‘Moana 2’ Almost Wasn’t a Movie. Now It Could Be a Big Hit for Disney

Disney’s (DIS) Moana 2 hit theaters Wednesday, in what’s expected to be the latest blockbuster on the heels of Wicked. 

The sequel to 2016’s Moana is expected to make $125 million to $135 million domestically and $100 million abroad over the five-day stretch from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, Deadline reported. That would top the $93.5 million and $125 million made by Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2, respectively, in their Thanksgiving week debuts. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A total global opening of $225 million would fall short of the $295 million drawn by Disney’s other 2024 animated hit, Inside Out 2, the top-gross animated movie of all time, according to Deadline. 

‘Moana 2’ Originally Intended To Be a Streaming TV Series

Moana 2 almost was not a movie at all.

The sequel originally was developed as a streaming series—but CEO Bob Iger said in February that it “deserved a theatrical release.” Notably, the decision was made despite the fact that a live-action Moana film is in development.

Shares of Disney are up 28% in 2024.

‘Wicked’ Draws Huge Turnout 

Moana 2 is expected to be the latest blockbuster to hit theaters: Universal Pictures’ Wicked enjoyed significant success after its Nov. 22 debut.

Wicked drew $114 million in North America and another $50.2 million internationally over the weekend, per Variety.