In a surprising turn of events during the four-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Mufasa: The Lion King, a live-action prequel to the beloved 1994 animated classic, took a last-minute victory at the box office, narrowly surpassing Keke Palmer and SZA’s highly anticipated comedy One of Them Days. The weekend was a true rollercoaster, as early projections had One of Them Days leading the pack, but Mufasa pulled off a remarkable upset, closing the weekend with an estimated $15.5 million in domestic gross. This sudden spike in earnings, especially on the holiday Monday, marked a significant triumph for Disney's latest venture.
Mufasa Roars to Success
The Lion King franchise, with its enduring legacy, has a way of pulling in audiences from all walks of life. Whether it’s the nostalgic memories of the original animated film or the more recent 2019 live-action adaptation, Disney’s grip on fans is unshakable. The prequel, Mufasa, which delves into the origin story of the iconic lion king, boasts a star-studded voice cast that includes Keith David, Thandiwe Newton, Mads Mikkelsen, and Anika Noni Rose, adding fresh faces to a well-loved saga. The movie’s impressive box office performance over the weekend was a testament to the power of Disney’s brand, bringing in families and long-time fans alike.
Even though early projections favored One of Them Days in the battle for the top spot, Mufasa’s remarkable $3.8 million Monday boost gave it the edge, lifting its total to a solid $15.5 million. This victory shows just how deeply ingrained The Lion King franchise is in pop culture, with viewers of all ages eager to revisit the familiar world of lions, jungles, and epic battles. With a global box office total reaching approximately $588 million, Mufasa is proving to be a massive hit, especially considering it’s only in its fifth weekend of release.
One of Them Days Shines Despite the Competition
On the other hand, One of Them Days, which had generated significant buzz with Keke Palmer and SZA leading the cast, had a solid debut, earning an estimated $14.23 million over the long weekend. The comedy, filled with witty humor and star power, was expected to perform well, and it didn’t disappoint. Palmer and SZA’s natural chemistry brought an exciting and fresh dynamic to the film, making it an enjoyable choice for those looking for something lighthearted amidst the holiday weekend.
While the comedy didn’t take the top spot, it still managed to make a significant impact, showing the continued appeal of female-led films and comedic storytelling. The film's opening weekend performance puts it in a strong position for future earnings, especially as it continues to build a fanbase. With Palmer’s growing popularity and SZA’s presence, One of Them Days is poised to be a hit that may continue to resonate well beyond its opening weekend.
Wolf Man Howls in Third
In the world of horror, Wolf Man, a reimagining of the classic monster tale by Blumhouse, snuck into third place with a respectable $12.5 million. The movie, which stars Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott, capitalized on the horror genre’s consistent popularity and Blumhouse’s reputation for creating successful reboots of iconic franchises. Wolf Man wasn’t as massive a draw as Mufasa, but it did its part by bringing a fresh spin on the classic monster movie, with a modern touch that both fans of the genre and newcomers could appreciate.
Horror films tend to have a dedicated fanbase, and the allure of a well-known monster story reimagined through Blumhouse’s lens created excitement for this release. Despite not reaching the heights of the top contenders, Wolf Man still carved out a place in the weekend box office, proving that horror films continue to have a strong presence in theaters.
Animated Hits Hold Their Ground
Rounding out the weekend’s top performers were a pair of family-friendly animated films that have been in theaters for several weeks. Sonic the Hedgehog 3, featuring Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves, continued to make waves, adding another $11 million to its growing global earnings, which now stand at a solid $218.9 million. The Sonic franchise has become a major player in the animated film world, and its consistent box office performance demonstrates the enduring popularity of the blue speedster and his wild adventures.
Further down the list, Moana 2, a sequel to the 2016 hit Moana, also kept its momentum going, adding $8.1 million over the weekend to bring its global total to an impressive $444.8 million. The movie, which brings back the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and stunning visuals. Disney’s track record with animated films is undeniable, and Moana 2 is no exception, proving that its legacy property status continues to hold strong at the box office.
The Dominance of Disney
Looking at the weekend’s box office totals, one thing is clear: Disney’s dominance in the film industry is far from over. With Mufasa, Moana 2, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, all earning solid amounts, the company’s continued investment in animated and live-action films pays off in spades. Disney has managed to stay ahead of the curve, drawing audiences in with both fresh takes on classic stories and brand-new adventures that captivate both young and old.
The success of Mufasa and other Disney-related films over the weekend is a reminder of the company’s ability to tap into nostalgia while also introducing new narratives that keep fans excited. The blend of familiarity and innovation is key to Disney’s continued success, and this box office result is just another example of how the company continues to lead the way.
A Battle for the Ages
The long weekend’s box office performance is a reminder of how competitive the movie industry can be. With new releases, reboots, and sequels constantly vying for attention, it’s always a challenge to predict which films will rise to the top. While Mufasa managed to edge out One of Them Days, both films have demonstrated staying power and promise for continued success in the coming weeks. For now, it seems like Disney’s Mufasa has secured its place at the top, but the excitement around One of Them Days proves that there’s always room for fresh voices and new stories to make their mark.
With these films continuing to draw audiences in, the 2025 movie season promises to be a thrilling one, packed with plenty of surprises, laughs, and heartwarming moments. Whether it’s the adventure of Mufasa or the humor of One of Them Days, moviegoers have plenty to look forward to as the year progresses.
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