Thanksgiving weekend is shaping up to be a historic one at the box office, with Disney’s much-anticipated “Zootopia 2” ready to make a splash alongside the second weekend of Universal’s “Wicked: For Good.” This combination is expected to propel the domestic box office to potentially the second-best five-day Thanksgiving stretch ever, following last year’s record of $424.9 million.
Last year’s success was fueled by the releases of Disney’s “Moana 2” and Universal’s “Wicked,” both of which appealed to female audiences without competing against one another. The Thanksgiving stretch of 2018, which garnered $315.6 million, was led by “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” which itself earned $84.7 million over five days.
Disney is not resting on its laurels following last year’s comeback after the pandemic. “Zootopia 2” is projected to reach approximately $125 million domestically from Wednesday to Sunday, with another estimated $135 million to $145 million from international markets. The film’s global opening could soar to around $270 million. Anticipation is high, especially in China, where presales have been reported as strong.
The animated sequel is slated for release in 4,000 theaters across North America, including 415 IMAX locations and numerous other specialized formats such as 3D and D-Box/4D screens. The original voice actors, Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin, return for this sequel, which promises more adventures for the beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Advance ticket sales are strong, already reaching about $20 million—comparable to the performance of “Inside Out 2,” which opened to a remarkable $154.2 million domestically.
As for “Wicked: For Good,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it continues to excel at the box office. The sequel recently posted a standout non-holiday box office Monday with $14.8 million, indicating strong momentum as it aims to match or exceed the performance of its predecessor. Last year’s five-day total for “Wicked” was $118.2 million, including an impressive $81.1 million for the three-day weekend.
Additionally, two more films are entering the market this Wednesday: A24’s “Eternity,” starring Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller, which explores the choices souls face in the afterlife, and Focus Features’ “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao and based on the story behind Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
Both films are expected to contribute to what promises to be a lively and profitable holiday season for theaters, marking a significant period of recovery and growth for the movie industry in the wake of recent challenges. As audiences flock to theaters for holiday entertainment, hope is rising that a blend of nostalgia and innovation can rekindle the collective love for cinema.