Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King Surpasses ₦500 Million at the Nigerian Box Office, Proving a Major Hit in 2024
After five weeks in cinemas, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King has emerged as one of the highest-grossing films in Nigeria for 2024, raking in over ₦500 million at the local box office. This impressive feat highlights the film’s widespread appeal and its ability to captivate audiences across the nation.
The CG-animated prequel to the 2019 blockbuster The Lion King has continued to perform strongly in Nigerian cinemas. Recent figures from the Nigerian box office show that between January 17 and 23, the film earned ₦30.6 million, bringing its cumulative total to an impressive ₦530 million. Just two weeks earlier, Mufasa had already surpassed the ₦482 million mark, demonstrating its enduring popularity with Nigerian audiences.
Released on December 20, 2024, Mufasa enjoyed a robust debut, earning ₦64 million during its opening weekend, according to its West African distributor, FilmOne. Despite facing tough competition from major releases like Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the film has maintained steady ticket sales, proving its broad and lasting appeal.
Global Success
On the global stage, Mufasa: The Lion King has also achieved impressive financial success, grossing $601 million worldwide in just over a month. This total includes $211 million from the U.S. domestic market and $389 million from international audiences. However, the film still falls short of its predecessor, 2019’s The Lion King, which earned over $1.6 billion globally, making it one of Disney’s highest-grossing films.
What to Know About Mufasa
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, known for Moonlight, Mufasa explores the origins of some of The Lion King’s most iconic characters. The film serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the 2019 hit, delivering a rich narrative paired with stunning photorealistic visuals.
The movie features a star-studded cast, with returning actors Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and John Kani reprising their roles from the 2019 adaptation. Newcomers to the franchise include Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, and Lennie James, bringing fresh energy and talent to the beloved story.
Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, with a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Mufasa has resonated with audiences, reinforcing Disney’s status as a dominant player in family-friendly entertainment.
The Nigerian Box Office and Beyond
In Nigeria, Mufasa: The Lion King exemplifies the growing appetite for blockbuster content, particularly among family audiences. The film’s success further emphasizes the impact of Hollywood films in the Nigerian market, where Nollywood continues to thrive. With strong distribution networks and an enthusiastic fan base, Mufasa has carved a significant niche in Nigeria’s box office landscape.
Produced on a budget exceeding $200 million, Mufasa triumphed over stiff competition from other holiday releases to dominate the box office in its third week of screening. Its continued success underscores the power of effective storytelling, nostalgia, and Disney’s ability to capture hearts worldwide.
As Mufasa: The Lion King continues to dominate the Nigerian box office, it is clear that Disney’s ability to blend nostalgia with innovative animation has struck a chord with audiences, both locally and globally. With over ₦530 million in earnings in Nigeria alone, the film is poised to remain a box office success and a cultural staple in 2024.
