Disney’s “Moana 2” Dominates Thanksgiving Box Office with Record-Breaking Success
While Disney had previously faced challenges at the Thanksgiving box office, the release of “Moana 2” has marked a triumphant return. The film has shattered records, grossing $380 million globally within its first five days, including over $220 million domestically. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by “Frozen 2” in 2019, which earned $125 million domestically over the same period.
Disney’s animation division had been under pressure following disappointing performances in 2022 and 2023, with titles like “Strange World” and “Wish” failing to capture audiences, earning only $19 million and $32 million respectively during their opening weekends. However, the success of “Moana 2” signals a shift, demonstrating that audiences are once again eager to experience Disney’s animated offerings in theaters.
Originally conceived as a series for Disney+, “Moana 2” was transformed into a feature film, a decision made by Disney CEO Bob Iger in February 2024. Iger expressed that the early footage of the project warranted a theatrical release, a sentiment echoed by Exhibitor Relations senior analyst Jeff Bock: “Even the Disney brass were apparently unaware how beloved this property was as it was very close to going straight to streaming.”
Codirector David Derrick Jr. reflected on the transition from series to film, stating that the series’ development phase allowed for a deeper exploration of characters, which ultimately enhanced the storytelling when adapted for the big screen. “So, as soon as we funneled all of the learnings from our new characters through Moana’s journey, it actually just strengthened Moana’s growth and the theme of the story,” Derrick told Collider.
The strategic pivot from a streaming series to a theatrical release also reflects the broader industry trend post-COVID, where exclusive theatrical releases have proven to generate higher initial profits and bolster subsequent streaming revenues. Disney’s decision to release “Moana 2” in theaters not only tapped into this trend but also capitalized on the enduring popularity of the “Moana” franchise.
The success story of “Moana 2” is set to continue beyond the cinema. A live-action adaptation, featuring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, is slated for release in summer 2026. Despite concerns about potential “Moana” fatigue, Jeff Bock reassured that the timing is ideal: “‘Moana’ is officially the hottest IP in Disney’s vast kingdom. 2026 is the perfect spacing.”
