Christmas truly came early at the box office this year. Moana 2 managed to attract a massive number of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, achieving remarkable success with ticket sales reaching $221m according to studio estimates. This, along with the performances of Wicked and Gladiator II, created an unprecedented weekend in cinemas.

Unprecedented Box Office Success Over Thanksgiving

Moana 2's Five-Day Opening Record

Expectations for Disney's Moana 2 were already high, but its five-day opening set a new benchmark for Thanksgiving weekend. In 2019, Frozen 2 held the previous best with $125m in its second week of release. However, Moana 2 added $165.3m internationally, bringing its global total to $386m, making it the second-best global launch of the year. This shows the immense popularity and appeal of the film. 2: The success of Moana 2 is a testament to its quality and the efforts of the production team. It managed to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, drawing them to theaters in droves. The film's story and characters have a certain charm that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Wicked's Continued Success

Universal Pictures' Wicked also had an outstanding weekend. It brought in $117.5m over the five-day period, pushing its two-week global total to $359.2m. Wicked has now surpassed Grease as the highest grossing Broadway adaptation. Considering that Grease grossed $190m in 1978, but with inflation factored in, it would be past $900m. This shows the enduring popularity of musicals and Wicked's ability to attract audiences. 2: The success of Wicked is a result of its excellent production values, talented cast, and the magic of the musical genre. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans eagerly flocking to theaters to experience its enchanting performances.

Gladiator II's Performance

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II also held its own, dipping only 44% from its opening weekend. In its second weekend, it collected $44m, bringing its worldwide total to $320m. Although its production cost of $250m poses a challenge for profitability, the film has still managed to make a significant impact at the box office. 2: Gladiator II continues the legacy of the original Oscar-winning film, captivating audiences with its epic story and stunning visuals. It has become a must-see for fans of the franchise and has added to the excitement in the movie industry.

The Impact on the Box Office

These three films combined drove the overall box office to a record $420m in Thanksgiving weekend ticket sales, surpassing the previous best of $315m in 2018. This is a significant achievement for the industry, which has faced challenges in recent years due to the pandemic, work stoppages, and the rise of streaming. 2: The success of these films shows that Hollywood's blockbuster machine still has a lot of power. It gives hope to the industry that audiences are eager to return to theaters and enjoy the magic of big-screen movies.

Disney's Strategy Shift

Moana 2 was a key part of Disney's strategy shift. Initially developed as a streaming series, Bob Iger's return as CEO led to the decision to release it in theaters. This move has paid off, helping to lead a resurgence for The Walt Disney Company. 2: The success of Moana 2 demonstrates that a balanced approach between theatrical and streaming can be beneficial. It shows that audiences still value the big-screen experience and are willing to support high-quality movies in theaters.