Thank goodness the gang of anthropomorphic animals are back. Ditto for the Witches of Oz.
After a tough fall for theater owners, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2 and Universal’s Wicked: For good are collectively cooking up just the feast they needed at the Thanksgiving box office.
Zootopia 2 opened to a near-record $39.5 million on Wednesday, including a likewise near-best $10.2 million in Tuesday previews. That puts the sequel on track to post a better-than-expected five-day holiday opening of $140 million-plus (rivals think it could easily come in higher). there is something for families to see at the multiplex after a long dry spell for such fare.
Opening-day milestones include the second-best start ever for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving behind fellow Disney hit Moana 2 ($57.9 million) and third-best opening day ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios title after Moana 2 ($57.9M) and Frozen 2 ($42.2M). The animation studio has long dominated the holiday, and this year is no different.
Zootopia 2 has won over critics and audiences alike,between glowing reviews and stellar exits,including an A CinemaScore and a 95 percent audience ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.
The news is just as good overseas, where Zootopia 2 finished Wednesday with an early foreign total of $41.6 million and $81.1 million globally. The biggest headline is China, where the family film launched to a record smashing $34 million – the highest opening day ever for an animated film, and – yes, this is not a joke – the biggest first day for any Hollywood movie as May 2021.
And it’s the top opening day of the year to date for an animated
Zootopia 2 Dominates Early thanksgiving Box Office, wicked: For Good Soars Past $200 Million
Zootopia 2 is proving to be a major success, earning rave reviews and dominating the early Thanksgiving box office, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The sequel to the 2016 Oscar-winning animated film is being lauded for its “dazzling visuals, sophisticated humor and doses of genuine emotion.”
The film reunites Ginnifer Goodwin as the optimistic rabbit judy Hopps and Jason Bateman as the sly fox Nick wilde, now partners on the Zootopia police force under the command of Chief Bogo, voiced by Idris elba. Their latest case involves tracking down a mysterious interloping snake, brought to life by Ke Huy Quan.
Simultaneously occurring, Wicked: For Good is also experiencing critically important success, surpassing $200 million in North American ticket sales just seven days after its release. The musical adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and ariana Grande, earned $17.2 million on Wednesday, bringing its North American cumulative gross to $194.6 million.It is projected to gross nearly $13 million on Thursday.
Wicked: For Good broke numerous box office records upon its debut, including becoming the highest-grossing opening weekend for a Broadway musical adaptation. It is currently on track to earn $93 million over the five-day thanksgiving holiday, pushing its domestic total past $268.5 million by Sunday.
While Zootopia 2 is currently leading the Thanksgiving box office, Wicked: For Good is expected to come in second. Box office estimates are subject to change as the holiday weekend continues.