Disney’s Moana 2 prepares for a global debut with projections indicating a record-breaking Thanksgiving box office performance. Domestic presales and international demand are driving significant interest in the animated sequel. Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II continue to perform strongly, maintaining their positions in domestic and international markets.
Moana 2 predicted to open with $225 million at global box office
Disney’s Moana 2 is projected to debut with over $225 million globally during its opening weekend (via Deadline).
This includes a domestic haul of $125–$135 million over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday and $100 million from international markets. Preview screenings begin Tuesday in the US, with the international rollout starting Wednesday. The film aims to set a Thanksgiving record, potentially surpassing Frozen II’s $125 million five-day performance.
The sequel comes eight years after the original Moana, which earned $643.3M worldwide. Moana 2 targets broad appeal with 4,100 domestic theaters, 300 IMAX screens, and 700 premium large format venues. It will also show in 3D at 2,200 locations. Early presales reportedly exceed those of Frozen II and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, highlighting strong interest from families and fans.
Internationally, Moana 2 will cover 94% of its global footprint by Friday. Key territories include France, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and China. The staggered release strategy mirrors the original Moana, which performed well in markets such as Japan, France, and Brazil. Comparable animated titles like Finding Dory and Incredibles 2 also had strong openings in similar regions.
During the holiday weekend, Moana 2 will compete with Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II. Both films have already gained significant box office momentum. Moana 2 offers a family-friendly runtime of 100 minutes and features the return of fan-favorite characters like Maui (Dwayne Johnson). These elements are expected to attract a wide audience.
Reviews for Moana 2 are not widely available yet, but premieres in Maui and London highlight Disney’s strong promotional push. Projections suggest it could rank among top Thanksgiving animated releases. International turnout and franchise popularity will be crucial, with final results hinging on holiday audience reception.