competitors, achieving the largest Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday revenues with figures of $28 million and $54.5 million, respectively. With its swift success, the film is anticipated to join the elite group of films exceeding the $1 billion mark alongside other Disney hits this year, such as Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the film's launch, stating, "Moana 2 has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a true testimony to the phenomenon the original film has become." The film's triumph is noteworthy not only for Disney but for the industry as it marks the apex of the largest Thanksgiving weekend box office ever, which also saw the release of Wicked and Gladiator II. The combined revenue of over $425 million exceeded the previous high mark set back in 2018.
The international performance of Moana 2 also added to its remarkable debut, with totals reaching about $165.3 million from 48 international markets. The film's success was palpable across territories, marking record openings particularly pronounced in countries like France, Italy, and various regions across Latin America. Moana 2 has officially claimed its place as Disney's biggest opening of all time within the Latin American region, establishing itself as the top animated film debut there.
Despite facing mixed reviews from critics, Moana 2 maintained resilience among audiences, likely buoyed by the enduring popularity of its predecessor. The original Moana, released back in 2016, has remained among the most-streamed films globally, accumulating over 1 billion viewing hours as of 2023. Nielsen's data showcases this success, indicating the original film's unmatched draw over the past several years. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, echoes the sentiment, remarking on the opportunities this sequel has accessed by reviving such well-loved characters.
This sequel took on renewed significance when the decision was made to release it theatrically, moving away from its initial conception as a potential Disney+ series. Dergarabedian emphasizes the benefits of making such choices between theatrical and streaming releases, noting, "The big screen and small screen are not adversarial. They can be complementary and additive." Following Disney's challenging previous years where high-profile releases like Strange World and Wish failed to perform as hoped, the turnaround seen with Moana 2 is welcomed with open arms.
Going forward, analysts and moviegoers alike are eager to see how Moana 2 will continue to perform. Its initial revenue not only reflects its immediate appeal but also suggests the film could sustain significant box office momentum for weeks to come. Its enthusiastic reception serves as good news for Disney, which might see yet more wins as it navigates the film industry’s challenges.
Alongside Wicked and Gladiator II, both films also found success during the Thanksgiving weekend. Wicked displayed impressive numbers, earning over $80 million, contributing to its total gross of $359 million after just 10 days of release. Meanwhile, Gladiator II continued to please audiences, netting $30.7 million across its second weekend of showing.
Coming down to the film’s narrative, Moana 2 takes audiences back to Polynesia, where the titular character once again embarks on oceanic adventures, this time seeking out the mythical lost island of Motufetū. The storytelling and beautiful animation have rekindled the spark of wanderlust and curiosity within fans old and new, encouraging families to flock back to theaters this holiday season.
When it premiered, the excitement was palpable. Fans, both young and old, longed to experience the magic of Moana’s world once more. On the other hand, the marketing campaign leading up to the film's release was bolstered by Disney's extravagant promotional strategies, with expenses exceeding $100 million to drum up excitement and interest.
Looking at how audiences responded to the marketing blitz, results were clearly effective. The buzz surrounding the sequel was amplified across multiple platforms, enticing viewers who had cherished the original to come back for round two. Disney has literally created big waves with their promotional efforts, bringing the masses back to the theater to celebrate this beloved character once again.
The competition will surely heat up as more blockbuster titles gear up for release, but with the momentum Moana 2 has gathered, it will be interesting to watch whether it can outlast its rivals or if new contenders like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King can grab attention from audiences. For now, moviegoers are simply eager to immerse themselves back in the vibrant, ocean-filled adventures Disney has to offer, keeping the tradition of animated features thriving.
Overall, Moana 2 is not just another sequel—it’s become the crown jewel of Disney’s empire this Thanksgiving season, proving once again their ability to create beloved stories ready to captivate audiences worldwide.
