Sonic Dominates at the Holiday Box Office, Live-Action “Mufasa” Trails Close Behind
Furries are facing off at the holiday box office, but it’s Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” taking an early lead. The video game adaptation earned another $12.6 million on Friday, pushing its North American total to $112 million based on data from Friday, December 29th.
Sonic vs. Mufasa
While “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” continues to thrill audiences, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” falls just short of the top spot. The live-action remake of the beloved Disney classic earned an estimated $12.1 million on Friday, aiming to reach $100 million domestically before the weekend ends. With a hefty $200 million production budget, “Mufasa” needs sustained success both domestically and internationally for Disney to finish the year strong.
Strong Openings for “Nosferatu” and “A Complete Unknown”
Third place goes to Focus Features’ “Nosferatu,” a Robert Eggers-directed remake of the silent vampire classic. Opening on Christmas, “Nosferatu” added another $7 million on Friday and is projected to reach $39 million over the five-day weekend. This is a notable opening for Focus Features, especially considering the film’s $50 million production budget. “Nosferatu” has received strong reviews and positioned itself as a major event in the horror genre.
“A Complete Unknown,” Searchlight Pictures’ $60 million to $70 million Timothée Chalamet-led Bob Dylan biopic, earned another $3.8 million on Friday and is on track to reach $23 million over the five-day period. While this is a promising start for a period drama, “A Complete Unknown” will rely on awards buzz and positive reviews for a successful theatrical run.
New Releases and Critical Favorites
Two new releases debut this weekend. A24’s “Babygirl,” starring Nicole Kidman, earned $1.3 million on Friday, while Amazon MGM’s boxing drama “The Fire Inside,” directed by Rachel Morrison, added $650,000. Both films received strong reviews at fall film festivals.
Looking Ahead: “Wicked” and “Moana 2”
Rounding out the top five, Universal’s “Wicked” continues to soar, grossing $6.8 million on Friday. With sing-along screenings expanding, the Broadway musical adaptation has crossed $400 million domestically and stands as the third-highest-grossing North American release of the year. Disney’s “Moana 2” is also on strong footing, adding an estimated $6 million on Friday. The animated sequel is nearing the $400 million domestic milestone after reaching $375 million earlier in the week.
With holiday box office excitement running high, there’s a film for everyone to enjoy. Which movie will you be seeing this weekend?