:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2185792419-6c717f332ac04f7ea17177b4d8c6f2b0.jpg)
Wed Nov 27 16:52:12 UTC 2024: ## Moana 2 Rides Wave of Success, Projected for Massive Thanksgiving Weekend Debut
**LOS ANGELES** – Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, *Moana 2*, splashed onto the big screen Wednesday, aiming to become the latest box office behemoth following the phenomenal success of *Wicked*. Industry analysts predict a massive opening weekend, with estimates ranging from $125 million to $135 million domestically and an additional $100 million internationally over the five-day Thanksgiving period. This would surpass the Thanksgiving debuts of both *Frozen* and *Frozen 2*.
While a global opening of $225 million is projected, it would still fall short of the record-breaking $295 million achieved by Disney’s *Inside Out 2* earlier this year. The sequel’s theatrical release marks a shift from its initial development as a streaming series, a decision made by Disney CEO Bob Iger. This comes despite a live-action *Moana* film currently in development.
*Moana 2*’s strong performance is expected to continue the trend set by Universal Pictures’ *Wicked*, which shattered box office records with its own impressive opening weekend. The success of both films contributes to a positive year for Disney, with the company’s shares up 28% in 2024. Disney has yet to comment officially on the film’s performance.