Since its release, Moana 2 has been a major player at the box office, breaking records and captivating audiences worldwide.

The Disney sequel, which premiered just before the holiday season, quickly became one of only three films to cross the $1 billion mark globally.

With a star-studded cast led by Dwayne Johnson, the film had a spectacular opening, collecting over $220 million in domestic earnings during its first holiday week. However, despite its impressive performance, the film is now nearing the end of its theatrical run, and it seems it will fall just shy of a critical milestone: $1.05 billion.

A Glorious Start and Early Success

The film's journey began with a roar, as Moana 2 earned a staggering $139 million during its opening weekend. This performance secured it the top spot at the box office, where it stayed strong for weeks. Even as the numbers began to drop in the following weekends, the movie continued to hold its ground.

In its second and third weekends, Moana 2 still managed to bring in $51 million and $26 million, respectively, despite the noticeable declines of 63% and 48% in earnings. These figures were more than enough to maintain its dominance in the market, making it clear that the film had captured the hearts of moviegoers.

The Shift in the Box Office Battle

However, by mid-December, the box office landscape began to shift. As Moana 2 began to show signs of slowing down, newer films like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King entered the competition.

By the week of December 20, nearly a month after its premiere, Moana 2 finally relinquished its top position to Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This was a significant moment in the film's run, signaling that the box office battle was becoming increasingly competitive. The following week, the animated sequel even fell behind Wicked, a musical that managed to take in $14 million, surpassing Moana 2's $13 million.

Will Moana 2 Hit $1.05 Billion?

As of the most recent weekend, Moana 2 stands at a worldwide gross of $1.044 billion. While this is still an extraordinary achievement, the film is unlikely to reach the $1.05 billion milestone before it completes its theatrical run. With only $1 million added this weekend and the film's earnings slowing down significantly, it seems that Moana 2 will just miss this milestone.

This is a notable moment in the film's journey, as hitting $1.05 billion would have marked a significant achievement in its box office performance, signaling a strong and lasting impact on audiences.

The Digital Release and Streaming Future

Despite the slowing box office numbers, the movie has already made its digital debut. Released on January 28, Moana 2 quickly became one of the most-watched films on Video On Demand (VOD), competing with other major titles such as Gladiator 2 and Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

The film's availability on digital platforms allowed fans to enjoy it in the comfort of their homes, further extending its reach and influence. However, there has been no official word on when Moana 2 will arrive on Disney+.

Based on Disney's usual model, it's likely that the movie will hit the streaming service around 100 days after its theatrical release. If the timeline follows the pattern of past Disney films, we can expect Moana 2 to make its streaming debut sometime in mid-March, allowing fans who prefer to watch from home the chance to experience the adventure all over again.

The Final Stretch: A Bittersweet Conclusion

As we near the end of Moana 2's box office run, it's clear that this film has had a profound impact. While it might fall short of the $1.05 billion mark, it remains one of the highest-grossing films of the year and a significant part of Disney's legacy.

The movie's commercial success is a testament to its widespread appeal and the enduring popularity of the Moana franchise. As it winds down its run in theaters, we can only reflect on the incredible journey this film has had and look forward to its streaming debut in the coming months.

For those of us who were captivated by Moana 2's story, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances, there's no doubt that this film will remain a favorite for years to come. We'll be eagerly awaiting its release on Disney+ and can't wait to see what the future holds for this animated classic.

See you at the movies, Lykkers!

Moana 2's Close Call

Video: Rotten Tomatoes Family