Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has officially taken the box office by storm with a staggering global opening of $386.3 million. This impressive figure includes an astonishing $221 million generated during the domestic Thanksgiving weekend alone, solidifying its status as the second-highest opening weekend of the year, trailing only behind the blockbuster hits of Deadpool and Wolverine. The international markets further added to the film’s success, contributing $165.3 million from 48 territories, showcasing Moana 2 as a colossal event film that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The positive buzz surrounding Moana 2 is underscored by its performance across various markets. Even in the absence of significant holiday releases, the film thrived, proving that the sequel had built a robust reputation to carry it forward. Industry analysts had reported consistent upward trends throughout the release weekend, suggesting that audience anticipation played a substantial role in driving ticket sales, with early overseas metrics indicating a strong opening.
Achieving No. 1 rankings in nearly every territory it launched in, Moana 2’s only outlier was China, where a strong local title overshadowed its debut. Despite this, audience ratings in China were overwhelmingly positive, hinting at a promising future should the film secure wider visibility. Notably, the film not only broke records for animated openings in countries such as France, Poland, and the UAE but also claimed the title of Disney’s largest inaugural weekend ever in the Latin American region.
The record-breaking figures extended to Australia as well, where it led the pack as the top-opening for any Disney Animation or Pixar film to date. Even Korea, which faced weather disruptions from a historic snowstorm, managed to deliver the second-highest launch in Disney’s animated film history. Moana 2’s success serves as a testament to Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho’s beloved characters, reinforcing their popularity and cementing Moana’s place in the pantheon of animated classics.
Continued Competitive Landscape
The performance of Moana 2 is indicative of a vibrant competitive environment in the film industry, where hits like Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II are making significant contributions to the box office landscape. While Wicked has garnered $359.3 million in its global run, it too faced Moana 2 during its opening—earning a respectable $97 million on its second weekend despite the overwhelming presence of the sequel.
Wicked’s performance, though not as dominant as anticipated, aligns closely with previous successful adaptations such as the likes of Mamma Mia and The Greatest Showman, further highlighting the enduring appeal of musical films. Its hold over markets like the UK indicates a solid reception and a strong potential for longevity in theaters, especially as it prepares to launch in key markets like France and Germany soon.
With Moana 2’s commanding presence at the box office and minimal competition in the following weeks, it’s poised for continued success. Its seamless sailing into new markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand could bolster its global numbers further. The success of Moana 2, coupled with consistent audience interest in family-friendly animated fare, suggests a promising trend for animated films moving into the holiday season and beyond.
The original Moana film debuted in 2016, earning a commendable $64.7 million overseas. However, the remarkable evolution of the franchise and its characters, bolstered by extensive marketing and ancillary developments on platforms like Disney+, signal a maturity in the brand that is not going unnoticed by audiences worldwide.
Moana 2’s record-breaking start illustrates not only the prowess of Disney as a studio but also the evolving landscape of modern cinema where audiences eagerly await sequels to beloved stories. As we move toward a season filled with potential blockbusters, the enthusiasm generated by Moana 2 certainly sets a high bar, invigorating the pre-holiday race for ticket sales.
The overwhelming response to Moana 2 invites contemplations of future content and stories from Disney and other studios, as they seek to capture the same magic that has enamored audiences. For now, Moana 2 continues to ride a wave of momentum, ensuring that the film industry has much to celebrate in the coming weeks.