This Thanksgiving, "Moana 2" is creating quite a stir, earning a whopping $28 million in just one day. Experts predict it could rake in over $175 million over the five-day holiday, surpassing the records set by "Frozen II" and "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. " Other blockbusters like "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" are also attracting large audiences. Initially planned as a Disney+ series, "Moana 2" made a surprise shift to a feature film after the success of the first movie on streaming platforms. Theaters, which have been struggling due to COVID-19 and Hollywood strikes, are hoping this big box office weekend will spark a much-needed revival.

The shift from a streaming series to a full-length film suggests a significant change in strategy by Disney. While streaming services have become popular, the draw of the big screen for major releases remains strong. Theaters, which have faced closures and reduced attendance due to the pandemic, need these blockbuster numbers to recover financially.

Other movies like "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" also indicate a trend toward big-budget productions aiming to bring audiences back to theaters. This could signal a shift in how studios release their content, potentially boosting the theater industry's recovery.

Moana 2's Cinema Splash: Hope for Theaters

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