‘Moana 2’ breaks box office records after being released on streaming

“Moana 2” has made quite a splash at the box office, earning a whopping $221 million domestically over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend. Worldwide, the film has pulled in an impressive $386.3 million, surpassing the previous Thanksgiving record set by Disney’s “Frozen 2” in 2019. This success is especially noteworthy considering that the sequel was originally planned as a series for Disney+ before the company decided it was worthy of a big-screen release.

Led by the talented duo of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, “Moana 2” has captured audiences’ hearts once again. The decision to release the film theatrically was announced during Disney’s fiscal first quarter earnings call in February. CEO Bob Iger expressed his confidence in the film’s potential, stating that it deserved to be seen on the big screen.

This shift in strategy highlights Disney’s belief in the power of the theatrical market to drive significant revenue and attract new subscribers to Disney+. According to Joe Rosenberg, director of industry relations at Chapman University, releasing movies in theaters remains a crucial aspect of Disney’s business model.

The original “Moana” was a massive hit, earning over $643 million globally. With iconic songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” the film has left a lasting impact on audiences. While reviews for the sequel are mixed, families are still flocking to theaters to experience the magic of Moana’s world once again.

Despite the reported $150 million budget for “Moana 2,” the decision to release it in theaters rather than on streaming platforms seems to have paid off. Disney’s bold move has proven successful, reaffirming the enduring appeal of the theatrical moviegoing experience.