As the excitement builds for Disney’s upcoming animated feature, *Moana 2,* tracking reports estimate the film will achieve an impressive opening of over $100 million during its debut week, which spans from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Specifically, projections indicate a substantial $75 million to $82 million revenue during the Friday to Sunday segment of this period. Such numbers, compiled by Quorum, suggest a potential resurgence for Disney in the animated film sector, especially considering their lack of significant hits since *Frozen 2* debuted in 2019 with a remarkable $125 million opening.
The original *Moana*, released in 2016, managed to open with $82 million over its first five days, ultimately grossing $248.7 million in the U.S. With *Moana 2* poised to exceed these figures, it stands as a beacon of hope amidst a challenging landscape for animated films, proving that Disney continues to engage audiences with beloved characters and storylines.
Thanksgiving weekend has historically been a lucrative time for animated films, forming a stronghold for Disney. A successful showing from *Moana 2* would not only break records but also revive Disney’s stronghold on this holiday release slot, currently held by *Frozen* with its $93.5 million opening before Thanksgiving. Compared to its immediate competitors, namely Universal’s *Wicked: Part One* and Paramount’s *Gladiator II*, both projected to earn significantly less during the same period, *Moana 2* appears to have a distinctive edge.
Based on early tracking insights, *Moana 2* is outpacing its competitors not merely in projected revenue but also in audience demographic appeal. Industry experts signal that the film resonates particularly well with the under-25 female demographic, drawing parallels to the strong female audience that embraced the *Frozen* franchise.
The reception of *Moana 2*’s marketing strategy adds another layer of optimism. The film’s initial trailer shattered records, becoming the most viewed animated trailer in Disney’s history, racking up an astounding 178 million views within 24 hours. This surpasses views garnered by both *Inside Out 2* and *Frozen 2*, indicating a strong pre-release engagement among fans.
With a credible creative team onboard—including directors Dave Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, alongside acclaimed musicians like Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear—the sequel seems well-positioned to deliver both in music and narrative. Returning cast members, specifically Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, will likely attract both nostalgic audiences and new viewers alike.
As *Moana 2* approaches its release, it faces stiff competition not only from other major releases over Thanksgiving but also concerning box office capabilities and screen availability, particularly in IMAX theaters. The clash between Disney’s lineup and competing studios could significantly affect overall viewership dynamics.
The impact of early projections has historically proven accurate for Disney films, raising expectations for significant domestic success. As the cinema landscape becomes increasingly crowded, Disney’s latest offering hopes to eclipse previous records and reaffirm its dominance within the animated film genre. If the forecasts hold true, *Moana 2* will not only mark a successful sequel but could potentially redefine the future of animated releases during the Thanksgiving holiday.