Box Office Victory of ‘Mufasa’ and ‘Sonic 3’

Box Office: Victory of ‘Mufasa’ and ‘Sonic 3’

The holiday box office wrapped up with two major contenders, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3, each claiming a share of the victory. Mufasa emerged as the leader over the five-day Christmas corridor (Wednesday through Sunday), earning an estimated $63.8 million, while Sonic 3 trailed slightly with $60.4 million. However, when looking at the traditional three-day weekend (Friday through Sunday), Sonic 3 narrowly edged out Mufasa with $38 million compared to $37.1 million, cementing its popularity among audiences.

Sonic 3 proved to be a dominant force, reaching $137.6 million domestically through Sunday and breaking the $100 million milestone on Friday alone. Its international performance was equally impressive, earning a series-best $74 million from key overseas markets, bringing its global total to $211.5 million. For Paramount, the film’s success marks a significant win as the studio prepares for leadership under David Ellison. The hedgehog’s crowd-pleasing charm and consistent momentum solidified it as a favorite this season.

While Mufasa initially lagged behind in North America, it rebounded strongly during Christmas week, amassing a domestic total of $113.5 million by Sunday. On the international front, the Lion King prequel performed exceptionally well, topping overseas charts with $77.1 million for a foreign tally of $214.5 million. Its global earnings now stand at an impressive $328 million, proving its enduring appeal to families and fans of Disney’s iconic franchise. Despite a slower start, Mufasa showcased resilience, making its mark as a top box-office player this holiday.

The robust performances of Mufasa and Sonic 3 capped off a strong end to the year for cinemas, which have seen a surge in attendance since Thanksgiving. With these two blockbusters leading the charge, the box office deficit from the prior year narrowed significantly, signaling a promising rebound for the industry. Alongside other holiday hits like Nosferatu and A Complete Unknown, Mufasa and Sonic 3 exemplify the diverse offerings that are drawing audiences back to theaters in droves.

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