Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King has achieved a major milestone, earning over N500 million at the Nigerian box office within just five weeks of its release.
The highly anticipated prequel to the 2019 The Lion King has captivated audiences nationwide, solidifying its place among the top-grossing films of 2024 in Nigeria. Between January 17 and 23, the film added N30.6 million to its earnings, bringing its total revenue in Nigeria to N530 million. Earlier in January, the movie had already crossed the N482 million mark.
Released on December 20, 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King opened with an impressive N64 million during its first weekend, according to West African distributor FilmOne. Despite strong competition from other blockbusters like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the film has maintained steady performance at the box office.
Globally, the movie has also been a commercial success, earning $601 million in just over a month. This includes $211 million from the U.S. market and $389 million from international audiences. However, it still lags behind its predecessor, which grossed over $1.6 billion globally in 2019.
Behind the Film
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Mufasa delves into the origins of beloved characters from The Lion King. The film features a mix of returning and new cast members, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, and John Kani, as well as newcomers Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Thandiwe Newton.
Despite its visual appeal and ambitious storyline, the movie has received mixed reviews, holding a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Produced on a $200 million budget, the film has proven its staying power, topping box office charts in its third week despite tough competition.
Impact on Nigeria's Box Office
The success of Mufasa highlights the growing appetite for big-budget, family-friendly films in Nigeria. While Nollywood continues to dominate the local industry, Hollywood blockbusters are carving out a significant presence, thanks to strong distribution networks and a dedicated fan base.
The Lion King's legacy remains strong, with audiences embracing this new chapter in the franchise, making Mufasa a major hit both locally and globally.
