‘Moana 2’ Makes Waves with Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Debut
With a $225 million five-day debut, Walt Disney Animation’s “Moana 2” not only broke Thanksgiving box office records but also wowed audiences and critics alike.
Disney’s “Moana 2” set a new Thanksgiving box office record with a $225 million debut over the five-day holiday weekend. This milestone solidifies the film’s place as the biggest five-day debut in history, surpassing the previous record held by “Frozen II” in 2019. Its three-day total also marks the strongest opening for a Walt Disney Animation film, cementing “Moana 2” as a cultural phenomenon.
“’Moana 2’ has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that ‘Moana’ has become,” said Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. “This is a moment to celebrate, and we’re thankful to all the moviegoers and fans who’ve helped make this a record-breaking debut.”
The film continues the journey of Moana, voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho, as she is called by her wayfinding ancestors to venture into the far reaches of Oceania. Joined by Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, and a new crew of seafaring adventurers, Moana faces thrilling challenges as she navigates uncharted waters and discovers long-lost secrets of her heritage.
“’Moana 2’ is a win.” Mashable
Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, “Moana 2” combines breathtaking animation, unforgettable music and a heartfelt story that captures the spirit of adventure and the power of community. Clocking in at a family-friendly runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes, the film blends humor, action and emotional depth to deliver a cinematic experience for all ages.
Critics and audiences alike have celebrated “Moana 2” for its vibrant storytelling and dazzling visuals, with the film earning an 87 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. USA Today praised the performances, noting, “The terrific Auli‘i Cravalho brings extra depth to lively wayfarer Moana while Johnson lends powerful sass to endlessly buff sidekick Maui.” IndieWire hailed the sequel as “a sprightly addition to Disney’s sea-faring legacy,” while The Telegraph declared it “an exhilarating triumph.”
“Moana 2” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.