Experience Disney’s “Moana 2” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” in IMAX Worldwide Later This Year

Rhea-AI Summary

IMAX (NYSE: IMAX) announced that Disney's "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King" will be shown in IMAX theaters globally later this year. "Moana 2", the sequel to the 2016 hit, will debut on November 27, while "Mufasa: The Lion King" will premiere on December 20. The Walt Disney Studios released a new poster and TV spot for "Moana 2", featuring a snippet of a new song called "We're Back".

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond expressed excitement about the films strengthening IMAX's year-end slate. Disney's EVP of Theatrical Distribution, Tony Chambers, highlighted the opportunity for audiences to experience these films on IMAX's screens worldwide. Both movies feature star-studded voice casts and are produced using advanced filmmaking techniques.

Positive

• Two highly anticipated Disney films, "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King", will be shown in IMAX theaters globally
• "Moana 2" debuts on November 27, while "Mufasa: The Lion King" premieres on December 20, potentially boosting IMAX's year-end revenue
• The previous "Lion King" film earned $63 million in IMAX globally, indicating potential for strong performance of the prequel
• Collaboration with Disney strengthens IMAX's partnership with a major studio and expands its content offerings

Negative

• None.

Insights

Entertainment Industry Analyst

The announcement of "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King" coming to IMAX theaters is a significant development for IMAX These Disney sequels have strong potential to drive substantial box office revenues, given the success of their predecessors. "Moana" (2016) was a global hit, while "The Lion King" (2019) generated $63 million in IMAX theaters alone.

This partnership strengthens IMAX's position in the premium theatrical experience market, especially during the important holiday season. The company's global network of 1,780 systems across 89 countries provides a wide distribution platform for these highly anticipated films. The use of IMAX's proprietary technology for these visually stunning animated features could attract audiences seeking an enhanced viewing experience, potentially boosting ticket sales and market share.

For investors, this news signals IMAX's continued ability to secure high-profile content, which is important for its business model. The company's strategy of partnering with major studios for blockbuster releases helps maintain its relevance in an evolving entertainment landscape. However, the overall impact will depend on the films' performance and broader cinema attendance trends.

Financial Analyst

This announcement has positive implications for IMAX's financial outlook. The company's revenue is heavily dependent on box office performance and securing two major Disney releases for the holiday season could significantly boost Q4 2024 earnings. Historical data suggests strong potential, with the previous "Lion King" release generating $63 million globally for IMAX.

Investors should note that IMAX's business model benefits from a higher per-ticket revenue compared to standard screenings. The premium pricing for these anticipated releases could drive higher margins. Additionally, the global reach of IMAX's 1,705 commercial multiplexes provides diversification against regional market fluctuations.

However, it's important to consider that IMAX's current market cap of $1.05 billion reflects existing expectations. The real financial impact will depend on factors such as marketing effectiveness, critical reception and overall cinema attendance trends. Investors should monitor pre-sale numbers and initial weekend performances as indicators of potential financial outcomes.

The Walt Disney Studios Unveils All-New Experience it in IMAX TV Spot and Poster for “Moana 2” Today

Watch an all-new spot for “Moana 2” HERE

PLAYA VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) today revealed that two of the year’s most highly anticipated films “Moana 2” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” will play across the IMAX global network later this year in partnership with The Walt Disney Studios.

(Photo: Business Wire)

Disney Animation’s “Moana 2” is the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 smash hit which arrives in the IMAX global network on November 27. Then beginning December 20, “Mufasa: The Lion King” will rule IMAX screens worldwide. The exciting prequel follows 2019’s groundbreaking “The Lion King,” which earned $63 million in IMAX globally.

Today, The Walt Disney Studios released a new poster and a brand-new TV spot for “Moana 2.” The spot highlights the new, big screen adventure for Moana and Maui and features a snippet of an all-new song from the film, “We’re Back.” The epic animated film opens in IMAX worldwide on November 27.

“‘Moana 2’ and ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ grow the legacy of two globally beloved franchises and further strengthen a very promising year-end slate for IMAX,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “Disney continues to do a wonderful job of delivering its iconic storytelling through the IMAX Experience, and we’re excited to work with our longstanding partners at the studio to bring these films to audiences worldwide.”

“We couldn’t be more excited that audiences around the world will be able to experience the joy and wonder of both these films on IMAX’s amazing screens,” commented Tony Chambers, EVP, Theatrical Distribution, The Walt Disney Studios.

About “Moana 2”
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

The voice cast also includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy^® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.

About “Mufasa: The Lion King”
Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” from Walt Disney Animation Studios enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on December 20.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2024, there were 1,780 IMAX systems (1,705 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 63 institutional) operating in 89 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970”.

IMAX^®, IMAX^® 3D, Experience It In IMAX^®, The IMAX Experience^®, DMR^®, Filmed For IMAX^®, IMAX LIVE™, and IMAX Enhanced^® are trademarks and trade names of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

IMAX Official Channels:
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#IMAX #Moana2

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926392244/en/

Jason Allen

IMAX

jallen@imax.com

Source: IMAX Corporation

FAQ

When will "Moana 2" be released in IMAX theaters?

"Moana 2" will be released in IMAX theaters globally on November 27, 2024.

What is the release date for "Mufasa: The Lion King" in IMAX?

"Mufasa: The Lion King" will premiere in IMAX theaters worldwide on December 20, 2024.

How much did the previous "Lion King" film earn in IMAX globally?

The 2019 "The Lion King" film earned $63 million in IMAX theaters globally.

What is the stock symbol for IMAX ?

IMAX 's stock symbol is NYSE: IMAX.