Moana 2 Dominates Thanksgiving Box Office in Record-Breaking Weekend
Disney’s “Moana 2” has surged to an all-time high, redefining box office success this Thanksgiving weekend. On Sunday, December 1, 2024, estimates showed that “Moana 2” contributed to a record-shattering $420 million domestic box office haul over five days, easily surpassing the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018.
“Moana 2” alone accounted for $221 million, becoming the highest-grossing five-day opener in history. It dethroned “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which held the record since 2023 with $204.6 million. The sequel’s outstanding performance showcases the enduring appeal of the Moana franchise. Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, remarked, “This weekend has exceeded our wildest expectations and proves just how powerful the Moana story remains.”
The holiday box office triumph wasn’t solely driven by Disney’s animated powerhouse. Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” and Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II” added to the historic earnings. Both films premiered on November 22, gaining the nickname “Glicked,” a playful nod to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon of summer 2023. Together, the trio created a cinematic trifecta that drew millions of moviegoers to theaters.
“Wicked” continued its strong momentum, grossing $262.4 million domestically, with $80 million of that earned during the Friday-to-Sunday window. “Gladiator II” brought in another $30.7 million over the weekend, raising its domestic total to $111.2 million. Analysts suggest that the strategic timing of these films, coupled with the Thanksgiving holiday, played a pivotal role in their combined success. Paul Dergarabedian of Comscore noted, “Having these blockbusters released simultaneously has amplified the appeal of the theatrical experience.”
Other films joined the fray, albeit on a smaller scale. Amazon MGM Studios’ Christmas action flick “Red One” ranked fourth, earning $12.89 million in its third weekend. Lionsgate’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” followed with $3.27 million during its second week.
Looking ahead, the holiday movie season is far from over. Industry experts predict sustained earnings for the leading films, as they face little immediate competition. “Gladiator II” has a clear runway until Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter” arrives in mid-December, while “Moana 2” dominates the family-friendly animation space until “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” debut on December 20. Meanwhile, “Wicked” is set to expand its reach with interactive sing-along screenings starting Christmas Day.
Daniel Loria, editorial director at The Boxoffice Company, emphasized the long-term potential of this Thanksgiving’s hits. “These films are perfectly positioned to maintain strong box office traction through the holiday season,” he said.
Theaters are already experiencing high demand for advanced tickets, with some showtimes selling out days in advance. Michael O’Leary, CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, believes this trend will drive more viewers to cinemas in the coming weeks.
The unprecedented box office performance underscores the enduring allure of big-screen entertainment, particularly during the festive season. For now, “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” have cemented their place as holiday hits, ensuring 2024 ends on a cinematic high note.
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