Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office Hits Record High with Moana 2 and Wicked

In a remarkable turn of events, the Thanksgiving weekend of 2023 has set a new record for box office sales in the United States and Canada, thanks to the highly anticipated releases of Walt Disney's animated musical "Moana 2" and the Broadway adaptation "Wicked." This year, moviegoers flocked to theaters, eager to enjoy the magic of cinema after a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Moana 2," a sequel to the beloved 2016 film, made a stunning debut with an estimated $368 million in global ticket sales. The film reunites Auli’i Cravalho as the adventurous Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey to break a curse and bring harmony to the ocean's inhabitants. Originally intended for Disney's streaming service, the film's success at the box office has proven that audiences are still eager to experience stories on the big screen.

During the Thanksgiving period, "Moana 2" alone generated a remarkable $221 million in domestic ticket sales from Wednesday through Sunday, surpassing the previous record held by "Frozen 2," which earned $125 million during the same holiday in 2019. The overall domestic box office for all films reached an impressive $420 million, shattering the previous Thanksgiving record of $315.6 million set in 2018.

This surge in ticket sales is a welcome relief for Hollywood studios and cinema chains, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic. Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman, emphasized the importance of creating films that resonate with audiences, stating, "If you make the right movie, a movie with heart and humor that appeals to audiences, they will come to the theater." This sentiment reflects a renewed optimism in the film industry.

In addition to "Moana 2," the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" also contributed to the box office success, bringing in $117.5 million over the Thanksgiving weekend. After two weekends in theaters, its global total reached $359.2 million, showcasing the enduring popularity of the story that serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz." Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures' action epic "Gladiator II" added $44 million to its domestic total, bringing its global earnings to $320 million.

Despite the impressive figures, it is important to note that year-to-date domestic ticket sales are still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. As of now, ticket sales for 2024 are approximately 24% lower than the pace set in 2019. However, the recent Thanksgiving tally has narrowed the deficit to 6.4%, indicating a potential recovery for the industry.

Looking ahead, analysts believe that the excitement generated by this weekend's box office frenzy will lead to strong sales in the coming weeks. With several highly anticipated films set to release in December, including "Kraven the Hunter," the animated "Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," and "Mufasa: The Lion King," the industry is poised to finish the year on a high note.

The record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the communal experience of watching films in theaters. As audiences continue to embrace the magic of cinema, it is clear that the film industry is on a path to recovery, bringing joy and entertainment to millions.