Disney’s latest animated sequel, “Moana 2,” has made a colossal impact at the box office, shattering records and setting new benchmarks for holiday releases. On Black Friday alone, the film earned an astonishing $54.5 million from 4,200 locations, surpassing the previous record of $34.1 million set by Disney’s “Frozen II” in 2019. With these numbers, “Moana 2” has already grossed $140 million, easily outpacing the five-day Thanksgiving weekend record of $125 million held by “Frozen II”—and it achieved this feat even before Saturday and Sunday figures were included.
A Big Win for Walt Disney Animation Studios
This massive success marks a crucial comeback for Walt Disney Animation Studios, which had been struggling to recapture its former glory following two consecutive box office disappointments, “Strange World” and “Wish,” released over the past two Novembers. Initially conceived as a Disney+ exclusive series, “Moana 2” was later reworked into a full theatrical sequel. This strategic pivot has clearly paid off, proving that Disney’s family-friendly films still hold incredible drawing power in theaters.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie has struck a chord with audiences, who gave it an “A-” grade via CinemaScore. Families and fans of the original “Moana” have flocked to theaters, drawn by the beloved characters, stunning visuals, and the film’s engaging storyline. For Disney, the success of “Moana 2” is a much-needed reassurance that their animation division remains a powerhouse in the realm of theatrical releases.
Reviving Theatrical Confidence
The overwhelming response to “Moana 2” is leading a resurgence in theaters that many hope will extend throughout the holiday season. After a fall season marked by several underperforming movies, the success of this animated sequel has injected fresh optimism into the box office landscape.
Universal’s “Wicked” Soars with Strong Earnings
Meanwhile, Universal Pictures has its own reason to celebrate with the release of “Wicked,” the highly anticipated adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. On Black Friday, the film added $32 million to its earnings, securing the second spot for the Thanksgiving weekend.
With its current momentum, “Wicked” is projected to rake in over $115 million during the five-day holiday frame, bringing its domestic total to $260 million in just ten days. This performance places it as the seventh-highest-grossing North American release of the year, just behind “Twisters,” which has earned $267 million.
Universal’s bold investment in “Wicked,” which included a $300 million production budget for this film and its 2025 sequel, along with an ambitious marketing campaign, has turned the adaptation into a theatrical event. The film has also benefited from positive word-of-mouth, awards buzz, and the enduring popularity of the Broadway show, ensuring continued box office strength through the holidays.
Paramount’s “Gladiator II” Holds Steady
Paramount’s “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott, is proving to be another significant player this holiday season. On Black Friday, the film grossed $12.4 million, bringing it closer to surpassing the $100 million domestic mark by Saturday. This achievement would make it one of the 20 films this year to reach such a milestone.
The R-rated swords-and-sandals epic has seen a projected 42% drop from its opening weekend, a relatively strong hold for a film of its genre. With a $250 million production budget, Paramount is likely relying on steady earnings over the coming weeks to ensure long-term profitability. The film’s success also underscores the continued audience appeal of historical epics, particularly when paired with high-quality production and a celebrated director.
Amazon MGM’s “Red One” Shows Modest Gains
Amazon MGM’s holiday-themed action movie, “Red One,” is also benefiting from the current theatrical boom. The film added $4.8 million to its earnings on Friday, with projections indicating a 15% increase in gross compared to the previous week (Wednesday through Sunday). While the movie is expected to surpass a $75 million domestic total after the five-day Thanksgiving frame, this is still a modest result for a film with a $250 million production budget.
Despite its chilly debut, “Red One” appears to be holding its ground, thanks in part to strong holiday-themed marketing and a festive storyline. As the Christmas season progresses, there may be additional opportunities for the film to attract more viewers, especially as families seek feel-good entertainment.
Lionsgate’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Surpasses Expectations
In the family holiday genre, Lionsgate’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is quietly proving to be a sleeper hit. The film earned $1.3 million on Black Friday, bringing its total domestic gross to over $32 million by Sunday.
This performance is particularly notable given the movie’s modest $10 million production budget. The faith-based comedy, produced by the Kingdom Story Company, has resonated with audiences seeking wholesome holiday entertainment. Its success highlights the demand for smaller, feel-good films during the festive season.
A Historic Thanksgiving Weekend for Theaters
Overall, Thanksgiving 2024 has proven to be an exceptionally lucrative period for the box office, driven by standout performances from “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II.” Together, these films have revitalized the theatrical landscape, providing a strong foundation for the rest of the holiday season.
For moviegoers, the diverse lineup of animated, musical, action-packed, and holiday-themed films offers something for everyone, ensuring that theaters remain a hub of entertainment in the weeks to come.
