Moana 2 Shatters Thanksgiving Box Office Records

The Big Screen Beats the Slump: Thanksgiving Sees Historic Box Office Surge

“The Atlantic’s best holiday season is bringing in big returns for Hollywood

“Moana 2” sailed to a record-breaking $221 million at the domestic box office over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday, obliterating previous records for the holiday weekend.

Disney’s animated adventure, alongside Universal’s adaptation of “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II,” proved a potent mismatched trio, powering the biggest Thanksgiving period on record with an estimated $422 million in total domestic earnings, surpassing the $315 million earned in 2018.

A Land Before Time’ for the Thanksgiving Weekend

Leading the Charge

“Moana 2” smashed expectations, securing the biggest five-day debut ever, surpassing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The movie also achieved the thickest opening for a Disney animated film beating even “Frozen II’s” previous record.

“Moana 2,”

“Moana 2” doesn’t hold back.

, exclaimed Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. “This is a moment to celebrate, and we’re thankful to everyone who helped make this movie a record-breaking debut.</ ");

This year, audiences proved to the level of their love for the familiar. “Moana 2” benefited from its predecessors widespread popularity and the current wave of popular nostalgia.

” The flick also…classic musical.

Innovation always catches our eye and.

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North America, generating $262.4 million domestically

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What factors contributed to the box office success of “Moana 2”?

## The Big Screen ⁢Beats ​the Slump: Thanksgiving ⁢Sees Historic Box Office Surge

**Host:**⁤ Welcome back to the show. This week, theaters across the country are buzzing ​with excitement ⁤as the Thanksgiving box office breaks records ⁤left and right. Joining us today to ‍discuss this Hollywood miracle is film analyst,⁣ Sarah Jones. ⁣Sarah,​ welcome to the show.

**Sarah‍ Jones:** Thanks for having me. It’s‌ been an incredible weekend​ at the box office, ⁣that’s ⁤for sure.

**Host:** Absolutely! “Moana 2″‍ seems to be leading‍ the charge, smashing previous box office records​ with a staggering $221 ‍million over ⁤the five-day holiday weekend.⁣ [[1](https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2024/11/30/moana-2-riding-record-wave-at-thanksgiving-weekend-box-office/)]What do⁢ you think ⁤are the⁤ factors behind this success?

**Sarah Jones:** Well, the “Moana” franchise already had a huge built-in audience,‍ thanks to the original film’s immense ‍popularity. Combine that with excellent marketing, positive reviews, and the perfect timing of ‌a family-friendly ​animated ‌adventure during the holiday season, and you have a ⁤recipe for a box office⁤ juggernaut.

**Host:** And “Moana 2” ‌wasn’t alone in driving these record​ numbers. We also saw ⁣strong performances from “Wicked” and “Gladiator‌ II.” What can you tell us about those films’ success?

**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. It’s remarkable ​to⁣ see such a diverse range of films resonating with audiences. “Wicked” ​benefited ⁤from both the enduring popularity of the Broadway musical and the anticipation⁢ surrounding its cinematic adaptation. ​ As for “Gladiator ⁣II,” the nostalgia factor for ​the original film, coupled⁤ with the ‍buzz surrounding Russell Crowe’s return, proved to ⁤be​ a winning combination.

**Host:** This Thanksgiving weekend sure painted⁣ a rosy picture for the film industry. Do you see this momentum continuing into the holiday season?

**Sarah Jones:**‍ I definitely do. The strong lineup of films ‌releasing in December suggests ⁤we could⁤ be looking ⁣at a record-breaking holiday season overall.

**Host:** Excellent news for ​Hollywood, and for movie lovers everywhere. Sarah Jones, thank you for sharing your‍ insights with us today.

**Sarah Jones:** My pleasure. We’re in for a thrilling ride​ at the movies this holiday season!