This year’s Thanksgiving weekend delivered a record-breaking $272 million in domestic box office sales, driven by three blockbuster films: Disney’s Moana 2, Universal’s Wicked, and Paramount’s Gladiator II.
The weekend’s performance eclipsed the previous Thanksgiving record set in 2018, marking a resurgence for the film industry as it rebounds from the challenges of the pandemic and Hollywood labor strikes.
A Wave of Success
Disney’s Moana 2 led the charge, which debuted with a massive $135.5 million over three days, setting a new Thanksgiving weekend record. The sequel to the 2016 animated hit reunites Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui while introducing new characters Matangi and Nalo.
The story picks up three years after the original, exploring Polynesian mythology with stunning visuals that showcase significant advancements in animation.
While critics gave Moana 2 a modest 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were far more enthusiastic, with an 87% audience score. Although some reviewers noted that the film’s songs lacked the catchiness of the original, fans praised its heartfelt moments and adventurous spirit. With a production budget of $150 million, similar to its predecessor, Moana 2 is poised for exceptional profitability as it continues its theatrical run.
Spellbinding Numbers: Wicked
Universal’s Wicked continued its strong performance, earning $80 million in its second weekend—a modest 29% drop from its $114 million opening. The film’s 10-day domestic total now stands at $262.4 million, with a worldwide gross of $323.6 million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked has been praised for its dazzling visuals and faithful adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.
The movie has drawn comparisons to last year’s Barbie in terms of box office success. Though it hasn’t reached the same heights, Wicked has exceeded expectations and contributed significantly to the Thanksgiving weekend’s record-breaking total.
Epic Comeback: Gladiator II
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II rounded out the weekend’s top three, adding $30.7 million in its second weekend for a 10-day domestic total of $111.2 million. Globally, the film has earned $308.9 million. Starring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the sequel appeals to an older male demographic, offering intense action and historical drama.
Though its box office performance slightly lags behind the inflation-adjusted earnings of the original 2000 Gladiator, Scott has hinted at the possibility of a third installment, inspired by The Godfather trilogy’s themes of power and legacy.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
The five-day Thanksgiving period brought in a staggering $420 million in ticket sales, also a new record. This weekend caps a transformative year for the box office, joining milestones like Inside Out 2’s record-breaking animated debut in June and Deadpool & Wolverine’s R-rated triumph in July.
As the industry heads into December, expectations remain high with the upcoming releases of Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The Thanksgiving success of Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II demonstrates that the right mix of beloved franchises, fresh storytelling, and high production values can drive audiences back to theaters in record numbers.
REELated:
This article was brought to you for FREE. Independent Journalism is not. Please support Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago by donating here.
