Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is racing ahead in the box office, debuting with an impressive $62 million in its opening weekend compared to Mufasa: The Lion King's $35 million. This puts Sonic ahead domestically, although Mufasa leads globally with a total of $122.2 million thanks to its $87.2 million international performance. Despite Sonic's strong start, the film's performance is analyzed in context with past installments, as it opened below Sonic the Hedgehog 2 yet above the original. Disney's Mufasa is viewed as a disappointment due to its high production and promotional costs, whereas excitement builds for Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which has already been confirmed. Both films hope to gain traction during the holiday season, with Sonic looking for additional gains from its upcoming international release while Mufasa hopes for better audience reception.

What are the box office numbers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opened with $62 million domestically and is expected to improve with its international release. Mufasa: The Lion King earned $35 million domestically but achieved $122.2 million globally.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues the legacy of the Sonic franchise, which began with the original film in 2020 and successfully transitioned into sequels due to its blend of action, humor, and nostalgia for fans. Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a CGI-heavy prequel to Disney's animated classic, attracting attention for its direction by Barry Jenkins, known for his acclaimed film Moonlight.