Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally

Walt Disney Co.’s animated film Moana 2 continues to make waves at the box office, maintaining its dominance in its second weekend of release. The film raked in an impressive $52 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. This performance not only exceeds the earnings of the original Moana but also propels the sequel’s global gross to an extraordinary $600 million.

Moana 2 has set a new benchmark for Thanksgiving weekend earnings, surpassing the previous record of $35.2 million set by Frozen II in 2019. Although these figures are not adjusted for inflation, they reflect the film’s undeniable success and its ability to draw audiences in during a competitive holiday movie season. Originally envisioned as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 has now become a major theatrical success, securing a place in the top five highest-grossing films of the year.

The film’s stellar performance highlights Disney’s continued dominance in the box office, with three of the top five highest-grossing films of 2024 under its belt. Alongside Moana 2, Disney also boasts Inside Out 2 and the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine in the rankings. With another major release on the horizon—Mufasa, directed by Barry Jenkins, set for a December 20 debut—Disney’s hold on the box office is set to continue into the year’s end.

In second place at the box office was Wicked, the musical adaptation released by Universal. The film earned $34.9 million in its third week, bringing its domestic total to $320.5 million. Globally, Wicked has grossed $455.6 million, securing its position as one of the year’s top performers. The success of Wicked underscores the continued appeal of beloved Broadway musicals being brought to the big screen, attracting large audiences eager to experience the magic of the stage in a cinematic setting.

Gladiator II secured third place with $12.5 million, continuing its steady performance in theaters. The sequel to the 2000 epic Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, has attracted a solid following and maintains its position in the top three. Meanwhile, Red One, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, came in fourth with $7 million, adding to its global earnings as it wraps up its run in theaters.

While the success of Moana 2 and Wicked has garnered significant attention, the continuing dominance of Disney and other major studios in the box office proves the continued strength of franchises and adaptations. This season has been marked by audiences flocking to theaters to enjoy big-budget blockbusters and musicals, with Moana 2 leading the charge.

Looking ahead, Moana 2 shows no signs of slowing down as it nears the $1 billion mark. The film’s ability to break records and exceed expectations in its opening weeks is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the strength of Disney’s animated storytelling. As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely that Moana 2 will continue to dominate the box office, cementing its place as one of the year’s top-grossing films.

With Disney’s strong lineup of films, including Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Mufasa, the company is positioned to continue its box office success into the new year. The combination of sequels, live-action adaptations, and original animated films gives Disney a diverse slate that appeals to a wide range of moviegoers, ensuring the studio’s continued success in the competitive entertainment landscape.

In conclusion, Moana 2 has proven itself to be a major box office hit, surpassing expectations and setting new records. As Disney’s dominance continues, the film is poised to become one of the top-grossing films of the year, adding to the studio’s impressive portfolio of successful releases in 2024.

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