The Thanksgiving holiday brought a cinematic feast as Disney’s Moana 2 delivered historic numbers at the box office, cementing its place as one of the biggest film releases ever. The much-anticipated sequel smashed records with a staggering five-day debut of $215 million to $220 million, surpassing industry expectations and setting a new benchmark for holiday openings.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
This year’s Thanksgiving weekend proved an unprecedented victory for the domestic box office. Thanks to a robust slate of blockbuster releases, including Moana 2, Universal’s Wicked, and Paramount’s Gladiator II, total ticket sales soared past $425 million over five days. This figure obliterates the previous Thanksgiving revenue record of $316 million set in 2018.
Leading the charge, Moana 2 outpaced its projections by a wide margin. Initially expected to debut at $125 million to $135 million, the animated musical quickly outperformed expectations, grossing $192.7 million globally by Friday alone. This includes $140 million domestically and $52.7 million from overseas markets. The film is now on track to achieve the largest five-day Thanksgiving opening in history, surpassing Frozen II’s $125 million record from 2019.
Breaking Records and Winning Hearts
Moana 2’s record-breaking performance underscores its broad appeal across demographics. While the original 2016 Moana was a solid box office performer, it became a cultural phenomenon in subsequent years, even ranking as the most-streamed film in the U.S. in 2023. The sequel continues this legacy, captivating audiences with a fresh story, memorable characters, and new songs by TikTok duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 reunites voice stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, who reprise their roles as Moana and Maui. This time, Moana embarks on a new adventure in long-lost waters, answering a mysterious call from her ancestors. The film introduces a new villain, Matangi, and Moana’s younger sister, Simea, adding depth to the narrative.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, with a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the original’s 95%, audiences love the sequel. It boasts an 88% audience score and an A- CinemaScore, proving that solid word-of-mouth can triumph over critical skepticism.
The Competition Heats Up
Disney wasn’t the only studio celebrating over the holiday weekend. Universal’s Wicked, a musical adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, dazzled audiences, earning $118.4 million over five days. This brings its domestic total to $263 million and $358 million globally. The film has officially surpassed Grease to become the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in domestic box office history.
Paramount’s Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott and featuring stars like Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal, secured a solid third-place finish. The historical epic earned $45 million over the five days, bringing its domestic total to $112 million and nearly $400 million globally.
Dwayne Johnson’s Double Victory
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a particularly triumphant Thanksgiving. In addition to voicing Maui in Moana 2, he starred in Amazon MGM Studios’ Red One, a holiday action-comedy co-starring Chris Evans. The film brought in $19 million over five days, pushing its domestic total to $76.4 million. This achievement makes Johnson the first Hollywood actor to headline two No. 1 openings in the same month.
Black Friday’s Box Office Surge
Black Friday added another milestone to the Thanksgiving weekend, delivering a record-breaking $109 million ticket sales across all films. Moana 2 led the charge with $54.5 million, Wicked with $32 million and Gladiator II with $12.4 million. The day marked the second-highest-grossing moviegoing day of the year, following July 26, when Deadpool & Wolverine set R-rated opening records.
Behind the Magic: Auli’i Cravalho’s Journey
Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, has been instrumental in the franchise’s success. Since her breakout role in 2016, Cravalho has embraced diverse and challenging roles, from Broadway’s Cabaret to Hulu’s Crush. Despite her expanding career, she remains deeply connected to Moana. In a recent interview, Cravalho shared her pride in the sequel and reflected on her growth alongside the character.
“Moana feels like an extension of myself,” Cravalho said. “She’s adventurous, bold, and family-oriented—just like me. It’s been an honour to continue telling her story.”
Cravalho also revealed that working on Moana 2 helped her explore themes of family and identity, especially as an only child. “I loved the idea of having a sister in the film. Putting myself in Moana’s shoes wasn’t hard because I’ve always dreamed of having that kind of bond.”
Looking Ahead: The Live-Action Moana
Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana, set for release in 2026, is already generating buzz. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, donning a bodysuit to achieve the demigod’s iconic physique. Johnson recently confirmed that the transformation process was rigorous, involving hours of preparation each day.
The live-action film will feature newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, a decision Johnson supports wholeheartedly. “She’s incredible,” he said. “I can’t wait for audiences to see her bring Moana to life in a new way.”
The Future of Moviegoing
The unprecedented success of Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II signals a resurgence in theatrical moviegoing. The Thanksgiving weekend’s record-breaking numbers highlight the industry’s recovery from the pandemic, fueled by diverse offerings that appeal to various audiences.
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron called the weekend a “national phenomenon,” noting the surge in ticket sales and minimal wait times on the company’s website. “Americans are pouring into theatres,” he said. “This weekend proves that great storytelling and strong marketing can bring people back to the big screen.”
The Legacy of Moana
As Moana 2 continues to dominate the box office, it’s clear that the franchise has become a cultural touchstone. The film’s themes of courage, self-discovery, and family resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring its place in the hearts of fans for years to come.
With its groundbreaking performance this Thanksgiving. Moana 2 has set new records and reaffirmed the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of the movies. As the industry looks ahead to the holiday season, one thing is sure: Moana’s journey is far from over.
Tech enthusiast and digital expert, Techo Wise is the driving force behind techowise.com. With years of experience in viral trends and cutting-edge software tools, Techo Wise delivers insightful content that keeps readers updated on the latest in technology, software solutions, and trending digital innovations.
