Disney's Moana 2 Sets Box Office Opening Records
Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest release "Moana 2" has made a significant impact in the film industry, debuting at number one at the domestic box office this weekend. The animated sequel, which premiered on Wednesday, broke the record for the highest five-day opening in box office history, earning an impressive $221 million. This figure surpasses the $204.6 million five-day opening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" from earlier this year.
With this success, "Moana 2" also exceeded the highest Thanksgiving weekend box office record previously held by "Frozen," which had a total gross of $94 million in 2014. Additionally, the film outperformed the $125 million five-day Thanksgiving record set by "Frozen 2" in 2019.
This accomplishment further solidifies Disney’s dominance at the Thanksgiving box office. The company now holds the top seven openings for this holiday period and nine out of the top ten.
Globally, "Moana 2" has made a strong impression, reaching a total of $386 million worldwide to date.
The film's success is part of Disney's ongoing winning streak this year. The company also holds the top three domestic openings of 2024: "Inside Out 2," "Deadpool & Wolverine," and now "Moana 2."
Alan Bergman, Co-President of Disney Entertainment, expressed his satisfaction with the film's performance, stating, "Moana 2 has vastly exceeded our high expectations this weekend, and it’s a testament to how much of a phenomenon Moana has become." Bergman celebrated the record-breaking opening alongside fans and cinema lovers, praising the creative team at Disney Animation, stars Auli'i and Dwayne, and the new music that brought the adventure to life.
Audiences have responded positively to "Moana 2," with the film receiving an "A-" from CinemaScore and a 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The "Moana" franchise has shown lasting popularity since the release of the original film in 2016, consistently ranking among the most-watched films each year. In 2023, the film, featuring the voices of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, amassed over a billion viewing hours on Disney+, making it the most-watched film on any platform in the U.S. that year.
The franchise's influence extends beyond the screen. "Moana" themed clothing, books, and toys can be found at Disney Store and other retailers. Disney's theme parks around the world showcase Moana's story, and the upcoming Disney Treasure cruise ship will present "Disney The Tale of Moana," bringing her musical journey to the stage.
Jared Bush, the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, commented on the franchise's growth: "It’s incredible to see Moana’s popularity grow since its release eight years ago." Bush expressed gratitude for the audience's continued connection with the character and their desire to join in on her adventures.