In a testament to the enduring appeal of blockbuster sequels and musical adaptations, Disney’s *Moana 2* and Universal’s *Wicked* are spearheading a remarkable resurgence at the domestic box office. This weekend, the overall revenue soared by an impressive 100 percent compared to the same period last year, offering a much-needed boost to the industry.
Moana 2′ Breaks Records
Continuing its triumphant march, *Moana 2* has shattered records in its second weekend, with a projected three-day gross of $50 million to $55 million. This accomplishment sets a new benchmark for the weekend following Thanksgiving, surpassing the previous record held by Disney’s own *Frozen II*, which grossed $35.1 million, unadjusted for inflation.
As of Friday, *Moana 2* had already accumulated a domestic total of $259.7 million, surpassing the original *Moana*’s lifetime gross of $248.7 million in just 10 days. By Sunday, its worldwide earnings are expected to reach between $590 million and $600 million, solidifying its status as the fifth-biggest film of the year. This success also underscores Disney’s dominance, with the studio having three of the top five films of 2024, including *Inside Out 2* and *Deadpool & Wolverine*.
Wicked’ Continues to Spell Success
Meanwhile, *Wicked* remains a formidable presence, poised to bring in another $32.7 million in its third weekend. The musical adaptation’s consistent performance highlights the continued appetite for theatrical spectacles and reinforces Universal’s successful foray into the musical genre.
Gladiator II’ Holds Its Ground
Paramount’s *Gladiator II* also contributed to the weekend’s robust performance, grossing $3.6 million on Friday, with expectations to hit a total of $13 million by Sunday. This brings its domestic earnings to an impressive $133.2 million, further affirming the film’s strong reception.
A Robust Recovery for the Industry
This box office surge has alleviated concerns that the year’s total revenue might fall short of $8 billion, a significant drop from 2023’s $9 billion. Now, projections suggest that 2024 revenues could reach between $8.5 billion and $8.6 billion, narrowing the deficit to just 4 percent compared to last year. This comeback is particularly notable as the gap was more than 11 percent before the Thanksgiving boost.
Industry analyst Sarah Thompson notes, “The success of these films is not just about their box office numbers but also reflects the audience’s enthusiasm and the strategic release timing around the holidays, which has been pivotal in drawing crowds back to cinemas.”
As Hollywood rides this wave of success, the performance of *Moana 2*, *Wicked*, and *Gladiator II* exemplifies the potent mix of nostalgia, star power, and cinematic spectacle that continues to capture the hearts—and dollars—of moviegoers worldwide.
