‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ opens at Nigerian Box Office with N64m
Disney's highly anticipated prequel, "Mufasa: The Lion King," has roared into Nigerian cinemas, grossing an impressive N64 million in its first weekend.The film not only became the highest-grossing Hollywood release of the weekend, but it also made the strongest live-action debut in Nigeria in 2024.
The photorealistic animated film, distributed by FilmOneNG, has captivated audiences across the country, making it stand out during a festive season crowded with both local and international titles.
"Mufasa," directed by Barry Jenkins, is a prequel and sequel to Disney's 2019 remake of "The Lion King."
The film stars returning actors Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani, as well as newcomers Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Thandiwe Newton, and Mads Mikkelsen. Notably, it is Blue Ivy Carter's first feature film role.
Despite having a star-studded cast, the film received mixed reviews, earning a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have responded positively, awarding it a "A-" CinemaScore, indicating strong approval from moviegoers.
Despite its Nigerian success, "Mufasa: The Lion King" has struggled in international markets. In the United States, the film grossed $13.3 million on its first day, but is expected to finish the weekend with $33-37 million. Globally, it has earned $33 million from 54 markets, bringing its total to $46.3 million.
The film's global performance is further complicated by stiff competition, particularly from "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," which has yet to be released in foreign markets.
In Nigeria, "Mufasa" is a major player in the holiday film season, but it faces stiff competition from both Nollywood and international productions. The film's successful opening weekend demonstrates Nigerian audiences' growing appetite for global cinematic experiences, despite rising ticket prices.
As "Mufasa" expands to new markets, its international success remains uncertain. While the film's strong Nigerian debut demonstrates its appeal in Africa, its global box office performance will determine whether it meets Disney's larger expectations.
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