Box office: ‘Moana 2’ sails to a US$221 in ticket sales
New York – Christmas Comes Early at the Box Office
The holiday season kicked off with a bang at the box office this year, as “Moana 2” made a splash with record-breaking ticket sales over the Thanksgiving weekend. According to studio estimates, the animated film raked in an impressive US$221 million, setting a new benchmark for Thanksgiving movie releases.
The success of “Moana 2” was complemented by the continued popularity of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” resulting in a weekend filled with blockbuster hits reminiscent of the year-end holiday season. This unexpected surge in cinema attendance marked a significant milestone for the industry.
Walt Disney Co.’s “Moana 2” exceeded all expectations, shattering previous records for Thanksgiving openings. The film’s five-day haul surpassed the previous best of US$125 million set by “Frozen 2” in 2019. Additionally, “Moana 2” grossed an impressive US$165.3 million internationally, solidifying its global appeal.
Meanwhile, “Wicked” continued its winning streak, amassing US$117.5 million over the holiday weekend and pushing its total earnings to US$359.2 million worldwide. The musical adaptation has now surpassed “Grease” as the highest-grossing Broadway film, excluding inflation adjustments.
Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” also held its ground, generating US$44 million in its second weekend despite a 44% drop in ticket sales. With a global total of US$320 million, the sequel has proven to be a formidable contender at the box office.
The collective success of “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” propelled the overall Thanksgiving weekend box office to over US$400 million, a new record for the industry. This remarkable feat showcased the enduring allure of big-budget blockbusters and revitalized confidence in the cinematic experience.
Michael O’Leary, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, expressed optimism about the industry’s future prospects, citing the recent surge in movie attendance as a promising sign of recovery. He emphasized the importance of compelling content and strategic marketing in driving audience engagement.
The convergence of major releases like “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” underscored the benefits of healthy competition in the film industry. Contrary to traditional practices of spacing out blockbuster films, this head-to-head showdown demonstrated the positive impact of rivalries on overall box office performance.
As Hollywood gears up for a potentially transformative year ahead, industry insiders are hopeful for a return to normalcy in moviegoing habits and a resurgence of blockbuster entertainment. The success of this Thanksgiving weekend serves as a beacon of hope for a reinvigorated film landscape in the years to come.
