Disney’s highly anticipated prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, opened with a domestic box office gross of $35 million, underperforming compared to projections of $50 to $60 million. While visually stunning and backed by a star-studded cast, the film struggled to capture the monumental success of the 2019 The Lion King remake, which opened with $191.77 million domestically.

A Lukewarm Reception

Internationally, Mufasa fared slightly better, earning $87 million over its debut weekend and bringing its global total to $122 million. However, it was unable to claim the top spot in North America, as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sped past it with a $62 million domestic opening. Audience reactions have been mixed, with CinemaScore giving the film an “A–,” a step down from the “A” rating of its predecessor.

Visuals Shine, Narrative Draws Critique

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film explores the backstory of Mufasa, adding depth to the beloved franchise. Despite the visual artistry and powerful voice performances by Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Critics and audiences alike have expressed concerns about the narrative falling short of expectations.

The Franchise’s Future

Mufasa: The Lion King comes amid growing discussions about franchise fatigue. There is concern about whether audiences are becoming less enthusiastic about prequels or spin-offs. The holiday season presents further challenges, with several family-friendly films competing for attention.

What Do You Think?

As Mufasa: The Lion King continues its theatrical run, its ultimate success will hinge on whether word-of-mouth can draw in new audiences. Did Disney misstep with this release, or does the movie deserve more credit than it’s getting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more news and updates on the box office race!