The box office numbers are in, and Moana 2 is making waves with a record-breaking opening weekend. The Disney sequel, which hit theaters on Friday, has raked in an impressive $55M, shattering the original’s total and setting a new benchmark for animated films.
According to box office reports, Moana 2 has already surpassed the original’s total domestic gross, which stood at $48.3M. The sequel’s success can be attributed to its widespread appeal, with audiences of all ages flocking to theaters to experience the next chapter in Moana’s journey.
The film’s opening weekend numbers are a testament to the enduring popularity of the Moana franchise. The original film, released in 2016, was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $643M worldwide. The sequel’s success is expected to continue, with analysts predicting a total domestic gross of over $300M.
Moana 2’s success is not isolated, as other films like Wicked and Pushpa 2 have also performed well at the box office. Wicked, the big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, has grossed over $200M domestically, while Pushpa 2, the Indian action-drama, has raked in over $10M in the United States.
The success of these films is a welcome respite for the film industry, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the industry, with many films experiencing delays or being released straight to streaming platforms.
However, with the pandemic slowly receding, audiences are once again flocking to theaters, and films like Moana 2 are reaping the benefits. The film’s success is also a testament to the power of franchise filmmaking, with many studios investing heavily in sequels and spin-offs.
In addition to Moana 2’s impressive opening weekend, other films like Y2K and Pushpa 2 have also performed well. Y2K, a sci-fi thriller, grossed over $2M on Friday, while Pushpa 2 continued its strong run, adding another $10M to its total.
As the weekend comes to a close, Moana 2 is expected to continue its dominance at the box office. With its impressive opening weekend numbers and positive word-of-mouth, the film is poised to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
