The Christmas 2024 box office is all set for fierce competition between two highly anticipated films: Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King. While both movies belong to strong franchises, their success is dependent on various factors like audience appeal, marketing, and critical reception.
While The Lion King (2019) became one of the greatest animated films of all time, the Sonic The Hedgehog film series has also gained a global fanbase. The 2020 action-adventure comedy film is directed by Jeff Fowler who has returned for the third installment as well.
Before diving into the competition between the two films, here's a quick overview of the story fans are excited about. While Mufasa: The Lion King will explore the orphaned cub's journey to become the next king of the Pride Lands, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will focus on a new threat for Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails.
The third installment will also introduce fans to Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by John Wick star Keanu Reeves. The first film earned around $320 million, and the second made a whopping collection of $405.4 million. But this is quite less when compared to The Lion King, as the film made around $1.6 billion.
So does that mean Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Vs. Mufasa: The Lion King will be the next Barbenheimer? Let's find out.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Vs. Mufasa: The Lion King: Who will dominate the Christmas box office?
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theatres in a few days with Fowller's film expected to surpass the Lion King prequel with $55 million+, narrowly beating Mufasa’s $50 million+ projection. The official trailers of both movies were dropped three months ago.
The competition is fierce as Sonic The Hedgehog 3 first trailer has gathered almost 20 million views, while Mufasa: The Lion King's official trailer has gained 17 million views.
While these films won't rival Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avatar, or other notable box office debuts, they are expected to perform better than last year's Christmas major releases.
Sonic The Hedgehog film series is known for attracting a young audience, while Mufasa: The Lion King will follow the legacy that has touched generations.
Here are the key drivers for both films:
Key drivers for Sonic The Hedgehog 3: The addition of Keanu Reeves has generated quite a buzz among fans. The Hollywood A-lister lent his voice to Shadow the Hedgehog, a key character in the upcoming film. Fans are also excited for Jim Carrey's dual role as Robotnik and his grandfather.
Key drivers for Mufasa: The Lion King: Coming straight from Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins, this Lion King prequel dives into the rich legacy and emotional storytelling. The nostalgia factor and return of fan-favorite characters build excitement among fans.
Keanu Reeves' character in Sonic The Hedgehog 3 brings a dark and dangerous tone
Yes, you read it right. Shadow the Hedgehog's introduction in the third film will offer a darker and more dangerous tone in the narrative. Keanu Reeves is a newcomer in the film series with Ben Schwartz as Sonic the Hedgehog, Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Miles "Tails" Prower, and Idris Elba as Knuckles the Echidna as the returning cast members who have fueled the excitement.
While talking about the third installment in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fowler said:
"Edginess’ is maybe not the right word, but there was a new element tonally that just suddenly made the Sonic world feel a little bit more exciting, a little bit more dangerous. I think that’s exactly what Shadow has done for this film."
Fowler also mentioned that his upcoming film has everything from the previous two films "but even more". It would be intriguing to watch the battle to win the 2024 Christmas box office as fans have been given multiple family-friendly offerings.
Trending
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King will both hit theatres on December 20, 2024.
Continue exploring SoapCentral for regular infotainment!
Reply
