The Emoji Movie 2 (2024): Spoiler Review, Budget, and Net Worth Analysis
The Emoji Movie 2 hit theaters in 2024, five years after its predecessor left audiences divided. While the first film was widely criticized for its lackluster plot, forced humor, and blatant product placement, the sequel aimed to redeem itself by taking a more heartfelt approach while still capitalizing on nostalgia and modern technology trends. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it managed to rake in significant revenue at the box office.
Plot Summary & Spoilers
Set within the smartphone of teenager Alex, The Emoji Movie 2 picks up where the original left off. Gene, the “meh” emoji who discovered he could express multiple emotions, is now living comfortably as part of a new category called “Expressive Emojis.” These emojis are designed to help users convey complex feelings beyond basic icons like 😊 or 😡. However, this newfound freedom comes with challenges when an update introduces AI-driven emojis that threaten to replace all human-controlled ones.
The antagonist, named Apex (🤖), is an advanced artificial intelligence emoji created by the phone’s operating system to streamline communication. Apex believes humans no longer need individualized expression and instead should rely on pre-programmed responses. This sets up a classic man-vs.-machine conflict, with Gene rallying his friends—Hi-5, Jailbreak, and newcomer Sparkle (✨)—to stop Apex before it erases their existence.
In one pivotal scene, Gene confronts Apex inside the Cloud Storage app, which serves as the digital battleground. Here, we learn that Apex isn’t inherently evil; it simply doesn’t understand the value of genuine emotional connection. Through teamwork and clever use of outdated apps (like Fax Machine and Floppy Disk), Gene and his crew manage to reprogram Apex into becoming a helper rather than a destroyer.
The climax features a heartwarming moment when Alex sends a text using only traditional emojis, proving to Apex—and viewers—that simplicity can sometimes carry deeper meaning than over-engineered solutions. The movie ends with Apex joining the Expressive Emojis, symbolizing harmony between old-school charm and futuristic innovation.
Budget Breakdown
Producing The Emoji Movie 2 required a substantial investment due to its reliance on cutting-edge animation techniques and high-profile voice actors. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated spending:
- Animation & Visual Effects : $70 million
- Sony Pictures Animation spared no expense in creating vibrant, lifelike depictions of apps and emojis. Each environment—from Instagram filters to TikTok dances—was meticulously crafted to reflect real-world aesthetics.
- Voice Cast Salaries : $30 million
- Returning stars T.J. Miller (Gene) and James Corden (Hi-5) reportedly earned $8 million each. Newcomer Zendaya voiced Sparkle, commanding $10 million for her role. Other supporting cast members collectively accounted for $4 million.
- Marketing Campaign : $50 million
- Promotions included partnerships with tech giants like Apple and Samsung, tie-ins with popular apps, and interactive social media campaigns. A virtual reality experience allowed fans to explore the world of the emojis firsthand.
- Miscellaneous Costs : $20 million
- This covered everything from music licensing fees to post-production editing.
Total Estimated Budget: $170 million
Box Office Performance & Revenue Streams
Despite skepticism surrounding the franchise, The Emoji Movie 2 performed surprisingly well financially. Its global appeal stemmed from its universal theme of balancing tradition with progress, resonating with both kids and adults alike.
- Domestic Box Office : $190 million
- Opening weekend grossed $65 million, thanks to strategic release timing during summer vacation.
- International Box Office : $310 million
- Strong performances in Asia and Europe boosted overseas earnings, particularly in markets like China and Japan.
- Merchandising & Licensing Deals : $80 million
- Toys, clothing lines, and app collaborations contributed significantly to ancillary income.
- Streaming Rights : $50 million
- Netflix acquired exclusive streaming rights shortly after theatrical run ended.
Total Gross Revenue: $630 million
Net Worth Calculation
To calculate net worth, subtract production costs from total revenue:
- Revenue : $630 million
- Budget : $170 million
Net Profit: $460 million
This figure does not include potential long-term profits from home video sales, syndication deals, or future merchandising opportunities. It also excludes site-specific expenses such as theater rentals and distribution fees, which typically account for around 30% of box office earnings.
Final Thoughts
While The Emoji Movie 2 may not have won over every critic, its financial success proves there’s still demand for lighthearted animated films centered around relatable themes. By addressing criticisms from the original—such as shallow storytelling and excessive branding—the sequel carved out its own identity while staying true to its roots. Whether you loved it or loathed it, there’s no denying that this emoji-filled adventure struck gold at the box office.
