Theater counts: Moana makes waves as the widest release for its third weekend

December 12, 2024

Weekend box office winner, Moana 2, firmly held onto its place atop the North American box office, repelling an onslaught of newcomers (and current challengers). The sequel collected just over $51 million over the three-day period for a 12-day total of $299 million and has since crossed the $300 million mark, currently enjoying a domestic total of $310 million. Two newcomers make their entrance this weekend prepared to challenge the reigning champ for the title.

The largest of the two films to debut this weekend is Kraven the Hunter. Releasing in 3,211 movie houses, including IMAX locations, the superhero film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared. The film is directed by J.C. Chandor and features an exceptional lineup of co-stars, including Russell Crowe, who plays Kraven’s father, Nikolai Kravinoff.

Also making its way into movie theaters this weekend is the anime Lord of the Rings feature, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. The film is set 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and marks the first anime film based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. Starting its run in 2,602 venues, the movie stars Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand, the hot-tempered king of Rohan who attempts to protect his people. The film opened to $1.8 million from 31 overseas markets last weekend and will debut in an additional 42 territories this weekend.

Rounding out the top five this weekend is the previously mentioned current titleholder with Moana 2, losing 200 locations this week, but still holding the top position with 4,000 theaters. Securely holding on to the second place spot is another $300 million earner in Wicked, still available in a wide 3,689 cinemas as it begins its fourth weekend on the big screen. Showing in 3,224 locations this weekend is the third- place finisher at the domestic box office, with Gladiator II enjoying 20-day domestic earnings of just north of $137 million. Lastly, there are still ample opportunities to see Red One before Christmas, as the film opens its fifth weekend, playing in 3,003 cinemas.

Looking ahead to next weekend, we see the arrival of three new wide releases making their cinematic launch. The widest is likely to be the latest in the The Lion King franchise with the debut of Mufasa: The Lion King. The musical drama from Walt Disney is projected to begin in approximately 3,900 locations. Opening in about 3,600 cinemas is another franchise film, this time in the form of a speedy hedgehog as Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise hits theaters. Finally, post-apocalyptic drama, Homestead, starring Neal McDonough will begin its run in theaters. We will update that number when we receive it.

Filed under: Theater Counts, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, The Lion King, Sonic The Hedgehog, Moana, Brian Cox, Russell Crowe, Neal McDonough, J.C. Chandor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson