Despite rumors that the prequel to the live-action “Lion King” film was a box office flop for Walt Disney Studios, “Mufasa” is about to cross over a total gross of $700 million worldwide.
“Mufasa” Reaches Box Office Milestone
In a box office gross tally kept by Box Office Mojo, “Mufasa” has managed to defy the odds and remain popular for weeks following its theatrical release. The total gross for the new film is now approaching $700 globally, and it is expected to cross that mark by next week.
One of the main reason’s for the surprising success of “Mufasa” is due to the film’s steady demand from overseas markets. Over $446 million of the film’s total gross has come from overseas, compared to only $243 million from the U.S. Furthermore, the film has proven to have surprising international longevity. Even though “Mufasa” is now entering its tenth week at overseas theaters, it is expected to gross between another $3 million to $4 million over the upcoming weekend.
“Mufasa” is a prequel to the live action “The Lion King” released in 2019. The film premiered in the U.S. on December 20, 2024. Aaron Pierre stars as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka a.k.a. Scar. The film also includes several actors reprising their roles from the 2019 “The Lion King.”
“Mufasa” opened to a rocky start, with the film only grossing $35 million in the U.S. and $122 million globally during its Christmas premiere weekend. The film was ranked second in the U.S. box office during its premiere, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” taking the first place instead. Since the film cost a reported $200 million to produce, many labeled the movie as a box office miss for Walt Disney Studios. “Mufasa” eventually hit first place during the first week of 2025, but the gross change by week had dropped by such a sharp percentage that no one expected the film to last long in theaters. Despite this grim outlook, “Mufasa” has remained steady and has slowly climbed the total gross rankings. Most reports are now calling the film a surprising, come-from-behind success.
To celebrate the release of “Mufasa,” Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated with a limited Annual Passholder postcard, a temporary Tree of Life Awakenings show, and celebratory food items. Disney also announced a relaunch of their global “Protect the Pride” campaign to support the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund.
Did you go watch “Mufasa” in theaters? What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments.
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