The latest release from Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) Animation Studios, "Moana 2," has made a significant splash in the film industry, claiming the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office this weekend. Since its debut on Wednesday, the animated sequel has amassed an impressive $221 million, setting a new record for the highest 5-day opening in cinema history. This figure surpasses the $204.6 million 5-day opening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" earlier this year.
Achieving this milestone, "Moana 2" has also outperformed the previous record-holder for the highest Thanksgiving weekend box office, which was held by "Frozen" with a $94 million total in 2014. Additionally, the film has surpassed "Frozen 2's" $125 million 5-day Thanksgiving record from 2019.
Disney's dominance in the Thanksgiving weekend box office is further cemented with this achievement, as the company now boasts the top seven openings for the holiday period, along with nine of the top ten.
Globally, "Moana 2" has also made a strong impression, reaching a total of $386 million worldwide to date.
The film's success is part of Disney's continuous winning streak this year, with the company also claiming the top three domestic openings of 2024, which include "Inside Out 2," "Deadpool & Wolverine," and now "Moana 2."
Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, expressed his delight with the film's performance, stating, "Moana 2 has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become." He credited the creative team at Disney Animation, the stars Auli‘i and Dwayne, and the new music for bringing the adventure to life, celebrating the record-breaking debut with fans and moviegoers.
Audiences have responded positively to "Moana 2," which received an "A-" CinemaScore and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The "Moana" franchise has demonstrated its enduring popularity since the original film's release in 2016, consistently ranking among the most-streamed movies annually. In 2023, the film, with voice talents from Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, surpassed 1 billion hours streamed on Disney+, becoming the most streamed movie on any platform in the U.S. that year.
The franchise's influence extends beyond the screen, with a range of "Moana"-themed apparel, books, and toys available at Disney Store and other retailers. Disney's theme parks around the world feature Moana's story, and the upcoming Disney Treasure cruise ship will introduce "Disney The Tale of Moana," bringing her musical journey to the stage.
Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, remarked on the franchise's growth, saying, "Seeing the popularity of Moana grow since it was released eight years ago is incredible." He expressed gratitude for the audience's continued connection to the character and their desire to join her on her adventures.
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