'The Lion King' adaptation titled 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Continues to Sit atop Weekend Cinema Earnings
'The Lion King' adaptation titled 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Continues to Sit atop Weekend Cinema Earnings
Disney's adaptation of Mufasa: The Lion King is expected to maintain its reign at the box office with no significant competitors challenging its position this weekend.
Mufasa: The Lion King started modestly in its opening weekend of December 20-22, securing the second spot on the North American box office chart behind Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Nevertheless, the prequel to the 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King found its stride during the five-day Christmas box office period, ultimately claiming the top spot.
According to projections from Deadline, Mufasa: The Lion King is forecasted to earn an estimated $23.8 million from 3,925 theaters, securing the No. 1 position for a second consecutive week. If these estimates hold true, the film's domestic earnings will rise to $168.6 million by Sunday.
With no significant new releases on the horizon, several recently launched films are battling for the box office throne alongside Mufasa.
The closest rival to Mufasa is Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which is expected to earn $21.2 million from 3,746 theaters, securing the No. 2 spot. If these estimates hold, the Paramount Pictures release will increase its domestic earnings to $187.5 million, reported Deadline.
Audiences Continue to Embrace the Allure of 'Nosferatu' at the Box Office
According to Deadline's projections, director Robert Eggers' vampire thriller Nosferatu is anticipated to secure the No. 3 spot on the weekend box office chart, earning $13.2 million from 3,132 North American theaters. If these estimates hold, the Focus Features horror film's North American earnings will surpass $69.4 million.
Disney's Moana 2 is predicted to earn an estimated $112.4 million from 3,345 theaters, placing the film in the No. 3 position. If these estimates are accurate, the film's running tally will increase to $425.5 million by Sunday, as reported by Deadline.
The No. 5 position is contested by Universal Pictures' Wicked, which Deadline predicts will earn $10.2 million from 3,287 venues. If these estimates hold, the tally of the big-screen adaptation of the classic Broadway musical will rise to $450.7 million.
Wicked debuted in theaters nationwide on Nov. 22 and became available on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Dec. 31.
Note: This box office report is subject to updates throughout the weekend, with the most recent domestic and international box office numbers. The final figures for this weekend's box office will be released on Monday.
The highly anticipated sequel, 'Moana 2', is projected to earn a significant sum of $112.4 million from 3,345 theaters, potentially securing the third spot at the box office.
In a different genre, the classic Broadway musical adaptation, 'Wicked', is expected to earn $10.2 million from 3,287 venues, adding to its existing domestic earnings.
Although not a direct competitor to Disney's films, 'Nosferatu', the director Robert Eggers' vampire thriller, is projected to earn $13.2 million, solidifying its position in the top three this weekend.