Disney Wish Falls Short at Holiday Weekend Box Office
In the wake of the underwhelming performance of Disney Animation’s sci-fi adventure “Strange World” last year, the studio had high hopes for its latest venture, “Wish,” especially during its centenary year. Positioned as a fairy-tale tribute to Disney’s animated classics, “Wish” was anticipated to cast a spell on audiences and carry the studio to new heights.
While “Wish” has fared better than its predecessor, “Strange World,” which struggled to reach a $73.6 million global lifetime total, it hasn’t fulfilled the grand aspirations of Disney’s executive team. The estimated five-day opening of $49 million in North America, securing a third-place position, coupled with $17.3 million from 27 first-wave international markets, leaves much to be desired.
Related – Disney’s “Wish” Press Conference Highlights
Directed by the duo behind the successful “Frozen” films, Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, “Wish” inevitably draws comparisons to its blockbuster predecessors. However, the bar set by “Frozen,” with its $1.33 billion worldwide earnings, proves a formidable challenge for “Wish” to reach. A more fitting comparison may be “Encanto,” released in 2021, which has amassed $256.8 million to date.
In North America, “Encanto” opened on Thanksgiving weekend two years ago with a robust five-day total of $40.6 million, surpassing “Wish” by 28%. While the international launches of the two films followed different patterns, Disney estimates that “Wish” and “Encanto” are on par in foreign markets released so far.
Related – Time to shine with Disney’s Wish Collection from Scentsy
China leads the international box office for “Wish,” with an estimated $3.5 million, followed by the UK/Ireland ($3.0 million), Mexico ($2.1 million), and Spain ($1.5 million). Several key markets, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, are yet to release, with staggered dates strategically aligned with local holidays.
Animated and family films released in November traditionally benefit from strong sustains, fueled by the start of school holidays and the festive season. Disney remains optimistic that “Wish” will prove to be a marathon at the box office, hoping for a sustained and successful run rather than a mere sprint.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!