As the holiday season approaches, excitement in the film industry is building. Movies like Wicked and Gladiator II have already raked in over $200 million, setting the stage for Disney’s much-anticipated Moana 2. Industry experts predict that this sequel could open with a remarkable $225 million. This follows the impressive $295 million earned by Inside Out 2 earlier this year, making it the highest-grossing animated film in history with $652.9 million in the U.S. and an astonishing $1.69 billion globally.
With Moana 2 set to begin its previews on Tuesday at 2 p.m. and a broader release on Wednesday, anticipation is palpable. Box office forecasts suggest that the film may earn between $125 million and $135 million over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, while also garnering around $100 million from international markets.
The Thanksgiving Box Office Showdown
This weekend, Moana 2 will enter a fierce box office battle, aiming to shatter Disney’s five-day opening record of $93.5 million set by Frozen in 2013. Additionally, it seeks to outpace the $125 million Thanksgiving gross of Frozen II from 2019.
Early presales for Moana 2 have been encouraging. In fact, they show a promising trend compared to Frozen II and The Super Mario Bros Movie, which opened with $204.6 million over five days. Adam Aron, CEO of AMC, has hinted that the interest levels could lead Moana 2 to exceed the most optimistic predictions.
Family-Friendly Appeal
One of the film's key advantages is its 100-minute runtime, which is significantly shorter than Wicked, which runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes. This makes Moana 2 a more attractive choice for families. Many parents prefer a brisker theater experience for their kids without compromising enjoyment.
Featuring beloved character Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Moana 2 is designed to captivate both boys and girls. This inclusive casting might help attract a wider audience compared to Wicked, which is primarily driven by female characters. By appealing to diverse demographics, Moana 2 positions itself well for success.
Competition from Wicked
While the buzz surrounding Moana 2 is strong, Wicked is not willing to back down easily. Directed by Jon M. Chu, it opened with an impressive $112.5 million and now faces stiff competition this Thanksgiving. As Wicked tries to maintain its box office draw, it must contend with the widespread anticipation for Moana 2.
In terms of screen allocations, Moana 2 has secured 300 Imax screens, showcasing its commitment to creating a visual spectacle. With both films vying for large format screens and audience attention, it will be intriguing to see how this battle unfolds.
A Promising Future for Moana 2
With Moana 2 poised to break records this Thanksgiving, audiences are eager for a delightful animated adventure filled with memorable characters and engaging storytelling. As families prepare to flock to theaters worldwide, this holiday season may just redefine success for animated films. The world is ready for Moana 2 to create a new legacy and enchant viewers of all ages.
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