Pixar is finally back in fighting form with the release of their 28th movie, “Inside Out 2,” which has taken the box office by storm. The Disney-owned animation studio saw an estimated $145 million in North American ticket sales from Thursday night to Sunday, marking a triumphant return after a challenging period due to the pandemic.
The success of “Inside Out 2” marks the second-biggest opening weekend in Pixar’s history, only behind the superhero sequel “Incredibles 2.” The film exceeded expectations, with analysts initially predicting around $90 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada for the weekend.
The movie also performed well internationally, bringing in an additional $125 million in partial release overseas, bringing its worldwide opening total to approximately $270 million. Despite the high production and marketing costs, “Inside Out 2” has proven to be a hit with both critics and audiences, receiving exceptional reviews and an A grade from CinemaScore exit polls.
Pixar’s recent struggles, including the online release of three consecutive films and the underperformance of “Lightyear,” raised questions about the studio’s future. However, with the success of “Inside Out 2,” Pixar seems to have regained its footing and reestablished its connection with audiences.
The studio has made changes to its upcoming projects, delaying original films and focusing on sequels like “Toy Story 5.” Additionally, Pixar recently announced a shift away from making original shows for Disney+ and laid off employees as part of a retrenchment strategy.
Disney’s use of its streaming service as a promotional tool for “Inside Out 2” also played a role in the film’s success, with Disney+ subscribers receiving a special offer for a $10 credit towards a ticket purchase. The strategic marketing move generated buzz among fans and contributed to the film’s strong opening weekend performance.
Overall, the success of “Inside Out 2” signals a promising new chapter for Pixar, reaffirming the studio’s position as a powerhouse in the animation industry.
