The recent box office performance of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King has shown remarkable resilience as it grossed an impressive $721.6 million worldwide shortly after its release in December 2024. This robust earning starkly contrasts with the disappointing performance of Snow White, which underlines the significant success of Mufasa. As a prequel to the iconic The Lion King, Mufasa delves into the backstory of the titular character, revealing how he ascended to power in the Pride Lands. This new installment not only revives favorite characters but also introduces innovative narratives that transform the audience’s perception of Mufasa and Scar, while hinting at potential future plots involving Kiara.
This franchise enjoys a devoted following among Disney fans, and the concordant success of both Mufasa and its predecessor illustrates that Disney’s live-action adaptations can indeed thrive if executed well. Having substantially surpassed its $200 million budget, Mufasa‘s total earnings place it among the top-grossing films of 2024, showcasing its favorable reception compared to the recent lukewarm reception of Snow White.
Box Office Opening Analysis: Mufasa vs Snow White
Snow White Tops Initial Box Office for a Short Stint
Despite Mufasa’s eventual success, it initially had a less favorable opening weekend compared to Snow White. Released alongside Sonic the Hedgehog 3 on December 20, 2024, Mufasa ranked second during its debut, falling shy of earlier projections of $50 million, eventually earning $35.4 million. This outcome followed a series of adjustments to weekend estimates that saw initial expectations revised downwards (via Deadline).
| Movie | Budget | Opening Weekend Gross | Current Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mufasa: The Lion King | $200 million | $35.4 million | $721.6 million |
| Snow White | $240-270 million | $42.2 million | $168.6 million |
In contrast, Snow White enjoyed a more favorable opening at $42.2 million despite facing pre-release controversies. Originally predicted to earn between $63 to $70 million, this estimate was later adjusted downward as well (via Deadline). However, it suffered a significant drop-off in attendance during its second weekend.
Mufasa: The Lion King’s Journey to Box Office Triumph
Mufasa Demonstrating Exceptional Staying Power
The fact that Mufasa experienced a weaker opening yet ultimately flourished is an intriguing aspect of its performance, especially considering that Snow White might not be able to replicate its success. Mufasa’s gradual buildup, driven by positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth, especially via social media, allowed it to flourish throughout the holiday season. With its appeal as a family-friendly feature, Mufasa quickly gained traction and surpassed initial expectations.
By its third week, Mufasa had already outperformed Snow White in domestic earnings, revealing a striking contrast in their global performance, with Mufasa earning approximately $466.2 million internationally while Snow White managed only $91.3 million (via The Numbers). The disparity in reception between the two films suggests a clear preference among audiences for Mufasa: The Lion King, significantly overshadowing Snow White.
Sources: Box Office Mojo, Deadline, The Numbers