Hollywood’s summer anxieties gave way to joy this weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.” The animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales from 4,440 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, according to studio estimates Sunday. This marks the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s history and the second-biggest animated opening ever, just behind “Incredibles 2,” which earned $182.7 million in 2018.
Inside Out 2- Record-Breaking International Performance
Internationally, “Inside Out 2” brought in an estimated $140 million, leading to a record-breaking global start of $295 million. This success surpasses expectations, with Tony Chambers, head of theatrical distribution for Disney, expressing surprise at the film’s performance. “People go to the theaters for great movies,” Chambers said. “The reviews, the word of mouth just helped build this momentum … It’s becoming a bit of a phenomenon.”
Diverse Audience Appeal
The film’s success is attributed to its wide-ranging appeal across different demographics and age groups. Profiting from the post-COVID cinema resurgence, it underscores the importance of attracting multicultural audiences for breakout success. The positive reviews and strong word of mouth have significantly contributed to its momentum.
A Turning Point for Pixar and Hollywood
For Pixar, “Inside Out 2” marks a significant return to form after a series of underwhelming releases, including “Elemental” and “Lightyear.” This triumph is crucial not only for Pixar but also for the broader Hollywood ecosystem, signaling a positive turn for theatrical exhibitions, which had been struggling with a 26% deficit. “Everybody needed this because success begets success,” Chambers noted, highlighting the film’s impact on the industry.
Upcoming Releases and Market Impact
Disney’s successful streak continues with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” currently in its sixth weekend, and anticipation builds for “Deadpool & Wolverine” releasing on July 26. Kelsey Mann directed “Inside Out 2,” featuring Riley as she turns 13, with new emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri) joining Joy (Amy Poehler). The film received glowing reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and an A CinemaScore, indicating potential for sustained box office performance.
Industry-Wide Optimism
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, emphasized the film’s significance for the industry, calling it “a monumental weekend for movie theaters.” Estimated to have cost around $200 million to produce, excluding marketing expenses, “Inside Out 2” was initially tracking for a $90 million debut, making its $155 million opening particularly remarkable.
Box Office Highlights
- “Inside Out 2” – $155 million
- “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” – $33 million
- “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” – $5.2 million
- “The Garfield Movie” – $5 million
- “The Watchers” – $3.7 million
- “IF” – $3.5 million
- “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” – $2.4 million
- “The Fall Guy” – $1.5 million
- “The Strangers: Chapter 1” – $760,000
- “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” – $632,910
Recommitment to Theatrical Releases
The success of “Inside Out 2” represents Disney’s recommitment to theatrical releases after sending several Pixar films directly to Disney+ during the pandemic. This shift back to theaters, coupled with Pixar’s recent workforce reductions and strategic refocus, marks a significant transition period for the studio. Dergarabedian remarked, “They’ve really come back big,” underscoring Pixar’s successful rebound.
Conclusion
The weekend’s success for “Inside Out 2” is a promising sign for the future of theatrical releases and the broader film industry. With theaters buzzing with activity and families engaging with the film, the outlook for the summer movie season is optimistic. Jeff Whipple, a vice president for Megaplex Theaters, noted the palpable excitement, predicting continued strong performance as word of mouth spreads.
This opening serves as a turning point, setting the stage for a dynamic and successful summer box office season.
