"Moana 2" debuted with a remarkable $221 million during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday, contributing to a record $420 million box office haul, the highest ever for the period. Alongside "Wicked," which earned $117.5 million, and "Gladiator II," with $44 million, this trio revitalized the theatrical market after a challenging year. The success marks a significant rebound, narrowing the box office gap between 2024 and 2023.
U.S. stock futures are up as Wall Street heads for a winning week, with the 10-year Treasury at its lowest since late October. The Biden administration is considering semiconductor export restrictions to China, but chip stocks rise amid less severe concerns. Meanwhile, retail stocks see slight gains on Black Friday, and holiday shopping is projected to be the slowest in six years despite a 4% increase in online sales.
Despite a softening advertising market, college football remains a lucrative draw for networks, with Disney's platforms experiencing record viewership this season due to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. Advertisers are seeing increased engagement, with Disney's ad slots proving significantly more effective than competitors. As a result, Disney has sold out most of its advertising spots for the upcoming championship games, reflecting a strong demand for college football content.
Universal’s “Wicked” debuted with a remarkable $114 million domestically, marking the highest opening for a Broadway adaptation, while “Gladiator II” opened at $55.5 million, below expectations. Together, they contributed to a strong box office weekend, with projections indicating continued success through the holiday season.
AMC is poised for a box office rebound with a strong slate of films in 2025 and 2026, despite facing over $4 billion in debt. The company plans to invest $1 billion to $1.5 billion in enhancing theaters and expanding premium large-format screens, while navigating cash flow challenges. Attendance declined 12% in Q3 2024, attributed to a less resonant film slate in Europe and urban areas, but upcoming releases like "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" may improve performance.
Three major films—Universal's "Wicked," Paramount's "Gladiator II," and Disney's "Moana 2"—are set to compete at the box office over the Thanksgiving holiday, each vying for premium screen placements. Analysts predict that while all three will perform well, the distribution of premium large format screens will be crucial, as audiences increasingly prefer immersive viewing experiences. Expectations for opening weekend earnings vary, with "Wicked" potentially reaching up to $150 million, while "Gladiator II" and "Moana 2" are forecasted to earn between $60 million to $100 million.
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