Disney's (DIS, Financials) animated sequel Moana 2 is on track to break Thanksgiving box office records, with an estimated $175 million or more in domestic revenue over the five-day holiday weekend.
The entertainment giant reported $57.5 million in domestic earnings on Wednesday, including $13.8 million from previews, and $28 million on Thursday. The film grossed $109.6 million worldwide as of Thursday.
Industry estimates indicate by the end of the weekend the movie may break the $200 million mark locally. Disney, on the other hand, has a more reserved projection. With Frozen II from 2019 earning $125 million domestically, the movie is expected to surpass the five-day Thanksgiving total and maybe establish a record for the highest opening.
Grossed $82 million on its five-day Thanksgiving launch, the original Moana released in 2016 brought in $248.8 million in total domestic profits and $643.3 million worldwide. Originally scheduled as a streaming television show, the sequel changed to a theatrical release. Additionally slated for release in 2026 is a live-action version of the property.
In other box office news, after a $145 million domestic premiere, Universal Pictures' Wicked, produced by Comcast (CMCSA, Financials), is expected to earn $50 million worldwide in its second weekend. With $142 million domestically and $165.5 million abroad, Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures (PARA, Financials) has amassed a total $307.5 million worldwide.
Driven by great results from new releases and big holdovers, the holiday weekend is looking to be a massive event for the movie business.
