The highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana has finally arrived, and it’s making waves at the box office. Moana 2, which hit theaters on Wednesday, November 22, has grossed an estimated $132M in the United States over the five-day Thanksgiving frame, according to Box Office Mojo.
The film’s impressive opening weekend comes as no surprise, given the massive success of the original Moana, which grossed over $640M worldwide. However, Moana 2 has outperformed its predecessor, which opened to $56.6M over the three-day weekend in 2016.
Moana 2 follows the further adventures of Polynesian princess Moana, who sets sail on a new journey to save her island and restore the heart of the ocean. The film features an all-star voice cast, including Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Nicole Scherzinger.
The film’s success can be attributed to its strong marketing campaign, which has generated significant buzz among fans of the original film. Disney has also released a series of promotional materials, including trailers, TV spots, and social media teasers, which have helped to build excitement for the film.
Moana 2 has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the film’s stunning animation, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. The film has a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting its improvement over the original.
The film’s success has also been boosted by the Thanksgiving holiday, which has traditionally been a strong period for family-friendly films. Many families have taken advantage of the long weekend to catch Moana 2, which has become a staple of the holiday season.
In addition to its domestic success, Moana 2 has also performed well internationally, grossing an estimated $100M in its opening weekend. The film has been released in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and China, where it has become a major hit.
Moana 2’s success has also been fueled by the popularity of its soundtrack, which features a mix of original songs and classic Disney tunes. The film’s soundtrack has debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, with several of its songs, including “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” becoming instant hits.
The film’s success is a major victory for Disney, which has been struggling to replicate the success of its live-action remakes. Moana 2 is the studio’s first major animated hit since Frozen, which grossed over $1.2B worldwide in 2013.
As the holiday season continues, Moana 2 is expected to remain a major player at the box office. The film’s success has set the stage for a potential franchise, with several spin-offs and sequels already in development.
In conclusion, Moana 2’s impressive opening weekend is a testament to the enduring power of Disney’s animated franchise. With its stunning animation, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, the film is sure to become a classic of the genre.
