While 2024 has taught us not to count our box office eggs before they hatch, everything is aligning for a spectacularly positive Thanksgiving weekend. With Moana 2 already looking set for a strong opening, there’s plenty to be positive about. Blake & Wang P.A. entertainment lawyer, Brandon Blake, shares the good news.
Moana 2 to Rule the Box Office Waves
The sequel to Disney’s Moana is already tracking for the best 4-day opening we’ve seen over the Thanksgiving weekend. It is currently expected to clear $135M through the Wednesday to Sunday period, which could well beat both Frozen 2’s $125M Thanksgiving takings and its precursor, Frozen’s $93.5M 5-day opening.
Interestingly, Moana 2’s presales have already surpassed Incredibles 2 and Inside Out 2, which also promises good things for the Thanksgiving box office. The film is attracting significant interest from the Millennial demographic targeted by the first film and its target childhood audiences. Could it eclipse Inside Out 2’s lofty position at the 2024 box office? It’s certainly possible.
Other Strong Contenders
Nor will Moana 2 be alone in its attempts to power up the Thanksgiving box office. With both Wicked and Gladiator 2 looking to open strongly ($80M and $65M projected, respectively) and play well throughout the holiday, we have a strong slate on offer to take advantage of this key holiday period. Historically, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is one of the best-grossing days at the box office.
Looking beyond individual film performances, this Thanksgiving weekend could signal a broader renaissance in holiday movie going if its slate lands well, potentially setting new benchmarks for seasonal box office success. The varied slate offers something for every demographic, and it would be wonderful if the anticipated promising end to 2024’s theatrical calendar actually happens. Let’s hope to be able to share a positive report in the coming weeks.
Film and Television 