Disney's film slate has crossed the $2 billion mark globally this year, driven largely by the continued commercial dominance of "The Devil Wears Prada 2." The sequel earned $118.8 million worldwide in its second weekend, comprising $43 million domestically and $75.8 million internationally across 51 territories. The film maintains strong momentum with a -44% domestic drop and -46% international decline, reaching $433.2 million globally to date ($144.8 million domestic, $288.4 million international).
The fashion-focused sequel's performance reflects the enduring appeal of the original's IP and its star power, cementing 20th Century Studios' contribution to Disney's box office dominance this year. The studio's trajectory toward $2 billion underscores the importance of established franchises and sequels in the current theatrical landscape, where audiences gravitate toward recognizable properties with proven appeal.
Meanwhile, "Mortal Kombat II" launched with $63 million domestically, illustrating the challenging landscape for action franchises attempting to replicate prior success. The fighting game adaptation faces steep competition in a crowded marketplace, even as it represents significant studio investment in tentpole entertainment.
This weekend's results reveal the bifurcated nature of contemporary box office recovery. Legacy properties and fashion-forward narratives continue performing robustly, while new action franchises struggle to gain traction. Disney's early achievement of the $2 billion milestone reflects both the studio's strategic reliance on proven IP and audiences' preference for sequels over original properties. The performance data suggests theatrical exhibition remains viable for established franchises capable of generating word-of-mouth momentum and repeat attendance, though the competitive landscape for mid-tier action properties remains unforgiving.