" The animated sequel, which arrives this weekend, is expected to have a strong domestic opening, surpassing $85 million and potentially reaching $100 million in ticket sales. This would make it the highest debut of any film released in the United States and Canada in 2024.

As the film industry continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, Disney is confident in the success of "Inside Out 2." The company's optimism is reflected in its decision to give the film a 100-day theatrical run, a rarity in today's landscape for animated features and non-blockbuster action films. This extended run demonstrates Disney's commitment to the big screen and underscores their belief in the film's potential.

Already, "Inside Out 2" has generated $13 million from Thursday night preview showings in North America. Comparatively, the previous Pixar film, "Toy Story 4," garnered $12 million during its Thursday previews and went on to earn $120.9 million in its opening weekend.

The pandemic presented challenges for both Walt Disney Animation and Pixar, as they struggled to regain their foothold at the box office after restrictions were lifted and audiences returned to theaters. Disney's strategy of releasing several animated features directly on its streaming service, Disney+, during the closures and even after theaters reopened, affected the performance of their theatrical releases. This shift in consumer behavior saw audiences primarily seeking out new Disney titles on streaming platforms rather than in theaters.

"Inside Out 2" serves as a barometer for the health and future of Pixar as it looks to regain the industry's goodwill and capture audiences' attention. The success of the film over its opening weekend and throughout its theatrical run will be closely watched by box office experts.

Notably, Disney's decision to forgo a traditional premium video on-demand window sets it apart from other studios. Instead of opting for an intermediate rental option, "Inside Out 2" will be exclusively available on the company's streaming service, Disney+, once its 100-day theatrical run concludes. This strategy emphasizes the film's "must-see" status on the big screen and reinforces Disney's dedication to the cinematic experience.

The original "Inside Out" film, released in 2015, was a major success, earning over $850 million at the global box office. With high expectations for its sequel, Disney aims to recreate that success and boost the fortunes of Pixar. The theatrical window and strong opening projections indicate that Disney is committed to prioritizing the big screen experience for its beloved animated films.

As the industry continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and the aftermath of the pandemic, the optimal theatrical window remains a topic of debate among studios, cinemas, and industry insiders. The shifting dynamics have prompted studios to reconsider the traditional 90-day exclusivity period and negotiate unique deals with cinema chains to maximize their films' promotional and financial benefits.

The success of "Inside Out 2" will not only have an impact on Disney and Pixar but also serve as an industry indicator for how audiences respond to animated features in theaters. With a promising opening and a lengthy theatrical run, Disney is betting on the return of audiences to cinemas and the enduring appeal of Pixar's storytelling magic.