As the holiday season unfolds, moviegoers are once again flocking to theaters, proving that the allure of cinema remains strong despite distractions that may arise during this festive period. This weekend, the highly anticipated release of Disney’s Moana 2 is set to take center stage, tracking towards an impressive second-weekend gross of between $55 million to $60 million. This achievement would mark it as the most successful No. 1 film during the typically subdued post-Thanksgiving window, surpassing previous records held by films like Frozen 2.
The success of Moana 2 can be attributed to its captivating storytelling and beloved characters, which continue to resonate with audiences young and old. After achieving an opening weekend of $139.7 million, the sequel shows signs of strong audience retention, anticipated to cross the $300 million mark by the end of the weekend. This figure indicates a -57% to -60% decline from its debut—a common trend for sequels in their second weekend. However, the current trajectory projects Moana 2 beyond the original’s final domestic gross of $248.7 million, suggesting that the franchise is continuing to build on its success rather than simply relying on its predecessor.
With Moana 2 screening at an impressive 4,200 theaters nationwide, its robust distribution strategy has clearly paid off. The film has generated considerable momentum in its second week, paving the way for potentially even greater box office achievements as the holiday season progresses.
Close on the heels of Moana 2 is the film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical, Wicked. Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring notable performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Wicked is also expected to cross the $300 million threshold by Saturday. This monumental achievement marks it as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in history, further cementing the growing trend of successful stage-to-screen transitions.
Despite its impressive numbers, Wicked faces a steeper decline of about -61% from its opening weekend, a trend common among films that attract large initial audiences. It’s scheduled to show at approximately 3,885 theaters, allowing it to maintain a significant presence in competition with Moana 2, which has dominated the discourse surrounding this holiday’s box office.
In third place, Paramount’s Gladiator II continues to draw attention, reclaiming a share of the audience with a steady performance that includes a substantial third weekend take of $12.3 million. The film’s ability to maintain consistent box office appeal highlights its resonance with both fans of the original and new audiences, allowing it to accumulate a total of $132.5 million so far.
Meanwhile, the cinema landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, as demonstrated by the arrival of films like Pushpa 2: The Rule. This Indian action sequel is gaining traction, having outperformed Moana 2 on certain days and is projected to achieve a noteworthy $10.1 million four-day run. This illustrates a growing acceptance and appreciation for global cinema in mainstream markets, and how these films are no longer sidelined but rather celebrated alongside traditional Hollywood blockbusters.
Conversely, independent films and legacy releases are still making their mark in this weekend’s lineup. A24’s Y2K showcases the eclectic nature of modern cinema, featuring a hipster narrative that, despite early projections of only $2 million, contributes to a vibrant tapestry of offerings. Similarly, the 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar at select locations demonstrates the enduring popularity of critically acclaimed films, pulling in impressive per-theater averages that rekindle appreciation for cinematic artistry.
As audiences wander through theaters this weekend, it becomes evident that the landscape of the box office is shifting. The interplay of major studio projects, beloved musicals, international films, and independent offerings creates a multifaceted viewing experience that caters to a wide variety of tastes—an encouraging sign for the future of cinema as the industry adapts and evolves in response to audience preferences.