Moana 2: Conquering the Seas

Moana 2 Dominates Box Office in Third Week

In its third week of release, Moana 2 continues to impress by becoming the fourth-highest-grossing movie of the year. The sequel to the 2016 animated film has raked in $26.6 million domestically, according to Comscore, bringing its total earnings to $337.5 million worldwide, with a cumulative total of $717 million.

Moana and Maui Return for an Epic Adventure

Reuniting Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), the epic adventure musical picks up three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana embarks on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Wicked claims the No. 2 spot at the box office, earning $22.5 million in its fourth week of release for a domestic total of $359 million and a global total of $525 million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part musical, with the second half set to premiere next year. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as magical young woman Elphaba and Ariana Grande as popular young woman Glinda, each on a journey to discover their true selves.

Kraven the Hunter Fails to Impress

Kraven the Hunter, part of Sony’s Spider-Man franchise, disappoints with a lackluster performance at the box office. The film, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, opens with only $11 million domestically and $15 million worldwide, signaling a global debut of $26 million.

Exploring Kraven’s complex relationship with his father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), the film delves into a story of vengeance and fear, as Kraven seeks to become the greatest hunter in the world.

Building Muscle for the Role

Aaron Taylor-Johnson dedicated himself to the role of Kraven by gaining 40 pounds of muscle to accurately portray the iconic Marvel Comics villain.

“If you look at that comic book character, I knew instantly that there’s a physicality to this character,” he explained to Entertainment Weekly. “People want to see that you have embodied that image, and you’ve brought it to life.”

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Gladiator II and Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Gladiator II earns $7.8 million in its fourth week, bringing its domestic total to $145.9 million and its worldwide total to $398.5 million. The film continues the saga of power and vengeance in ancient Rome, following the story of Lucius as he fights to restore honor to the empire.

Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opens in fifth place with $4 million domestically and $10.3 million worldwide. The animated adventure explores the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep and the legendary King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand.

FAQs

1. What is the box office performance of Moana 2?

Moana 2 has become the fourth-highest-grossing movie of the year, earning $26.6 million domestically and $717 million worldwide.

2. Who stars in Wicked and what is the film about?

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in a musical about two young women, Elphaba and Glinda, on a journey of self-discovery.

3. How did Aaron Taylor-Johnson prepare for his role in Kraven the Hunter?

Aaron Taylor-Johnson gained 40 pounds of muscle to accurately portray the Marvel Comics villain.

4. What is the storyline of Gladiator II?

Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius as he fights to restore honor to the Roman Empire.

5. What is Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim about?

The animated adventure delves into the untold story of Helm’s Deep and the legendary King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand.

Credit: ew.com