The Thanksgiving holiday has long been a significant period for the film industry, serving as a showcase for major releases and driving ticket sales. In 2023, the domestic box office is primed to experience a remarkably successful Thanksgiving, reclaiming its status as a key player in the post-pandemic landscape. This resurgence can be credited to three blockbuster films: Disney’s much-anticipated “Moana 2,” Universal’s theatrical adaptation of “Wicked,” and Paramount’s epic sequel, “Gladiator II.” Together, these offerings could drive holiday box office sales to heights unseen since the onset of the pandemic.
“Moana 2” stands out as a cornerstone of this year’s Thanksgiving box office. With projections indicating a gross of between $120 million to $150 million across the five-day weekend, Disney is banking on its established characters and heartwarming storytelling to attract audiences. The original “Moana” was both a critical and commercial success when it released in 2016, and the sequel’s arrival marks an exciting moment for families craving quality entertainment.
Joining “Moana 2” on this cinematic feast are “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” both of which have already made notable impressions in their opening weeks. The musical adaptation “Wicked” brings a unique appeal, attracting both fans of the long-running Broadway show and those eager for an emotional, song-filled experience. On the other hand, “Gladiator II” promises to offer thrilling action and drama, appealing to audiences who enjoy epic narratives and historical spectacles. The combination of these films creates a perfect storm of diverse offerings, ensuring there’s something for everyone during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The significance of the Thanksgiving weekend extends beyond mere ticket sales; it is often seen as a bellwether for the entire year-end box office performance. Industry analysts, such as Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore, underscore the importance of this period in shaping perceptions of the year’s total revenue. For the first time since 2019, it appears highly likely that the Thanksgiving box office will exceed the $200 million threshold, signaling a bright spot for an industry that has navigated through the turbulent waters of a pandemic-driven downturn.
Historically, the Thanksgiving box office has seen remarkable performances, with records set in 2018 when “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Creed II,” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” collectively earned an astonishing $315 million. Such figures serve as benchmarks for the current landscape, prompting excitement for this year’s lineup.
Disney, once the undisputed champion of Thanksgiving releases, has faced a tough road in recent years. After enjoying a string of successes with titles like “Coco” and “Frozen II,” the animated giant’s recent offerings have not lived up to expectations. The underwhelming performance of films like “Encanto,” “Strange World,” and “Wish” led to the studio missing significant opportunities in previous holiday seasons.
However, “Moana 2” arrives at a crucial moment, heralded by the success of “Inside Out 2,” which opened with strong numbers earlier in 2023. This promising trajectory indicates that audiences are ready to embrace Disney’s animated films once again. The pedigree of “Moana 2” as a sequel to a beloved film combined with the resonant themes of family and adventure draws a hopeful parallel with past holiday successes.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the film industry finds itself on the precipice of a promising recovery. Anticipation surrounds Disney’s “Moana 2,” Universal’s “Wicked,” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II,” promising to send box office receipts soaring. This year’s holiday releases not only possess the potential to capture diverse audiences but also to signify a return to pre-pandemic box office vitality.
Should predictions hold true, it could resolve the uncertainties that have plagued the movie-going experience over the past few years. The Thanksgiving box office could redefine the industry’s outlook, potentially leading to a revitalized market for films as audiences flock back to theaters, eager to share the cinematic experience with family and friends. In this perfect storm of releases, both studios and moviegoers alike can look forward to a festive holiday season, filled with heartwarming stories and action-packed adventures.