Historic splash!

WHOA! 'Moana 2' Sets Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Box Office

Disney's 'Moana 2' has made a historic splash at the Thanksgiving box office, opening with 57.5millionandsettingnewrecords.Despitemixedcriticalreviews,thefilm′saudiencereceptionremainshigh,contributingtoanoverallThanksgivingboxofficerevenueexceeding57.5millionandsettingnewrecords.Despitemixedcriticalreviews,thefilm′saudiencereceptionremainshigh,contributingtoanoverallThanksgivingboxofficerevenueexceeding315 million.

'Moana 2' smashes Thanksgiving records
Mixed reviews don't dampen audience enthusiasm
Thanksgiving box office hits new heights

Disney's highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has stormed the Thanksgiving box office with an unprecedented opening. Debuting to a staggering 57.5 millionon Wednesday, including 13.8 million from previews, the film is set to achieve an estimated five-day total of over 175 million.

Some industry insiders predict the animated sequel could surpass 175 million, although Disney remains cautious about confirming these figures until Friday. Regardless, 'Moana 2' is poised to break numerous records, including becoming the highest-grossing Thanksgiving opener ever, outpacing previous Disney hits like 'Frozen' and 'Frozen II.' The film has already claimed the title of the top opening day for a Walt Disney Animation release and ranks as the third-largest opening day for any animated film, trailing only 'Incredibles 2' and 'Inside Out 2'.

Audience enthusiasm remains high

Despite receiving mixed reviews compared to its predecessor, 'Moana 2' has not seen a decline in audience interest. The film's "popcornmeter" score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at an impressive 88 percent, and it has achieved an A- CinemaScore, slightly below the original 'Moana's' A rating. Critics have been less favorable, with the sequel earning a 66 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, a significant drop from the first film's 95 percent. Nevertheless, strong audience exits on PostTrak indicate that the film's appeal remains robust, driven by the return of beloved characters and new musical contributions from Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.

Thanksgiving box office reaches new heights

The success of Moana 2, alongside Universal's Wicked and Paramount's Gladiator II, has propelled the Thanksgiving box office to unprecedented heights. The combined five-day revenue is expected to soar past $315 million, marking a new record for the holiday period. 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chuand featuring stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is also enjoying a lucrative run, with projections of $97.1 million for the holiday weekend. 'Gladiator II,' helmed by Ridley Scott, is anticipated to generate $40 million, securing its place among the top contenders. With such a strong lineup, the Thanksgiving box office has experienced a remarkable boost, showcasing the enduring allure of cinematic storytelling during the holiday season.