As Thanksgiving approaches, the movie industry is heating up, and Disney’s latest offering, Moana 2, is leading the pack in box office figures. With previews commencing at 2 PM, the film is projected to surpass an impressive $12 million on its opening day. This remarkable debut sets a new benchmark for Disney on a Tuesday before Thanksgiving, shattering the previous record of $3.8 million held by Ralph Breaks the Internet in 2018. Such a substantial financial inflow indicates a surprisingly robust audience engagement, particularly given the holiday season’s unique viewing dynamics, where families seek entertainment together.
The expectations for Moana 2 continue to climb, with a projected five-day opening weekend gross of between $125 million and $135 million. Although there has been no official commentary from Disney on these estimates, the buzz surrounding the film has been significant. With prominent stars like Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho reprising their roles, the sequel has garnered a 69% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This figure, while lower than the 77% received by Frozen II, still suggests that audiences are keen on revisiting the enchanting world of Moana.
The Surprising Success of Wicked
Meanwhile, Universal’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, continues to draw audiences in large numbers. Despite its lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film is estimated to earn upwards of $16 million to $17 million on this Tuesday, reflecting an 8% increase from Monday’s $15.8 million take. This positions Wicked to become one of the top-grossing films released in November, falling just short of Disney’s Frozen II, which generated $20.7 million on the same day in 2019.
Wicked’s box office success is notable, as it appears set to eclipse the domestic total of The Greatest Showman, which stands at $174.3 million. As of now, Wicked’s overall collection is expected to hit $145.2 million, placing it among the top adaptations of Broadway musicals in terms of domestic earnings, surpassing titles like Into the Woods and Mamma Mia. The resurgence of interest in Broadway adaptations showcases the genre’s continued relevance and appeal among contemporary audiences.
The Wider Impact on the Movie Landscape
Beyond Moana 2 and Wicked, other films are also seeing increased visibility during this bustling season, including Paramount’s Gladiator II, which is experiencing a 25% uptick from the previous day’s earnings, approaching a total of $67.6 million domestically. This is indicative of a broader trend where audiences are drawn not only to blockbuster spectacles but also to films appealing to older demographics, establishing a diverse array of options for viewers.
As we approach one of the year’s most lucrative weekends, the box office is poised for significant accumulation. The excitement surrounding films like Moana 2 and Wicked reflects changing preferences, where family-friendly animated features and musical adaptations are captivating audiences and generating impressive revenues. The blend of nostalgia and innovation promises to make this holiday season remarkable for the film industry, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.