Los Angeles, 28 June 2026 – Pixar’s Toy Story 5 continued to dominate the North American box office, holding off Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ Supergirl as family audiences kept the animated franchise firmly in first place.
The Disney and Pixar sequel is expected to earn about US$70 million in its second weekend, extending its strong run after opening with US$160 million domestically and US$312 million worldwide. That debut marked the biggest opening of 2026 so far and reinforced the enduring commercial power of the Toy Story brand.
By contrast, Supergirl is projected to land in second place with an opening weekend of around US$40 million. While the figure still gives the superhero film a visible launch, it falls short of the kind of blockbuster start typically associated with major comic-book releases.
The result highlights a changing box-office environment where franchise recognition remains powerful, but not all well-known intellectual property is performing equally. Family-friendly animation continues to show strong theatrical resilience when supported by nostalgia, broad audience appeal and premium-format demand.
Toy Story 5 benefits from decades of audience loyalty built around Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the franchise’s emotional storytelling. Its latest instalment also arrives at a time when parents and children remain responsive to familiar theatrical experiences that can appeal across generations.
The film’s strong performance is particularly important for Disney and Pixar. After several years of uneven theatrical results across the animation sector, the success of Toy Story 5 suggests that established franchises can still deliver major cinema turnout when audience trust remains intact.
For Supergirl, the opening reflects a more complicated superhero market. DC Studios has been working to rebuild momentum under a refreshed creative strategy, but audience fatigue around comic-book films remains a challenge. The film’s second-place debut suggests there is still interest in superhero storytelling, though the market may now demand stronger differentiation, critical response and word-of-mouth support.
The contrast between the two films also shows how theatrical audiences are becoming more selective. Viewers are still willing to show up for event releases, but they appear less willing to support every franchise entry automatically.
For cinemas, the weekend remains encouraging because two major studio films are drawing different audience segments. Animated family films, superhero titles and other event-driven releases remain crucial to sustaining theatre traffic during the summer season.
The performance of Toy Story 5 could also influence studio strategies across Hollywood. As production budgets rise and marketing costs remain high, studios may increasingly lean on proven brands, sequels and films with clear multi-generational appeal.
At the same time, Supergirl’s more modest opening serves as a reminder that franchise labels alone are no longer enough. The next phase of the box office will likely reward films that combine brand recognition with clear audience enthusiasm, strong reviews and a compelling reason to watch in cinemas.
The Ledger Asia Insights
The latest box-office results point to a broader shift in global entertainment economics. Audiences are not abandoning cinemas, but they are becoming more selective about what deserves a theatrical trip.
For Asian cinema operators and investors, Toy Story 5’s continued strength reinforces the value of family-driven franchise content. Animated films with strong emotional branding can perform across markets because they appeal to children, parents and nostalgic adult audiences at the same time.
Supergirl’s softer opening also matters. The superhero genre is no longer an automatic box-office guarantee. Studios now need sharper storytelling, stronger character positioning and better audience trust to convert awareness into ticket sales.
For Malaysia and Southeast Asia, the trend is relevant because cinemas remain highly dependent on Hollywood tentpoles, local blockbusters and regional franchise films. A strong summer slate can lift cinema attendance, food and beverage sales, mall traffic and entertainment-linked spending.
The key takeaway is that theatrical recovery is becoming more title-specific. Big brands still matter, but only when audiences believe the film offers a true event experience. Toy Story 5 shows the power of trust and nostalgia, while Supergirl shows that even major superhero properties must work harder in a more cautious box-office market.
