Disney’s animated masterpiece Mufasa: The Lion King reclaimed its position as North America’s box office leader during the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
The film, which had slipped from the top spot the previous week, roared back with an impressive $15.5 million in earnings from Friday through Monday, according to industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.
Two new contenders—Sony’s One of Them Days and Universal’s Wolf Man—secured the second and third positions, respectively, but couldn’t unseat Disney’s juggernaut.
One of Them Days exceeds expectations
Sony’s One of Them Days, a heartfelt comedy-drama, had a strong debut. The film, starring Keke Palmer and singer-songwriter SZA as struggling roommates, earned $14 million during its opening weekend. Analysts believe the film’s relatable premise and glowing reviews contributed to its success.
David A. Gross, a leading box office analyst, called the debut “an excellent start for an original Black American comedy.” He also highlighted the film’s widespread appeal, noting its “sensational critical reception” and “excellent audience score.”
Wolf Man falls short
Universal’s Wolf Man, a remake of the 1941 horror classic, underwhelmed at the box office. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, the film earned $12 million over the four-day weekend, falling below industry expectations.
Despite being the launch of a new horror franchise, Gross described its performance as “weak.” The numbers suggest it will face an uphill battle to achieve long-term success.
Sonic and Moana continue to shine
Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 3 slid one spot to fourth place, earning $10.3 million over the weekend. The animated adventure remains a family favorite, sustaining solid ticket sales.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Moana 2 held on to the fifth spot, adding $8.4 million in its eighth weekend. The sequel has now surpassed $1 billion in global earnings, making it Disney’s third billion-dollar release of 2024, following Deadpool and Wolverine and Inside Out 2.
Other top performers
The remaining top 10 films showcased a mix of genres:
- Den of Thieves 2: Pantera claimed sixth place with $7.8 million.
- Robert Eggers’ gothic horror Nosferatu secured $5.1 million for seventh place.
- Biographical drama A Complete Unknown landed in eighth with $4.6 million.
- The musical adaptation Wicked followed closely with $4.56 million.
- Indie favorite Babygirl rounded out the top 10, earning $2.5 million.
A bright start to 2025
The holiday weekend box office results reflect a diverse slate of films capturing audiences’ attention. From animated favorites to original comedies and horror reboots, Hollywood’s offerings are delivering entertainment for all tastes.
As Mufasa: The Lion King roars back to the top, industry watchers anticipate more exciting shakeups in the weeks ahead. With several major releases on the horizon, the competition for the box office crown remains fierce.
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