Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has taken Nigerian cinemas by storm, crossing the impressive ₦300 million milestone within four weeks of its release. As of December 22, 2024, the animated adventure has raked in ₦303.5 million, cementing its status as one of the year’s top-grossing films in Nigeria.
The film premiered on November 29 and started strong with ₦12.4 million from advanced screenings across 37 locations in Nigeria. By its second week, Moana 2 had gained significant momentum, pulling in an additional ₦78.1 million to reach a total of ₦216.8 million. By its third weekend, the sequel had firmly established itself as a box office favorite, boasting the third-largest opening weekend performance of the year in Nigeria with ₦106.4 million.
Despite stiff competition from other blockbusters like Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Moana 2 has demonstrated incredible staying power. Globally, the film has earned $790 million, with $360 million from domestic markets and $430 million from international territories. Projections suggest it will cross $900 million by next weekend, positioning it as a potential contender to overtake Despicable Me 4’s $970 million haul.
Moana 2 owes its success to a blend of dazzling animation, a captivating story, and heartfelt themes of courage, family, and self-discovery. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film features the voices of Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Nicole Scherzinger, among others. Initially planned as a streaming series, the sequel transitioned into a theatrical release, delivering a cinematic experience that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
In Nigeria, the film’s sustained box office performance highlights the growing appetite for international animated features and the universal appeal of the Moana franchise. With the holiday season in full swing, Moana 2 continues to dominate theaters, providing family-friendly entertainment that audiences can’t get enough of.
As the sequel races toward potentially becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of 2024, it further solidifies Disney’s hold on the animation industry, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
