‘Moana 2’ Breaks Records, Set to Top ‘Frozen 2’ This Thanksgiving

The much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana is on track to become the biggest Thanksgiving weekend release in the studio’s history. Moana 2, which premiered on Wednesday, has already broken multiple records, including the highest-grossing preview earnings for a Disney Animation film. If it maintains its momentum, the film could top Frozen II‘s Thanksgiving weekend record of $125 million, setting a new benchmark for Disney’s holiday releases.

As of its preview screenings on Tuesday, Moana 2 brought in an impressive $13.8 million, marking the largest preview opening for any Disney Animation film ahead of a Thanksgiving weekend. This performance outpaced Inside Out 2—currently the top-grossing film of the year—with the latter earning $13 million during its preview screenings just the day before. For Moana 2, these early numbers signal that the sequel could surpass expectations and achieve record-breaking figures for its holiday debut.

Industry analysts predict Moana 2 will rake in between $135 million and $145 million during its first five days in theaters. If these projections hold, the film will surpass Frozen II’s Thanksgiving opening, cementing its place as the highest-grossing Disney Animation release for the holiday period. The original Moana, which grossed $248.8 million domestically and $643.3 million worldwide, had a Thanksgiving debut of $56.6 million in 2016. Adjusted for inflation, that total is roughly $74 million in today’s market, underscoring the scale of the sequel’s anticipated success.

The movie’s strong start is a testament to Disney’s continuing dominance in the animation industry, as well as the enduring popularity of the original film. Moana was lauded for its innovative animation, music, and storytelling, making it a standout in Disney’s cinematic catalog. The sequel has already sparked considerable interest, buoyed by the nostalgic appeal of the first film and the addition of new adventures for Moana and her fans. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho reprise their roles as Maui and Moana, respectively, contributing to the film’s star power.

While Moana 2’s preview success is impressive, the reviews for the film have been mixed. As of Wednesday, the film has earned a 67% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some praising its stunning animation while others have critiqued its lackluster musical numbers. Despite the divided opinions on the music, the visuals have earned universal acclaim for their beauty and innovation, a hallmark of Disney’s recent animation style.

One surprising piece of trivia surrounding Moana comes from its enduring popularity. The original Moana was the most-streamed film of 2023 in the United States, with 11.6 billion minutes streamed, reflecting its lasting cultural impact. Its success on streaming platforms has only fueled excitement for the sequel, and the anticipation surrounding Moana 2 further proves the strength of Disney’s animated franchises.

The first Moana film, set in ancient Polynesia, was a groundbreaking moment in Disney’s history. It told the story of Moana, a young girl chosen by the ocean to reunite a powerful relic with the goddess Te Fiti. Unlike traditional Disney princesses, Moana’s character was unique in that she didn’t rely on a prince to save the day. Instead, the film celebrated her bravery, intelligence, and independence, making her one of the most empowering heroines in Disney’s legacy. The film was also notable for its celebration of Polynesian culture and for featuring Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. The character’s tattoos were brought to life through hand-drawn animation, which was a technical achievement at the time.

Moana became the 12th official Disney Princess, and the film’s popularity led to the creation of a walk-through attraction at EPCOT in Florida as part of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary celebration. Disney is also reportedly working on a live-action adaptation of the original film, signaling the franchise’s continued cultural relevance and commercial appeal.

As for Moana 2, it is not just a continuation of Moana’s journey; it expands upon the themes of family, self-discovery, and the beauty of the world’s oceans. Early reports suggest that the sequel will delve deeper into the relationships between the characters, especially Moana and Maui. The film is expected to deliver an emotionally resonant narrative that will resonate with fans of all ages.

The release of Moana 2 further solidifies the position of Disney as a leader in animated filmmaking. While the film faces stiff competition from other major releases over the holiday weekend, such as Inside Out 2, its strong preview numbers and projections suggest that it will dominate the box office, at least for the Thanksgiving period. For Disney, Moana 2 represents more than just a sequel; it is a cultural touchstone that taps into the widespread love for the first film, while introducing new generations to Moana’s empowering story.

With the first five days looking to outdo the competition, Moana 2 could very well rewrite the record books. Disney fans, particularly those who have followed Moana’s journey from the original film, are eagerly awaiting this holiday release, and the success of its debut suggests that the movie will only continue to gain momentum as the holiday season unfolds.

As for the critics’ reaction, while some are disappointed with the musical numbers, the film’s breathtaking visuals and heartwarming storyline are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether or not Moana 2 becomes the all-time highest-grossing Thanksgiving release remains to be seen, but its impressive start and widespread popularity show that Disney’s animated legacy is far from over.