Mufasa: The Lion King, the highly anticipated Disney prequel to the 2019 Lion King live-action remake, has officially surpassed the $600 million mark at the global box office, securing its place as one of the top-grossing films of 2024. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film tells the origin story of Mufasa, following the journey of an orphaned cub who meets Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. Together, they embark on a journey of destiny with a band of misfit companions.
Mufasa: The Lion King Box Office Success
As of January 23, 2025, Mufasa: The Lion King has grossed a remarkable $601 million worldwide. International markets have played a crucial role, contributing $389.2 million to the total. This outperformance in global markets, particularly in regions like the UK, France, Mexico, and Germany, has helped boost its overall box office numbers. Domestically, the film has earned $211.7 million.
This milestone places Mufasa: The Lion King among the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2024, ahead of releases like Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Venom: The Last Dance, and Kung Fu Panda 4. However, it still trails Disney’s other major 2024 films, including Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2. It currently holds the 7th spot on the global box office chart for 2024, a remarkable feat for a prequel movie.
Comparing Mufasa’s Box Office Earnings to The Lion King (2019)
While Mufasa: The Lion King has performed impressively, it has not reached the astronomical success of its predecessor, The Lion King (2019), which grossed over $1.65 billion globally. The film’s opening weekend was modest, earning only $35.4 million domestically, which was behind Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Despite this, the film’s strong word of mouth and excellent international box office performance have contributed to its longevity in theaters, with an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Mufasa: The Lion King is a Box Office Hit
Despite a slower opening weekend, Mufasa: The Lion King has proven to be a global box office success. Several factors have contributed to the film’s performance:
- Strong Word of Mouth: Thanks to positive audience reviews and an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s ticket sales have remained steady throughout the holiday season.
- International Appeal: With $389.2 million in global earnings, the film has demonstrated its wide-reaching appeal, proving that Mufasa: The Lion King resonates strongly with audiences across various markets.
- Longevity in Theaters: Unlike many other films with a short theatrical run, Mufasa has maintained strong performance over time. This can be attributed to its December 2024 release, which helped it thrive during the lucrative holiday period.
Mufasa’s Success: Disney’s Continued Box Office Dominance in 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King is the third Disney film of 2024 to surpass the $600 million mark, joining the ranks of Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine. Disney’s ability to create compelling films within established franchises continues to prove successful at the box office. Mufasa: The Lion King is a prime example of how Disney leverages beloved characters to create fresh stories that resonate with both new and returning fans.
What’s Next for Disney in 2024?
As 2024 progresses, Mufasa: The Lion King’s continued box office performance will be closely watched. While the film is far from the global earnings of The Lion King (2019), it has still proven to be a valuable asset for Disney, maintaining its position among the top films of the year. With multiple high-profile films still slated for release, Disney will look to continue its dominance at the box office.
Conclusion
Mufasa: The Lion King has surpassed $600 million globally, a significant achievement for Disney in 2024. While the film’s box office numbers are not as astronomical as its predecessor’s, the movie’s international performance and steady growth show that Disney’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With a strong 2024 lineup, Disney’s box office success seems far from over.
