“Toy Story 5” generated $17.5 million in Thursday preview screenings, marking the highest preview performance for the franchise and the second-highest for an animated film in history, according to Deadline. Industry analysts project an opening weekend haul between $140 million and $175 million as the summer box office gains momentum.
How Does Toy Story 5 Compare to Previous Animated Blockbusters?
The $17.5 million Thursday figure places “Toy Story 5” just behind the all-time record holder for animated previews, 2018’s “Incredibles 2,” which earned $18.5 million. According to Variety, the film is expected to comfortably surpass the $120 million opening weekend set by its predecessor, “Toy Story 4.” This performance signals a robust return to theaters for family audiences, following the $434 million domestic gross of the fourth installment.
Did you know? While “Toy Story 5” is dominating the current cycle, it faces stiff competition from established genres. Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” currently leads the domestic market with $61.2 million, while the horror film “Obsession” has pulled in $32.2 million, per Deadline.
What Is Driving the 2026 Summer Box Office Surge?
The success of “Toy Story 5” acts as the opening act for a high-traffic summer season. Market analysts point to a “stacked” release calendar that includes major tentpole films. Christopher Nolan’s upcoming “The Odyssey” has already generated significant secondary market activity, with some IMAX 70mm tickets appearing on eBay for as much as $1,000 following initial ticket sale disruptions at major chains like AMC and Fandango, as reported by Forbes.
How Are Audiences and Critics Responding to New Releases?
Critical and audience sentiment remains a primary indicator of box office longevity. “Toy Story 5” currently holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This alignment between critics and general moviegoers is mirrored by the anticipation for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” According to Deadline, that Marvel release recently posted the strongest first-day pre-sales in five years, suggesting that audiences are increasingly willing to commit to major franchises well in advance of release dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the Thursday preview total for Toy Story 5? The film earned $17.5 million, according to Deadline.
- Is Toy Story 5 expected to break opening weekend records? Analysts expect an opening between $140 million and $175 million, which would exceed the $120 million opening of “Toy Story 4.”
- Which other films are impacting the current box office? “Disclosure Day” and “Obsession” are currently the primary drivers of domestic revenue alongside the new Pixar release.
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