With the recent announcement of the upcoming release of *Moana 2*, Disney is gearing up for a significant box office showdown during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. According to tracking service Quorum, projections suggest the sequel is set to rake in between $100 million and $115 million over the extended opening from Wednesday through Sunday. This forecast represents an exciting rebound for Disney, a studio that has long dominated the Thanksgiving box office landscape. The original *Moana*, released in 2016, opened to $82 million over the same five-day stretch and eventually grossed $248.7 million in the U.S. Despite recent challenges in the animated film sector, these optimistic projections indicate a renewed strength for Disney’s animated offerings.
The expectations for *Moana 2* are particularly noteworthy when contextualized against other anticipated holiday releases. Disney’s sequel is climbing ahead of its competitors, including Universal’s *Wicked: Part One* and Paramount’s *Gladiator II*, with the latter two projected to earn $67 million to $74 million and $42 million to $47 million, respectively. Industry insiders have likened the fandom surrounding *Moana 2* to that of the *Frozen* franchise, suggesting a robust appeal to younger audiences, particularly females under 25 years old, crucial for family-focused films. While male audiences are reportedly less engaged at this stage, a similar trend emerged with *Inside Out 2*, which opened to tremendous success despite early gender imbalances in audience attraction.
In terms of marketing prowess, *Moana 2* has already made waves, with its first trailer generating 178 million views in just 24 hours — a record for an animated Disney film and a clear indicator of high anticipation. This surpasses previous Disney titles, demonstrating the effective outreach and connection the studio has established with potential audiences. The excitement surrounding the sequel is complemented by a talented production team, featuring directors Dave Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, alongside a musical roster that includes Grammy-winning composers. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returning to reprise their iconic roles adds further appeal for fans of the original movie.
As *Moana 2* prepares to hit theaters, the competition for IMAX screenings during the Thanksgiving window adds another layer of complexity. While the projections paint a hopeful picture for Disney, the upcoming clash with other high-profile films reveals the dynamics of the current market where multiple potential blockbusters vie for audience attention. As we approach the release date, industry experts will be keenly watching box office numbers and demographic engagement to determine if *Moana 2* can not only meet but exceed expectations, establishing a new benchmark for animated films during the holiday season.
*Moana 2* illustrates Disney’s potential resurgence in animated storytelling, appealing to both loyal fans of the original and a new generation of moviegoers. With exciting marketing strategies and a familiar narrative, the film stands poised to reclaim Disney’s Thanksgiving dominance.