Disney’s latest venture, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ has had a rather slow start at the global box office. Opening to a $122.2 million worldwide debut, the prequel to the 2019 ‘The Lion King’ remake fell short as makers had anticipated a stronger roar from audiences. However, industry experts believe the film still has time to gain traction, especially with the holidays around the corner.
A Modest Start for a Majestic Story
Despite its connection to the beloved Lion King saga, Mufasa hasn’t matched the initial excitement. Domestically, the film faced stiff competition, while internationally, it earned $87.2 million. This is 29% ahead of Warner Bros. Wonka but below expectations for a Disney powerhouse.
The top-performing international markets included China ($7.8 million), France ($7.7 million), and Mexico ($7.1 million). While these numbers secured the film as the top opener in most European and Latin American markets, they remain significantly lower than The Lion King’s previous outings. Even in China, where Disney films often perform the best, Mufasa struggled to replicate the past success of its franchise.
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Factors like its status as a prequel and the busy holiday season likely contributed to the slow opening. Unlike a sequel, prequels often lack the same “must-see” urgency for audiences. Families, distracted by holiday activities, may also be waiting for a less hectic time to visit the theatres.
Mufasa- Room for Growth Over the Holidays
While the debut numbers may not be striking, Mufasa still has time to grow. As the holiday season comes in full swing, the film could see a rise in number. Families will find time for movie outings in the holiday spirit. Disney is also banking on its strong foothold in global markets, where the film has already topped the charts as the No. 1 non-local release.
Moreover, social scores for Mufasa have been positive, suggesting that word-of-mouth could play a role in its long-term performance. Analysts project a potential $600 million global finish. Even though that’s respectable, it’s far from the billion-dollar success of its predecessor.
Meanwhile, other Disney releases continue to perform well. Moana 2 is nearing the $800 million global mark, and Universal’s Wicked is solidifying its status as a top stage-to-screen adaptation. These successes underscore the competitive environment Mufasa must find its way through.
Although the prequel hasn’t roared as loud, it’s far from being a flop. With holidays right around the corner, this movie is the perfect opportunity to unwind and spend some quality time with your family.
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