Moana 2 Opens to Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Box Office Success

The sequel to Disney's 2016 hit expands its mythology with new characters and music, despite mixed critical reception.

Moana 2 debuted with a massive $57.5 million on Thanksgiving Eve and is projected to surpass $175 million over its first five days, potentially setting a new Thanksgiving box office record.
Originally planned as a Disney+ series, the project was reworked into a theatrical release to maximize revenue and audience reach.
The film introduces new music by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, replacing Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the original movie but was unavailable due to other commitments.
The story broadens the Moana universe, featuring a new antagonist and exploring themes of connection and wayfinding inspired by Polynesian navigation traditions.
Fans can expect hints of future franchise developments, with a mid-credits scene teasing potential storylines for a third installment.