From CNBC: 2024-06-16 12:00:55

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” debuted with a stunning $155 million domestically, the second-highest opening for an animated film. The film is projected to earn $295 million globally for its debut weekend. The booming success marks a positive turn for both Pixar and Disney after pandemic struggles at the box office.

The film is the fifth Pixar feature to exceed $100 million during its opening weekend in North America. Around 12 million viewers watched the film, making it the second-biggest opening for Pixar after “The Incredibles 2.” The strong performance is a significant win for theaters and Pixar in the current challenging box office landscape.

2024 has seen a decline in box office sales compared to previous years, with fewer blockbuster releases. The absence of a Marvel Cinematic Universe title for the first time since 2009 has impacted sales, with Universal’s “The Fall Guy” only opening to $28 million. This shift could lead to an $800 million drop compared to 2023 in summer box office earnings.

“Inside Out 2” has offered a glimmer of hope in the box office landscape, surpassing other major releases of 2024. Despite ongoing changes in consumer behavior and evolving strategies, the film’s success showcases that Disney and Pixar maintain their commercial appeal. Exciting upcoming releases, such as Marvel’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,” are set to contribute to box office recovery.

The remainder of the year promises more big hits, including “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Joker: Folie a Deux,” and “Venom: The Last Dance.” November brings highly anticipated sequels like “Gladiator II,” “Moana 2,” and “Wicked,” while December closes out with “Kraven the Hunter,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”



Read more at CNBC: ‘Inside Out 2’ box office opening hits $155 million domestically