Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has sailed to remarkable box office heights this past weekend, marking a significant moment in animated filmmaking and cinematic entertainment. With a global gross of $600 million, the film has not only reached impressive milestones but has also set new records that underscore Disney’s strength in the animation genre.
Breaking down the figures reveals a balanced success, with Moana 2 drawing in approximately $300 million domestically and another $300 million internationally. The film’s performance in domestic markets speaks to its popularity and resonance with audiences, while the international numbers further demonstrate its global appeal. The overseas performance this weekend brought in $103.7 million from 52 markets, reflecting a 41% decline from the previous week. However, such decline is not uncommon for films of this scale, especially following a robust opening weekend that had previously set records.
Particularly noteworthy is the film’s debut in Japan, which brought in an impressive $6.5 million, making it the largest non-local opening of 2024 to date. This opening weekend also represents the highest December launch for an animated feature and aligns it with the status of Walt Disney Animation Studios’s most successful projects, trailing only behind giants like Frozen and its sequel, Frozen 2. These milestones solidify Moana 2’s position within the competitive landscape of animated films, as it becomes the fifth highest-grossing movie of 2024 worldwide.
While Moana 2 is basking in its achievements, it is not alone in this weekend’s box office success. Universal’s Wicked has crossed the $400 million mark globally, reinforcing its title as the largest non-sequel release of the year. The total worldwide gross climbed to $455.6 million, supported by a strong international box office of $135 million. This exhibition of dual successes highlights a growing trend within the industry, showcasing both original and sequel-driven content finding traction in the market.
In a further testament to the global appetite for quality cinema, the Indian action crime drama Pushpa 2 – The Rule has shattered previous box office records since its release. The film, led by actor Allu Arjun, witnessed an explosive opening day, amassing significant figures and pushing its anticipated global debut to an astonishing $90 million. This resurgence of Indian cinema on the world stage underscores how diverse storytelling from various cultures is resonating with international audiences, further enriching the cinematic landscape.
Dominance in Key Markets
Moana 2’s success was not limited to one or two specific countries; instead, it showcased a well-rounded performance across various territories. The film emerged as the top non-local production in nearly every major market except the Netherlands. Noteworthy holdovers include significant results from Germany (down 21%), Spain (down 21%), and Australia (down 43%). Such figures reveal a steady retention of audience interest following its premiere, highlighting the film’s positive reception and its compelling storytelling.
Another remarkable aspect of Moana 2’s performance is its rapid approach towards matching the entire international gross of the original film, which stood at $333 million. The sequel has already garnered 90% of that with current projections showing it poised to surpass its predecessor. Additionally, Moana 2 has become the highest-grossing Walt Disney Animation Studios film in countries like Chile, Egypt, and Turkey, indicating its widespread appeal and ability to resonate across diverse cultural landscapes.
As we look forward, the competitive nature of the box office signals intriguing prospects for future releases. Paramount’s Gladiator II also made waves by adding another $17 million to its ongoing global tally, which now sits at $368.4 million. Additionally, with Warner Bros beginning to roll out The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, anticipation builds around how these franchises will perform as they enter the cinematic arena.
The triumphant opening of Moana 2 signifies not just an achievement for Disney, but a response from audiences worldwide who crave quality content. The film’s performance is indicative of a thriving movie-going experience that continues to adapt and grow, showcasing that both originality and beloved sequels can coexist and flourish in today’s complex marketplace. The upcoming months promise continued excitement as more films hit theaters, challenging records and redefining success in the modern era of cinema.