Black Friday is traditionally a significant day for movie theaters, and 2023 is proving to be no exception. This year’s box office is set to shatter previous records, with projections indicating a remarkable $107 million in revenue across all films. At the forefront of this surge is Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, which has captivated audiences and generated a frenzy of ticket sales. Early estimates suggest that Moana 2 alone could accumulate over $55 million on its opening day, putting it in contention for the highest-grossing Black Friday film of all time, eclipsing Frozen II’s $34.1 million from 2019.
What is intriguing about this performance is the broader implications for the movie industry. Strong opening day figures, combined with upcoming weekend expectations, could place Moana 2 on a trajectory to outdo Frozen II’s entire five-day Thanksgiving record of $125 million, with some projections hinting at a potential grand total exceeding $200 million.
Competition: Wicked and Gladiator II
In addition to Moana 2, other notable releases are contributing to this historic box office day. Universal’s Wicked is anticipated to draw in around $27 million, while Paramount’s Gladiator II is expected to secure approximately $12.6 million. The mix of these blockbuster releases has created a dynamic and competitive landscape, further enhancing the allure of going to the movies during the holiday period. Notably, with Wicked projected to achieve around $105.6 million over the holiday weekend, it claims a spot among the highest-performing films during this festive timeframe.
Despite the competition, the notable wait times at many theater locations highlight the incredible excitement and demand for these films. For instance, AMC theaters experienced a notable 13-minute wait for ticket purchases, signaling that audiences are eager to return to cinemas after a challenging few years. This enthusiasm is not merely anecdotal; it reflects a resurgence in box office sales that had been stifled during the pandemic.
Dwayne Johnson: A Record-Setting Star
An interesting subplot in this box office narrative is the success of Dwayne Johnson, who finds himself in a unique position this month. With both Moana 2 and Red One debuting with No. 1 openings, Johnson has achieved a milestone that only a few leading Hollywood stars have reached. This dual success is not just a testament to his star power but also indicates a shifting landscape in the film industry where franchise releases hold enormous weight in drawing audiences to theaters.
As Black Friday 2023 unfolds, it is clear that this will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the cinema landscape. With a record-breaking earning potential and a strong lineup of films, the industry is witnessing a robust resurgence, and this could signal new trends in viewer engagement that may shape the future of filmmaking and exhibition. The excitement surrounding this year’s offerings highlights the ongoing transformation of the movies in a post-pandemic world, raising expectations for what’s to come in the coming months.