Inside Out 2 Surges with $155 Million Domestically, Bringing Hope to Box Office

Disney and Pixar have hit a home run at the box office with the release of "Inside Out 2," which debuted with an estimated $155 million domestically. This marks the second-highest theatrical opening of an animated film and the first film to surpass $100 million during its debut since Warner Bros.' "Barbie".

"Inside Out 2" is not only making waves domestically but is also expected to rake in a whopping $295 million globally for the weekend. This points to a resounding success for Disney and Pixar, as audiences eagerly flocked to theaters to experience the highly anticipated sequel.

Impact on the Industry

The impressive debut of "Inside Out 2" has been hailed as a significant win for theaters and the animation industry as a whole. It signals a resurgence for Disney and Pixar, who faced challenges in regaining their foothold at the box office following pandemic-related restrictions and shifts in consumer behavior.

Disney had previously chosen to release some animated features directly on Disney+, leading to a shift in consumer behavior towards seeking out new Disney titles on streaming platforms rather than in theaters. Additionally, concerns were raised about the existential themes and social issues depicted in Disney's content, which some felt were beyond the comprehension of children.