Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, launched at the box office with a staggering $13.8 million from Tuesday preview screenings. This achievement marks a record-breaking performance for Disney Animation, making it the highest-grossing preview event in the studio’s history. It also sets a new benchmark for pre-Thanksgiving animated releases, while ranking as the second-largest animated preview gross of all time.
Comparing Moana 2 with Other Disney Animated Hits
For context, Moana 2 edges out significant Disney milestones, such as this summer’s Inside Out 2, which earned $13 million during Thursday previews before a $154 million opening weekend. Similarly, 2019’s Toy Story 4 garnered $12 million in previews, leading to a $121 million three-day debut, and Frozen II earned $8.5 million before raking in $130 million over its opening weekend. The all-time preview record for an animated film remains with Incredibles 2, which generated $18.5 million before debuting with a massive $183 million weekend in 2018.
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A Strong Start for a Thanksgiving Powerhouse
Starting previews as early as 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Moana 2 officially opens Wednesday and is projected to collect between $135 million and $145 million during its first five days. If these predictions hold, the film will surpass the Thanksgiving weekend records set by Frozen II ($125 million) and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ($109 million).
This box office success is especially significant given the film’s origin. Originally developed as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 was later reimagined as a theatrical release, showcasing the studio’s ability to adapt and deliver major cinematic experiences.
Mixed Reviews, But Promising Prospects
Critics have offered mixed reactions, with the film holding a 67% average score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, family-friendly movies often defy critical sentiment, as demonstrated by strong advance ticket sales. Returning voice stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their beloved roles as Moana and Maui, embarking on a new oceanic quest to uncover a hidden island and lift a mysterious curse.
Notably, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed the iconic songs for the first Moana film, did not contribute to the sequel. Instead, the soundtrack features new music from Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, creators of The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical.
A Blockbuster Thanksgiving
Moana 2 isn’t the only film driving holiday box office buzz. Universal’s Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, added $16.6 million on Tuesday and is expected to bring in $80 million over the five-day Thanksgiving period, pushing its domestic total past $144.9 million. Meanwhile, Paramount’s Gladiator II earned $6.6 million on Tuesday, with projections of $45 million across the extended holiday weekend.
With such heavy hitters leading the charge, this Thanksgiving weekend is shaping up to be one of the most lucrative in box office history. Moana 2 is clearly riding the wave of this cinematic resurgence, cementing its place as a major player in Disney’s animated legacy.
