Black Friday has long been a significant event for the film industry, establishing itself as one of the top box office days each year. However, Black Friday 2024 is poised to shatter previous records with an estimated revenue exceeding $107 million across all films. Leading this surge is Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, which is expected to draw in massive crowds and generate substantial ticket sales. Notably, if the current trajectory continues, this day could potentially become the highest-grossing day of 2024, surpassing the remarkable $118.3 million achieved on July 26 when Deadpool & Wolverine debuted, breaking multiple box office records.
The excitement surrounding Moana 2, alongside other major releases such as Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II, has created an unprecedented frenzy within the industry. For instance, AMC theaters experienced a significant spike in demand, leading to a wait time of up to 13 minutes for ticket purchases at one point. This scenario illustrates a so-called “rich-man’s problem” for the leading exhibitor, showcasing the robust demand that has revitalized cinema attendance during what is typically a bustling holiday shopping period. According to Comscore, projections indicate that this Friday will exceed the prior Black Friday benchmark of $85 million set in 2013, a record established during the Thanksgiving weekend with Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Expectations surrounding Moana 2 are reaching extraordinary levels, with forecasts suggesting it could pull in at least $55 million on its opening day alone. If these predictions hold true, it would establish Moana 2 as the highest-grossing film for any Black Friday, overtaking Frozen II’s impressive $34.1 million record from 2019. The anticipation for Moana 2 has been palpable, with fans eager to see a beloved story continue on the big screen. The film is anticipated to not only break records through its opening but also to continue a strong performance throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, possibly netting upwards of $200 million by the end of the five-day frame.
Other films joining the race this Black Friday are also expected to perform admirably. Wicked is projected to earn around $27 million, while Gladiator II is on course to generate approximately $12.6 million. These figures underline a significant resurgence in the theatrical experience, with audiences flocking to see new and exciting films after a challenging few years for the cinema industry. As it stands, Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II are not just individual stories; they represent a broader return to movie-going as a key entertainment option during the holidays.
Furthermore, in a notable milestone for Hollywood stars, Dwayne Johnson has achieved a rare feat, becoming the first actor to secure two number one openings in the same month. With Moana 2 and Red One set to dominate the box office, Johnson’s influence and bankability continue to solidify his status as a leading figure in contemporary cinema. This accomplishment illustrates not only his popularity but also highlights how star power can significantly impact box office performance.
Black Friday 2024 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking day for the box office, with audiences eagerly awaiting the releases of major titles and contributing to a vibrant cinematic landscape. As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on the box office numbers to see just how high they can soar.