Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has made a monumental entry into theaters, exceeding all predictions with a staggering $386.3 million in worldwide earnings during its opening weekend. The film, which features the beloved characters voiced by Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, secured an incredible $221 million of that total from domestic screenings alone, setting a new record for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The international markets also contributed significantly, generating $165.3 million across 48 territories, underlining the film’s widespread appeal.
Boasting the second-highest opening weekend figures of the year, trailing only behind the iconic Deadpool and Wolverine, Moana 2 showcased a remarkable performance, particularly considering the absence of significant holiday releases. Its successful trajectory began early in the weekend, with the film gaining momentum and exceeding initial box office forecasts across various international markets. Notably, it achieved number one openings in nearly every territory, with the exception of China, where local competition posed a challenge. Despite this, audience ratings from China have been largely favorable, indicative of the film’s potential success.
The statistics from France reveal that Moana 2 has achieved the highest animated film opening in history, a thrilling milestone echoed in several other markets such as Poland, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey. Furthermore, the film marked Disney’s largest opening in the Latin American region, signaling its strong foothold in various global cinemas.
The original Moana, released in 2016, had a staggered release across markets and grossed $64.7 million in similar territories at current rates. By contrast, Moana 2 has benefited immensely from the established popularity of its predecessor, coupled with heightened awareness driven by streaming services like Disney+. This creates an interesting juxtaposition as the sequel’s opening weekend demonstrates Disney’s ability to successfully leverage existing intellectual properties into lucrative sequel projects.
The film’s successful trajectory has resulted in a robust lineup of overseas markets contributing significantly to its gross. The top ten international markets included France, the UK, Mexico, Germany, and Italy, underscoring how widely the story resonates across different cultures.
Looking ahead, Moana 2 appears poised for continued success, particularly as there are currently no competing wide releases scheduled for the immediate future. Markets such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand are set to debut the film shortly, potentially bolstering its profitability even further. The inaugural success in these regions showcases the global appeal of Disney’s narratives, specifically those centered around rich cultural stories.
While Moana 2 garners attention, other films are also making their mark at the box office. Wicked, featuring stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has garnered a respectable $359.3 million globally after two weekends of release. This figure includes $97 million from overseas markets, as it continues to establish its identity amid strong competition from Moana 2. The film’s performance has aligned closely with other major musical adaptations, indicating a shared appetite for this genre among audiences.
Paramount’s Gladiator II is also carving a niche, with a commendable overseas gross of $208.8 million, bringing its worldwide total to $320 million. The film continues to thrive in various markets, bolstered by positive reception and critical acclaim.
Disney’s success with Moana 2 reflects not only the commercial viability of animated sequels but also the cultural relevance of storytelling that resonates on a global scale. The film explores themes of heritage, adventure, and resilience—elements that find a mirror in the varied landscapes of different countries.
The record-breaking performance of Moana 2 is indicative of an evolving box office landscape where sequels to beloved stories can attract audiences across borders, reaffirming Disney’s place as a powerhouse in animation and film production. The ongoing narrative of Moana 2 is one that will likely unfold well into the future, inviting audiences to embark on another memorable journey.
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