After trailing behind Sonic the Hedgehog 3 during its debut weeks, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King has started 2025 on a triumphant note, securing the No. 1 spot at the box office in its third weekend. According to The Wrap, the photorealistic animated prequel is projected to add $24 million to its domestic earnings this weekend, narrowly beating Sonic 3, which is estimated to bring in $20.7 million.
Though Mufasa had a lukewarm start with a $35 million opening weekend, its performance has steadily improved. In an unexpected turn, the film experienced a second-weekend gain, grossing $36.8 million during the post-Christmas window, outperforming its debut. Meanwhile, Sonic 3, which opened stronger, saw a 38% drop in its second weekend, barely holding onto the top spot until now.
Both films have already crossed the $400 million mark globally, with Sonic 3 breaking franchise records. However, Mufasa appears to have found its stride thanks to strong family attendance and word-of-mouth.
Directed by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a prequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake, offering an original story and new music by Disney favorite Lin-Manuel Miranda. While it’s unlikely to match the staggering $1.6 billion global gross of its predecessor, Mufasa has proven it’s far from a box-office flop.
Disney has historically seen family-friendly films thrive in January, and Mufasa is poised to continue benefiting from its upward momentum. Fans and critics alike are celebrating this visually stunning, emotionally driven adventure as it carves out its own legacy in the Lion King franchise.
