Upcoming Blockbuster: Moana 2 Set to Dominate Thanksgiving Box Office

The highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s musical phenomenon, “Moana 2”, is predicted to make a splash at the box office during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Box Office Predictions and Comparisons

Set to debut in over 4,200 North American theaters on Wednesday, “Moana 2” is projected to rake in an impressive $135 to $145 million within its first five days of release. This would mark the highest grossing Thanksgiving weekend in history, surpassing 2019’s “Frozen II” and 2013’s “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”.

Global Box Office Expectations

“Moana 2” is also expected to make a splash internationally, with an estimated additional $100 million projected, taking the global total up to a whopping $235 million. Based on pre-sales and growing anticipation, this animated adventure is set to be another 2024 box office hit for Disney, following the enormous success of “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”. The much-anticipated sequel, initially developed as a television show for Disney+, has been a boon for movie theaters.

The original “Moana” film opened to a solid $82 million over the extended Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. It went on to achieve phenomenal success for Disney, grossing $680 million at the global box office and gaining immense popularity on Disney+ and other digital platforms. Seven years after its theatrical debut, “Moana” remains a favorite, being the most streamed movie of the year in the U.S. in 2023, with 11.6 billion minutes watched according to Nielson. This enduring popularity is the driving force behind the studio’s decision to develop a separate, live-action remake of the original, set for release in 2026.

Star-Studded Cast Returns

The sequel will see the return of Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho, reprising their voice roles as the tattooed demigod Maui and the Polynesian heroine Moana. The storyline follows the brave wayfinder as she embarks on a journey deep into the ocean to uncover a hidden island and break a curse. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned memorable hits for the first film, passed on the songwriting baton to Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the duo behind “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical”.

Thanksgiving Box Office Trends

Thanksgiving has traditionally been a bustling period for the movie industry. This year, with the help of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II”, the holiday stretch is shaping up to be record-breaking. However, post-pandemic Thanksgivings have seen a decline in cinema attendance, with 2023’s holiday being one of the worst in modern history, grossing just $125 million in total.

Other Big Screen Releases

In related news, “Wicked”, a big-screen adaptation of the popular Broadway show’s first act, has amassed $129 million domestically and $178 million worldwide after four days of release. The musical, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is set to come in second place with an estimated $60 million over the traditional weekend, and at least $80 million over the five days.

Meanwhile, “Gladiator II” has grossed $60.5 million domestically and $225 million globally so far. The R-rated sequel to 2000’s “Gladiator” is expected to add $33 million from North American cinemas over the traditional weekend and $45 million between Wednesday and Sunday. The film, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, had a budget of a staggering $250 million and an estimated $100 million marketing campaign, meaning it needs to sustain its presence in the global box office to justify its price tag.

Conclusion

With its promising projections and the return of beloved characters, “Moana 2” is set to make significant waves this Thanksgiving. From its domestic appeal to its international allure, it’s clear that this sequel is poised to be a box office smash. As movie lovers worldwide anticipate its release, one thing is certain: “Moana 2” is shaping up to be another success story for Disney.

FAQs

When is Moana 2 releasing?

Moana 2 is set to release during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2024.

Who are the main voice actors in Moana 2?

Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho are reprising their roles as Maui and Moana, respectively.

How much is Moana 2 expected to make in its opening weekend?

Moana 2 is projected to make between $135 million to $145 million in its first five days of release.

Is there going to be a live-action remake of Moana?

Yes, Disney is currently developing a live-action remake of the original Moana, set for release in 2026.

Credit: variety.com