Anna Daniels
This year, Black Friday is turning out to be a major success, not only for stores but also for movie theaters. An estimated $107 million is anticipated to be spent at cinemas today, making it the second-highest earning day of 2024, only behind July 26, which saw “Deadpool & Wolverine” earn $118.3 million.
The standout film this weekend is Disney’s eagerly awaited sequel, “Moana 2”, which follows the adventures of the beloved Polynesian character. It earned $28 million on Thanksgiving Day and is projected to reach $55 million by the end of Black Friday. Experts estimate that it could surpass $175 million over the extended holiday period, with a chance to exceed $200 million. Its breathtaking animation, moving narrative, and cherished characters have evidently captivated viewers of various age groups.
Trailing closely is “Wicked,” the film version of the popular Broadway musical. It collected $16.9 million on Thanksgiving and is expected to bring in around $27 million today. This enchanting tale is likely to achieve a total of $105 million over the holiday weekend, confirming its status as a favorite among audiences.
At the same time, “Gladiator II” is also making its mark, with a $6.7 million take on Thanksgiving and projected earnings of $12.6 million for today. Although it’s not capturing attention as much as the other two films, it’s still a strong contender with a $45 million projection for five days.
The box office is set to remain vibrant. Major titles like “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” are both launching on December 20, each predicted to bring in over $50 million on their opening weekends.
This festive season celebrates a variety of storytelling, presenting viewers with everything from animated escapades to musical adventures and historical dramas.
The phenomenal performance of “Moana 2” showcases not only Disney’s timeless charm in animated films but also the clever timing of its launch. With families out for holiday activities, Black Friday is the ideal occasion for a trip to the cinema.
“Wicked” leverages its Broadway roots, while “Gladiator II” offers a grand adventure. However, “Moana 2” truly shines with its ability to resonate emotionally with audiences across generations. The sequel builds on the success of the original, combining mesmerizing visuals, touching sequences, and memorable songs that linger in the minds of viewers long after the movie ends.
It will be intriguing to observe how these films perform in the upcoming weeks against the anticipated releases in December. The competition promises to be intense, but the variety guarantees that there’s entertainment for everyone at the theaters.
Which of these films are you most looking forward to: “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” or “Gladiator II”? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
