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Hollywood, CA — The holiday movie season is kicking off in style as Disney’s Moana 2 is on track to break records with its impressive pre-Thanksgiving preview earnings, while Wicked continues to wow audiences with a phenomenal Tuesday performance. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II remains steady, keeping its position strong in a competitive market.
‘Moana 2’ to Make Waves with Record-Breaking $12M+ Previews
Disney’s highly anticipated Moana 2 is set to make a splash at the box office, with early reports suggesting the film could exceed $12 million in pre-Thanksgiving preview screenings. This would position the animated sequel to easily surpass the previous record for Disney's pre-Thanksgiving performances. The original Moana (2016), which became a massive success with both critics and audiences, is now primed for a sequel that brings back the beloved characters and introduces new adventures. Early reactions from fans and critics alike have been overwhelmingly positive, and with its vibrant animation and catchy soundtrack, Moana 2 is expected to dominate the holiday moviegoing scene.
If Moana 2 performs as expected, it will secure a spot among Disney’s other high-performing holiday releases, cementing its place as a major hit this season. The film’s strong preview numbers indicate an impressive opening weekend, with predictions suggesting it could rake in upwards of $50-60 million when it officially debuts in full release.
‘Wicked’ Stuns with $16M+ Second-Best November Tuesday Performance
Meanwhile, the Wicked musical adaptation continues its strong performance in theaters, raking in over $16 million in ticket sales on Tuesday, marking the second-best November Tuesday of all time. This unexpected surge comes just weeks after the film’s release, proving that Wicked still has a lot of magic left in its theatrical run. The film, based on the iconic Broadway musical, has been a massive draw for fans of the stage production, and the star-studded cast, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has only added to the film’s allure.
Wicked’s continued success at the box office is a testament to its broad appeal and the staying power of the beloved musical. While the film initially took a more modest opening, its sustained success has made it a staple of the fall box office, and it’s now well on its way to becoming one of the year’s top-grossing films.
‘Gladiator II’ Maintains Solid $7M Performance in Its Second Week
Ridley Scott’s epic sequel, Gladiator II, continues to deliver solid numbers, pulling in $7 million this past weekend. While not a runaway hit compared to its larger competitors, Gladiator II is holding its own in the wake of massive releases from Disney and other studios. The film, starring Paul Mescal as the new lead alongside returning cast members, has drawn in audiences who are eager to see how the iconic Roman story continues.
In its second week, Gladiator II is seeing a steadier, more consistent performance at the box office, with many predicting it will have a longer theatrical life thanks to positive word of mouth. While it may not be breaking records, its more modest numbers have solidified its place in the current landscape of fall releases, as it caters to a different audience demographic looking for drama and action with a historical backdrop.
Looking Ahead: The Thanksgiving Box Office Battle
As the holiday movie season heats up, the box office is gearing up for a showdown of blockbuster proportions. With Moana 2 leading the charge, the competition for the top spot in the coming weeks will be fierce. Disney’s stronghold on family-friendly films, combined with the continued success of musicals like Wicked, ensures that this Thanksgiving will be packed with options for moviegoers.
Gladiator II will also continue to battle for its place, with several major films still on the horizon, including highly anticipated titles set to release closer to Christmas. With strong openings and solid performances from these films, the fall box office is proving to be a lucrative season for both studios and audiences alike.
As the month unfolds, expect to see these numbers continue to shift, with each film vying for dominance in the competitive holiday season. For now, Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II are leading the charge, offering a glimpse of the exciting entertainment that awaits audiences this Thanksgiving.
