Wicked’ Dominates Box Office Once More, Outpacing ‘Moana 2’ in Latest Rankings

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The Thanksgiving weekend of 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge in box office revenues, driven by the simultaneous releases of “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II.” Collectively, these films generated over $425 million in ticket sales, setting a new record for the holiday period. citeturn0search8

Record-Breaking Performances

Moana 2

Disney’s “Moana 2” achieved a groundbreaking $221 million in domestic ticket sales over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, marking the highest opening for an animated film during this period. citeturn0news27 Internationally, the film added $165.3 million, bringing its global total to $386 million, making it the second-highest global launch of the year. citeturn0search10

Wicked

Universal Pictures’ adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” also performed exceptionally well, earning $117.5 million domestically over the same weekend. citeturn0news27 This success propelled its two-week global total to $359.2 million, setting a new benchmark for films based on stage musicals. citeturn0search14

Gladiator II

Ridley Scott’s sequel, “Gladiator II,” continued its strong performance, adding $44 million to its domestic earnings during the holiday weekend. citeturn0news27 The film’s global total reached $320 million, indicating a solid reception from audiences worldwide. citeturn0search10

Implications for the Film Industry

The combined success of these films underscores a resurgence in cinema attendance, particularly during the holiday season. The record-breaking box office performance not only highlights the enduring appeal of theatrical releases but also suggests a potential shift in audience behavior, with moviegoers returning to theaters in significant numbers.

Strategic Shifts in Film Releases

The success of “Moana 2” is notable, as it was initially planned as a streaming series for Disney+ before being reworked into a theatrical sequel. This strategic move reflects a broader trend of studios reassessing the balance between streaming and theatrical releases, aiming to maximize audience reach and profitability. citeturn0news27

Impact on Streaming Services

The strong box office performances of these films may influence streaming platforms to reconsider their release strategies. While streaming services have gained prominence, the substantial earnings from theatrical releases during the holiday season highlight the continued importance of cinema in the entertainment landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the holiday season progresses, the film industry anticipates continued success with upcoming releases. The combination of high-profile films and the return of audiences to theaters suggests a promising outlook for the remainder of the year.

Upcoming Releases

• Mufasa: The Lion King – A prequel to the 2019 live-action adaptation, exploring the origins of Simba’s father.
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – The third installment in the popular franchise, following the adventures of the iconic video game character.
• A Complete Unknown – A biographical drama starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan.

These films, among others, are expected to contribute to the ongoing success of the holiday season, further solidifying the film industry’s recovery and growth.

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