Disney’s $200 million ‘Mufasa’ has defied expectations, becoming a sleeper hit after a weak debut. The film, a photorealistic prequel to ‘The Lion King,’ initially collected just $35 million in its first weekend, but has since grossed over $600 million globally and domestic sales of around $211 million.
Analysts predict an additional $75-100 million boost to the worldwide total by the end of its run. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique marketing strategy, which leveraged social media attention on TikTok users singing original songs written for the movie. The viral sensation “I Always Wanted a Brother” helped amplify the trend, drawing in more viewers.
The film’s performance has also been influenced by competition easing following several new releases, including “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Wicked,” and Disney’s own “Moana 2.” The latter crossed $1 billion worldwide, becoming the studio’s third release of 2024 to do so.
Mufasa’s success marks a turning point for Disney Studios, with the film now poised to push into the box office top 10 for 2024. Despite initial doubts about its ability to revive investor confidence, “Mufasa” has proven to be a surprise hit, solidifying its place in the box office rankings.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/business/media/mufasa-lion-king-box-office.html