Moana 2 Box Office Triumph

Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, is rewriting box office records and capturing audience hearts this Thanksgiving weekend. With a jaw-dropping gross of $28 million on the holiday itself, it has far surpassed the $15 million that Frozen 2 managed during the same timeframe in 2019. Currently, Moana 2 stands at a remarkable $85.5 million domestically and is on track to hit an estimated $175 million over the extended five-day weekend, with some analysts even speculating it could break the $200 million mark!

Strong Competition

While Moana 2 dominates the box office, it’s worth noting that other movies are also performing admirably during this festive season. Reports suggest that Wicked, which was last week’s champion, is expected to rake in $105.6 million, while the action-packed Gladiator II aims to add $45 million to its domestic earnings.

Impressive Preview Screenings

Despite some mixed reviews from critics, Moana 2 quickly made its mark with an impressive preview screening turnout, raking in $13.8 million on Tuesday night—the highest for any Thanksgiving release. The sequel has easily outperformed its beloved predecessor, which opened to $82 million in 2016, ultimately grossing $248.7 million domestically.

A Thriving November

November has turned out to be a lucrative month for theaters, with Moana 2 leading a charge of successful releases after a slow start to the fall season. As we look ahead, December may bring us new offerings like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King, both of which are expected to draw sizable crowds over the Christmas season.

The Future of the Franchise

With the undeniable success of Moana 2, Disney is solidifying Moana as a key franchise. Although a third installment hasn't yet been officially confirmed, the post-credits scene from Moana 2 teases potential plot developments, setting the stage for Moana 3. Following the release of a live-action adaptation in 2026, it seems inevitable that another animated episode will follow, aiming to replicate the smashing success of Moana 2.

Box Office Momentum

Moana 2 is set to maintain its box office momentum, even while competing with Wicked for family audiences. Its record-setting debut suggests that there is enough room for both films to thrive in theaters—especially since there are no immediate competitors targeting the same family demographic until mid-December. This ideal scenario positions Moana 2 to become one of the highest-grossing films of 2024 and secure its place among the all-time box office giants. Don’t miss the magic—get your tickets now!