Disney’s highly-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has made an impressive debut in its early international box office run, showcasing the brand’s enduring appeal and the audience’s affinity for animated storytelling. With initial earnings of $8.8 million from just ten markets on its opening day, the film has secured the No. 1 position in each of these areas. This robust start is an encouraging sign for Disney as it navigates a competitive film landscape.
Among the standout performances is France, where Moana 2 achieved remarkable milestones. On its opening Wednesday, the film grossed approximately $3.7 million, marking the second-largest animated opening of all time, only trailing behind Incredibles 2. Furthermore, this figure represents the highest single-day earnings for 2024 so far. The impressive results in France highlight the movie’s widespread appeal and suggest a strong domestic performance in European markets, which is crucial for any film’s international success.
Indonesia also witnessed an extraordinary reception. With a groundbreaking $1.2 million on its first day, the sequel established a new record as the highest animated opening day ever. This underscores how well the Moana character resonates with audiences across diverse cultures, adapting themes that connect with viewers in various regions.
Stellar Multinational Success Despite Seasonal Challenges
Adding to the film’s compelling debut, South Korea revealed similar enthusiasm, despite harsh winter weather affecting attendance. The heavy snowfall marked the most significant November accumulation in 117 years, yet Moana 2 still managed a commendable $1.1 million on its opening day, earning the third-highest opening day for a Walt Disney Animation Studios/Pixar release. Such resilience indicates that the brand loyalty of Disney and the allure of familiar characters can transcend adverse climatic conditions.
In Italy and the Philippines, the movie’s performance was also noteworthy. Italy saw the second-best launch day for a Walt Disney Animation Studios title behind Ralph Breaks the Internet, while the Philippines recorded the second-best animated opening day ever. These figures not only showcase the film’s widespread appeal but also reflect a growing trend where animated films can draw large audiences, even from demographics traditionally less engaged with animation.
The early reception of Moana 2 can be particularly appreciated when compared with its predecessor and other animated giants like Frozen 2 and Finding Dory. The sequel’s performance was significantly higher, with initial figures showing substantial growth—302% ahead of Moana’s opening, 261% better than Incredibles 2, and boasting higher numbers than both Inside Out 2 and Frozen 2. Such comparisons reveal that Moana 2 not only brings considerable traffic to the box office but could potentially have a lasting impact similar to its predecessors.
The projections going forward suggest a possible international box office goal of over $100 million by the end of the opening weekend. Given the film’s strong trajectory and enthusiastic reception in key markets, this target may be adjusted upwards as more international territories, including Germany, Mexico, and Australia, open in subsequent days.
Looking further ahead, Moana 2’s rollout will see entries into major markets such as the UK, Spain, and China within the week. This broadening of the international footprint bodes well for the film’s overall performance. The anticipation for Moana 2 and its potential for continued box office success illustrates a growing optimism for animated sequels, particularly those backed by strong character development and storytelling.
Moana 2 exemplifies not only the might of Disney’s marketing and storytelling prowess but also the enduring appeal of its characters across diverse cultures and demographics. As the film continues its international journey, it sets the stage for a competitive box office season, armed with impressive opening figures and strong global anticipation. The numbers suggest the movie is well on course to becoming a substantial financial success, mirroring the achievements of its predecessor while carving its own legacy in the world of animated cinema.