A Box Office Bonanza for the Ages: ‘Moana 2‘ Leads Record-Shattering Holiday Weekend
Movie theaters are overflowing as a trio of films – Disney’s Moana 2, Universal’s Wicked, and Paramount’s Gladiator II – set new records for Thanksgiving weekend box office receipts, captivating audiences of all ages.
Moana 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated hit, is sailing towards a historic debut. Projections anticipate the enchanting Polynesian adventure will rake in a remarkable $215 to $220 million over the five-day holiday period. This would surpass The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which previously held the record for the biggest five-day debut with $204.6 million.
The powerhouse performance of Moana 2 isn’t entirely unexpected; industry insiders were already predicting a record-shattering debut after early projections estimated a five-day haul of $125 to $135 million. However, the film has blazed past expectations, garnering $192.7 million globally through Friday alone, with $140 million coming from domestic audiences and $52.7 million internationally.
The box office surge isn’t confined to Moana 2. Three films are projected to contribute to a total of over $425 million in revenues for the five-day Thanksgiving period, marking an unprecedented triumph for the domestic box office post-pandemic.
Wicked, a film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, is another major player, amassing an impressive $118.4 million projected for the five days. This follows a record-breaking opening weekend that saw the musical earn $112 million. Wicked is poised to become the top-grossing Broadway musical adaptation domestically ever, surpassing the legendary Grease, which attained $188.2 million.
Joining this powerhouse duo is Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, a sequel to the iconic 2000 epic, which is set to capture an enticing $45 million over the five-day weekend. The film, boasting a star-studded cast featuring Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal, contributes to the male-skewing crowd seeking cinematic spectacle.
The success of these films speaks to the power of diverse storytelling and genre appeal. Just as Barbenheimer captivated audiences last summer, this Thanksgiving offers a trifecta of cinematic experiences, something for everyone from nostalgic adults to young adventurers.
Much like its predecessor, Moana 2 is a musical celebration of Polynesian culture, overflowing with captivating characters, enchanting songs, and breathtaking animation. The sequel reunites the voice talent of Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui. Their journey throughout long-lost waters, guided by ancestral calls, promises to be a visually stunning and emotional spectacle.
While critics haven’t been as enthusiastic about Moana 2 as the first installment, audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that its charm and adventure transcend critical assessments.
The Thanksgiving box office triumph extends beyond the top three. Amazon MGM Studios’ Red One, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, is projected to bring in a substantial $19 million over the five-day period, bolstering its domestic total to $76.4 million.
Rounding out the top five is Lionsgate’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, estimated to earn an additional $5 million, bringing its total to
What are the names of the two movies mentioned that are shattering box office records?
## Three Films, One Historic Box Office
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, folks! This Thanksgiving weekend is proving to be a bonanza at the box office, with three films shattering records left and right. Here with us to break it all down is [Guest Name], our resident film expert. [Guest Name], thanks for joining us.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me! It’s certainly a thrilling time to be a movie fan.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! We’re seeing numbers we haven’t seen in a long time. Let’s start with “Moana 2.” This sequel is sailing towards a historic debut. Can you give us a sense of just how big we’re talking?
**Guest:** “Moana 2” is projected to rake in a staggering $215 to $220 million over the five-day holiday weekend [[1](https://variety.com/2024/film/news/thanksgiving-box-office-moana-2-breaks-holiday-records-wicked-1236230809/)]. That would make it the biggest five-day debut ever, surpassing even “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The sequel has already blown past initial projections and is exceeding all expectations.
**Interviewer:** Wow! And it’s not just “Moana 2” making waves. “Wicked” is also contributing to this box office boom. Tell us about its performance.
**Guest:** “Wicked” is pulling in an impressive $118.4 million over the five-day period [[1](https://variety.com/2024/film/news/thanksgiving-box-office-moana-2-breaks-holiday-records-wicked-1236230809/)]. This follows a record-breaking opening weekend where it earned $112 million. It’s on track to become the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation ever domestically, which is quite a feat.
**Interviewer:** This has been a truly remarkable Thanksgiving weekend for the film industry.
**Guest:** It really has. Having three films performing this well simultaneously is unheard of, especially post-pandemic. With a projected total of over $425 million in revenue for the five-day period, it’s a testament to the power of cinema and the enduring desire for a captivating moviegoing experience.