Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The highly anticipated Moana 2 is making waves internationally, shattering records and reinvigorating cinemas ahead of the holiday season. In France, the animated sequel earned a staggering $3.7 million on its opening day, becoming the second-largest opening day for any animated film in the country’s history and the biggest debut of the year.
The film surpassed previous Disney benchmarks, earning 302% more than Moana, 44% more than Inside Out 2, and even outperforming Frozen 2 by 43%. With strong openings in other major markets such as Mexico, Australia, and Brazil, Moana 2 is expected to rake in substantial global revenue as it continues to roll out worldwide.
Japan, one of Disney’s most lucrative markets, is set to premiere the movie on December 6, completing nearly 90% of its global distribution by then.
“Wicked” Soars During Thanksgiving
Universal’s Wicked, an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, claimed the runner-up spot over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The film generated $32 million on Black Friday alone and is projected to gross over $115 million during the five-day holiday stretch.
With a domestic total exceeding $260 million in its first 10 days, Wicked has already secured its place as one of the top-grossing films of the year, just behind Twisters ($267 million). Universal’s ambitious $300 million investment in Wicked and its 2025 sequel appears to be paying off as audiences flock to theaters, bolstered by seasonal enthusiasm and awards chatter.
“Gladiator II” Holds Strong
Meanwhile, Paramount’s Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, continues to impress. The sequel to the Academy Award-winning Gladiator added $12.4 million on Friday and is poised to cross the $100 million domestic mark by Saturday.
Despite a 42% decline from its opening weekend, the film remains a solid contender at the box office. With a production budget of $250 million, Paramount is banking on sustained audience interest to drive long-term profitability.
A Holiday Revival for Theaters
This weekend’s robust box office performance signals a potential rebound for cinemas, which have faced significant challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and changing viewing habits. The success of Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II underscores the growing appetite for diverse genres, from animated adventures to musical adaptations and historical epics.
After a challenging year marked by underperforming releases, Moana 2 is being hailed as a catalyst for the revival of the global box office. Industry experts predict this momentum will carry through the holiday season, with upcoming films expected to further boost ticket sales.
International Markets Fuel Success
In addition to its domestic achievements, Moana 2 has captured international audiences. The sequel’s French debut highlights the film’s universal appeal and underscores the growing importance of global markets for Hollywood blockbusters.
Other major markets, including the UK, Spain, and China, have contributed significantly to the film’s early success. With a combination of strong pre-release buzz, favorable reviews, and strategic holiday timing, Disney appears poised to dominate the global box office this season.
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What’s Next for 2024’s Box Office Race?
As the year winds down, all eyes are on Moana 2 and its potential to rival the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Meanwhile, Wicked’s strong performance positions it as a frontrunner for awards season and a continued box office draw.
Paramount remains optimistic about Gladiator II, betting on its robust production and critical acclaim to drive sustained interest. With additional high-profile releases on the horizon, including Avatar 3 and Dune: Part Two, the box office recovery appears to be gaining steady traction.
The holiday season often serves as a litmus test for the entertainment industry, and this year, it seems to be signaling a return to form. Theater owners, production studios, and audiences alike are celebrating the resurgence of big-screen magic.
(Becky)
