Moana 2 Reigns Supreme in Second Weekend, New Releases Struggle to Make a Splash
Disney’s animated sequel, Moana 2, continues its box office dominance in its second weekend, holding firm at the number one spot. The film, featuring the returning voices of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, is projected to earn a robust $52 million, pushing its domestic total to an impressive $300 million. This performance significantly outpaces all of Friday’s new releases combined, solidifying Moana 2‘s status as a major holiday season draw. The film’s success builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, a 2016 Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee, and demonstrates the enduring appeal of Disney’s animation prowess, particularly within the family-friendly market.
Wicked, while maintaining a strong presence, trails behind Moana 2 with a projected $34.8 million in its second weekend. This brings the musical adaptation’s total domestic earnings to $320.5 million, a respectable figure that underscores the film’s wide appeal. Gladiator II continues to perform steadily, adding an estimated $12.4 million to its coffers, reaching a cumulative domestic total of $132.7 million. These established films demonstrate staying power amidst the arrival of new releases, highlighting audience preference for familiar franchises and established narratives.
Dwayne Johnson’s star power continues to shine with Red One, a Christmas action-adventure co-starring Chris Evans. The film is projected to add $7 million to its domestic total, reaching $85.7 million. While not achieving the same blockbuster numbers as Moana 2, Red One benefits from the combined star power of its leads and the festive holiday season, offering audiences an action-packed alternative to traditional Christmas fare.
Indian film Pushpa 2: The Rule makes a notable debut, securing the projected fifth spot with an estimated $5.9 million in its opening weekend. This translates to a five-day total of $10.5 million, showcasing the expanding reach of international cinema within the domestic market. Pushpa 2: The Rule’s success signifies the growing influence of global cinema and the diversification of audience preferences, offering moviegoers experiences beyond traditional Hollywood narratives.
Despite the presence of several new releases, none managed to crack the top five at the domestic box office. Solo Leveling-Reawakening, an anime dark fantasy, is projected to earn $2.4 million. For King + Country’s A Drummer Boy Christmas Live, a Fathom Events release, is expected to make $1.97 million. A24’s horror comedy Y2K is projected to earn $2.1 million, while the Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult crime drama The Order is estimated to bring in $1 million in limited release. These figures underscore the challenges faced by smaller films in a market dominated by major studio releases, especially during a competitive holiday season.
Notably, Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic Interstellar, re-released for its 10th anniversary on IMAX screens, is projected to outperform several of the new releases with an estimated $4.4 million. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of critically acclaimed and visually stunning films, even years after their initial release. The re-release strategy capitalizes on both the film’s anniversary and the immersive IMAX experience, drawing back audiences seeking a renewed appreciation of the cinematic spectacle. The overall weekend box office landscape reveals a mix of established powerhouses, promising newcomers, and the enduring allure of cinematic classics, providing a diverse array of choices for moviegoers during the holiday season. The performance of these films reflects audience preferences, the impact of star power, and the continued appeal of diverse genres and storytelling approaches. The final box office numbers, expected on Monday, will provide a more definitive picture of the weekend’s performance and offer further insights into current trends in the film industry.
