Disney has always tried to release at least one major film during the holiday season, and this year’s opening salvo is Moana 2. Originally a Disney+ series boosted to big screen status, there were a lot of eyes on how it would be received and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s already made a lot of money.
Variety relationships Moana 2 has currently grossed $386.3 million worldwide, with $221 million coming from North America in its first five days. Those are big numbers: Not only do they break previous Thanksgiving records set by Frozen II ($125 million) and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ($109 million), also surpasses last year’s Super Mario Bros. ($205.6 million) as the biggest five-day debut ever, and Frozen II as the best start to a Disney animated film. Box office analysts initially stared at it Moana 2 to earn $135 million in North America, but that didn’t seem to require people to have true love the original film into consideration.
In a statement, Disney Entertainment co-president Alan Bergman said Moana 2 “This weekend far exceeded our expectations and is a testament to the phenomenon Moana has become.” Despite mixed reactions, such a strong opening confirms the studio’s call to convert the sequel from its original television origins remake the original film with Dwayne Johnson reprising Maui. It also builds on the studio’s 2024 streak, thanks mostly to summer hits Deadpool and Wolverine AND Inside out 2.
Christmas success buddies Wicked: Part One AND Gladiator II they continued to be equally great in their own way. THE Wizard of Oz the musical added another $80 million to its North American haul, resulting in grosses of $262.4 million domestically and $359.2 million internationally so far. (Get ready for that sing-along version go to theaters at Christmas to do even bigger numbers!) In the meantime, Gladiator II earned another $44 million in North America over the holidays, bringing its total to $111.2 million domestically and $320 million worldwide.
In total, Moana 2, Evil, AND Gladiator II grossed $425 million at the North American box office over Thanksgiving, surpassing the record of $315 million it previously achieved in 2018. The biggest competition for all three will be Mufasa AND sonic 3 on December 20th, but before that there is Werewolves on December 6, followed by December 13 Kraven the Hunter AND The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim.
Until then, let us know what you think of this weekend’s trio of films (if you’ve seen them) in the comments below.
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