Mufasa The Lion King Earns ₦500 Million at Nigerian Box Office
Disney’s latest animated film, Mufasa: The Lion King, has achieved a remarkable feat at the Nigerian box office, grossing over ₦500 million after just five weeks in cinemas. This achievement places the film among the highest-grossing movies of 2024 in Nigeria. Released on December 20, 2024, Mufasa opened with an impressive ₦64 million during its debut weekend, as reported by its West African distributor, FilmOne.
Despite facing tough competition from other major releases, including Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mufasa: The Lion King has shown impressive staying power, consistently attracting audiences and maintaining strong ticket sales. This success has contributed significantly to its global earnings, which have reached $601 million in just over a month. The film has earned $211 million in the U.S. and $389 million from international markets. However, it still trails behind the 2019 Lion King remake, which grossed over $1.6 billion globally.
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, known for Moonlight, Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of beloved characters from the Lion King franchise. The film serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, offering a rich narrative paired with photorealistic animation. The star-studded cast includes returning voices like Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and John Kani, along with new talent such as Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Thandiwe Newton.
While the film has garnered mixed critical reviews, holding a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly in family-friendly markets like Nigeria. Its success at the Nigerian box office underscores the growing demand for Hollywood films in the region, where Nollywood continues to thrive. Mufasa’s performance highlights the increasing influence of international cinema in Nigeria, where robust distribution networks and a loyal fan base are helping foreign films carve out a significant share of the box office.
Produced on a budget exceeding $200 million, Mufasa overcame stiff competition from other holiday releases to top the charts in its third week. The film’s ongoing success demonstrates the enduring power of nostalgia, well-crafted storytelling, and Disney’s ability to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
