by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: December 10, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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Disney’s Moana 2 made serious waves in Tuesday preview screenings on November 26. Not only is it the biggest preview haul ever for Disney Animation, but it also smashed records for a Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
It’s now the top pre-Thanksgiving preview earner and ranks as the second-highest preview figure ever for an animated film. Looks like Moana’s latest adventure is already making history.
Moana 2 is back, and this isn’t your typical princess story. Moana, still fierce and independent, takes the lead as the bold heroine with no prince in sight. This time, she sets sail on an epic adventure to break a curse and uncover hidden island secrets.
Dwayne Johnson is back as the legendary demigod Maui, bringing his charisma and charm to the screen once more. With Moana’s unstoppable spirit and Maui’s humor, this sequel promises more action, magic, and heart than ever before.
Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprise their iconic roles in Moana 2 , with Cravalho returning as Moana and Johnson voicing the tattooed demigod, Maui. Both voice actors bring their characters to life once again in the sequel.
Cravalho continues to portray the adventurous heroine, while Johnson brings Maui’s larger-than-life personality back to the screen. Fans are thrilled to have these two back in action.
For Moana 2 , songwriting duties were taken over by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the dynamic duo behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical . These two are bringing their own creative touch to the sequel, crafting new and catchy tunes to match Moana’s epic journey.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind hits like How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome , didn’t return for the sequel. But with Barlow and Bear on board, fans are in for a fresh musical experience that’s sure to impress.
Moana 2 almost started as a TV series, but Disney saw its potential for something bigger. CEO Bob Iger shared that they were so impressed with the idea they knew it needed to hit theaters instead.
With a 1-hour, 40-minute runtime, the movie had to undergo heavy cuts to fit its planned narrative into the shorter timeframe. Despite the adjustments, the final product is a thrilling adventure fans can’t wait to experience.
Moana 2 isn’t just riding the wave, it’s dominating. With $13.8 million from Tuesday previews, it outshines Inside Out 2 and Toy Story 4 from Thursday previews.
Even Frozen II , a certified Disney powerhouse, fell short of matching the preview momentum. Moana’s latest adventure is clearly setting a new bar for animated hits.
Moana 2 made a huge splash with its Tuesday previews, coming close to Pixar’s Incredibles 2 , which pulled in $18.5 million in Thursday previews, and still holds the record for the biggest animated preview haul.
Both films are proving that Disney and Pixar know how to build excitement around their animated blockbusters.
While Moana 2 didn’t surpass Incredibles 2’s preview earnings, it’s still making a massive impact and setting records for Disney Animation. Both movies are clearly keeping the magic alive and thrilling audiences in their own epic ways.
Looks like Moana 2 is about to have a record-breaking Thanksgiving, with estimates ranging from $135 million to $145 million over its first five days. That’s set to surpass Frozen II and Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ for the biggest Thanksgiving haul ever.
This forecast puts Moana 2 in a prime spot to break some serious records, proving it’s not just a hit but a holiday sensation. Looks like Disney’s got another massive winner on its hands.
Moana 2 had a record-breaking $389 million opening, including $225.2 million during its domestic Thanksgiving weekend. Released on November 27th in the U.S., it’s already one of the biggest animation debuts.
Internationally, the movie set a new animated opening records in countries like France, Poland, and the UAE. Fans around the world are loving the sequel, making it clear that Disney has another major hit on their hands.
This Thanksgiving, the box office is buzzing with more than just Moana 2 . Universal’s star-studded Wicked , featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is drawing major crowds, adding to the holiday excitement.
Paramount’s high-budget Gladiator II , starring Paul Mescal, also generated significant buzz, giving fans a ton of blockbuster choices. With these big releases, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest Thanksgivings at the box office in modern times.
Disney’s Moana 2 had a spectacular world premiere in Oahu, Hawaii, celebrating Pacific Islander heritage. The stunning event took place at the Lanikūhonua Cultural Institute, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Just a few days later, the star-studded London premiere took place on November 24, 2024. The red carpet was filled with glamorous looks from the movie’s cast, making it another highlight of the film’s launch.
Reviews for Moana 2 have been mixed, but that hasn’t stopped audiences from flocking to theaters. While critics have been less kind to the sequel compared to the first film, it hasn’t dampened interest in the movie.
The film’s audience score, shows strong fan support, and exit polls on PostTrak are positive. Despite a lower critics’ score, compared to the original, Moana 2 is still resonating with viewers.
The original Moana , released in 2016, tells the story of a young girl chosen by the ocean to return the heart of Te Fiti and save her people. Alongside the demigod Maui, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and leadership.
Opening in millions, over the extended Thanksgiving weekend, the film quickly became a box office hit. It captivated audiences with its engaging storyline and unforgettable soundtrack.
The original Moana wasn’t a huge box office hit in 2016, but it slowly turned into a cultural phenomenon over time. It grew in popularity, especially after becoming a fan favorite and a staple in family viewing.
By 2023, Moana became the most streamed film across all platforms in the U.S. Its timeless appeal and memorable music solidified it as a beloved classic for audiences of all ages.
Moana 2 includes both a mid-credits and post-credits scene, adding excitement for what’s to come in the franchise. Without giving away spoilers, the mid-credits scene hints at the direction for a potential third Moana film, setting up new storylines.
The post-credits scene reintroduces Tamatoa, the giant crab from the original film, who seems to be teaming up with Nalo and Matangi. Together, they may seek revenge on Moana and Maui, suggesting thrilling developments for a third movie.
Moana fans, get ready! Disney’s live-action adaptation hits theaters on July 10, 2026, following the 2024 sequel. This fresh take promises to bring your favorite characters to life in a whole new way.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui, rocking a bodysuit for the role. Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia steps in as Moana, bringing fresh energy to the beloved character.
Wicked outshines Gladiator II in the box office showdown, proving its broad appeal. Want to know more? Read all about it here.
Moana 2 is getting mixed reviews from fans. While some enjoyed revisiting the characters, others felt the magic, especially in the music, was missing.
On X, opinions were divided. Some praised the visuals, but many criticized the storyline as “Flat” compared to the beloved original.
Curious about the Top 5 Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office Hits ? Check them out here.
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Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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