The box office landscape for this post-holiday weekend reveals that established titles like Moana 2 and Wicked are performing exceptionally well, while newer releases are facing significant challenges. As audiences continue to flock to these familiar favorites, the competition for new films remains fierce. Despite the strong showing of these films, both Moana 2 and Wicked are slightly underperforming compared to earlier expectations. Disney’s animated sequel is projected to earn just over $50 million, reflecting a notable 64% decline from its previous weekend, while Wicked is expected to generate around $32 million. This trend suggests a shift in viewer preferences towards established franchises during this period.

As anticipated, Deadline reports that the Thanksgiving holdovers, particularly Moana 2 and Wicked, are leading the box office chart during a weekend characterized by a scarcity of new competitive titles. However, it’s worth noting that these films are not performing as robustly as some had predicted. Disney’s animated film Moana 2 appears set to earn slightly over $50 million, marking a surprising drop of 64% compared to its previous weekend earnings. In contrast, Wicked is projected to pull in approximately $32 million. This performance indicates that even popular films can experience fluctuations in audience turnout during holiday seasons.

In the ongoing box office race, Gladiator II is expected to follow closely behind, with a gross of around $12 million. Meanwhile, Red One is likely to earn $7 million, bringing its total to $85 million. Observers will be keen to see if it crosses the $100 million mark domestically. Interestingly, the fifth spot this weekend is claimed by an unexpected contender: the Indian-made sequel Pushpa 2 – The Rule, which is anticipated to generate $5 million. This surprising performance highlights the growing influence of international films in the North American box office scene.

The weekend’s most noteworthy new releases, A24’s Y2K and Briarcliff’s Werewolves, are both struggling to capture audience interest. Y2K, despite A24’s considerable promotional efforts, including a release on over 2,000 screens, is projected to barely surpass $2 million, landing it in ninth place. On the other hand, Werewolves is likely to miss the top 10 entirely, with a mere $1.2 million forecasted. This disappointing reception is particularly unfortunate, as early reviews indicated that this film had potential and garnered a positive response from critics.

Remarkably, aside from Pushpa, the standout performer this weekend is the 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Interstellar, which is on track to earn a substantial $4.1 million, despite being shown exclusively on just 165 IMAX screens. Initially perceived as a disappointment when it was first released, Interstellar has since gained a reputation as a cinematic classic, showcasing the long-term appeal of Nolan’s work and the film’s enduring popularity among audiences.

What films did you catch this weekend? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!