This post-Thanksgiving weekend is shaping up to be a lucrative one for Moana 2 and Wicked, as these films are anticipated to generate impressive box office earnings despite the lack of significant new releases. The holiday season often brings family audiences to theaters, and with these titles already creating buzz, they are poised for strong grosses, capitalizing on the festive spirit and the continued interest from moviegoers eager to enjoy top-quality entertainment.
The first week of December typically sees a lull in new movie releases, a trend that is consistent over the years. This phenomenon occurs because the Thanksgiving weekend is historically one of the highest-grossing periods in cinema, leading to strong holdover business for films released just before or during this time. New entries like the A24 horror comedy Y2K and the action-packed Werewolves by Frank Grillo are not expected to achieve stellar box office numbers. However, it?s essential to recognize that both films are targeting specific niche audiences and may not be aiming for top box office rankings, given their limited promotion and theater distribution.
This weekend, Moana 2 is projected to earn around $65 million, as it continues to attract family audiences eager to experience this much-anticipated sequel. With its engaging storyline and stunning visuals, it?s no surprise that it?s drawing in crowds. Meanwhile, Wicked is expected to maintain its strong performance in its third week, likely grossing about $45 million. This musical adaptation has become a box office sensation, particularly in North America, where it has amassed a significant gross, while international earnings have lagged behind.
On the other hand, Ridley Scott?s Gladiator II is showing a different trend. While it has performed adequately in North America, it has truly exploded in international markets, where it has achieved double the domestic gross. This weekend, it is anticipated to hold third place with approximately $15 million. Following closely, Red One is expected to earn around $7 million, and Y2K may capitalize on its studio’s cult following, potentially landing in fifth place with an estimated $4 million.
Here?s our box office prediction breakdown for the weekend:
- Moana 2: $65 million
- Wicked: $45 million
- Gladiator II: $15 million
- Red One: million
- Y2K: $4 million
What are your thoughts on our predictions? We?d love to hear your insights, so please share your comments below!
