Moana 2 might have to struggle for IMAX and other large-format screens -- Wicked Part One and Gladiator 2 opening the same day will probably mean they'll have to split showtimes (say, the first movie gets the matinees and the latter the nighttime screenings; this happened last Christmas with Wonka and Aquaman 2) as is, so Moana 2 might have to settle for matinees only the following week depending on how well those films perform.
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Moana 2 (Disney Animation - November 2024)
- Thread starter DCBaker
- Start date
Yeah, 5 days might not seem like much for breathing room but I think the holiday lineup is thin enough that they'll both have plenty of time to make money.
A lot of people seem to forget that Dune did the same thing back in 2021. The actual title of the movie is Dune Part One, but the posters, etc. didn't say as much.
BrianLo
Well-Known Member
That's very true, but with the title missing as well, this is a particularly egregious case. The only reason I even know it's being hidden is people bringing it up here.
I don't mind per say, as the first act is good enough to support a movie. But it's a purposeful choice they are making that I wonder if there will be any backlash over.
Tha Realest
Well-Known Member
These things are contracted out well in advance, and doesn’t look like there’s any room on the dance card, alas.
Disgruntled Walt
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Gotta save room for the sure-fire hit, Kraven the Hunter!
Tha Realest
Well-Known Member
I don’t think it’ll do better at all. But these things are booked out like a year in advance. That doesn’t necessarily exclude Lie-Max (non IMAX) large screen bookings, but IMAX official screens are spoken for.
Of course that’s what happens to films that were TV shows a few months ago.
I admit I didn't even consider that would be an issue with Moana 2 -- it wasn't intended for theaters or even the Burbank unit, so it's even doubtful it could be optimized for IMAX, Dolby Cinema, etc. in less than a year on top of everything else that has to be changed (3D is another story). At least they'll get their premium screens with Mufasa - The Lion King at the end of December, presumably.
Tha Realest
Well-Known Member
Oh it hadn’t occurred to me to think about the resolution / scale issue. I was thinking moreso the jockeying that goes on for IMAX screen access:
The Fight for Imax: How Studios Beg and Barter to Get ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Oppenheimer’ and More Blockbusters on Premium Screens
At the movies, there are tense negotiations between studios and Imax to secure all-important premium screens.
variety.com
Yeah, I get what you mean. It's just that even if Moana 2 had an in at this late date - like what happened with The Marvels last year when Dune Part Two was pushed back - it would have to be an IMAX-optimized title. My understanding is that all recent Pixar and Disney in-house animated films are optimized for IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 3D, etc. (including the ones that ended up sent straight to streaming), but Moana 2 wasn't intended for theaters from the get go.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
That sort of work would be done towards the end of production.
DisneyWarrior27
Well-Known Member
Which is why Moana 2 still has a chance of an IMAX release now.
Tha Realest
Well-Known Member
IMAX has contracts to set aside their screens for certain films. Between the films currently contracted, there is likely no availability during the release window.
A movie that was contracted to be IMAX moved its date. So, theoretically, there's now no movies scheduled for those IMAX screens that week.
DisneyWarrior27
Well-Known Member
Mmm hmm. All the more reason why Moana 2 may get IMAX screens now.
Which one? Gladiator II and Wicked Part One both open 5 days before Moana 2 and they'll be sharing IMAX screens.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Wicked moved as it was originally opening Thanksgiving against Moana 2. Which means its not guaranteed its IMAX screens for Thanksgiving week, allowing Disney to swoop in and take them if they choose.
Tha Realest
Well-Known Member
Five days. They’re not losing their IMAX rights over five days.
Disney Irish
Premium Member
Why are you privy to the contract, do you know that for a fact?
As Wicked moved dates it lost any guaranteed rights to those screens for those dates. And would also have to have a new contract for the new dates. And as Gladiator 2 is opening the same weekend as Wicked and already has its own IMAX release, Wicked would be fighting for the premium formats including IMAX for its opening weekend. If Uni's goal was to lock up IMAX for Wicked they really blundered on that one, they should have kept Wicked Thanksgiving release date.
Its also not unusual for a movie to only have one weekend of IMAX screens.
Now I'm not saying that Disney is going to have an IMAX release with Moana 2. I'm just saying that with Wicked moving release dates it opens up the possibility.
DisneyWarrior27
Well-Known Member
A Quiet Place: Day One only had IMAX screens for 5 days. Dont just assume Wicked and Gladiator II will keep their IMAX screens past 5 days.