Paramount Pictures’ Sonic The Hedgehog 3 has surged to the top of the US box office, outpacing Walt Disney Co’s Mufasa: The Lion King ahead of the lucrative Christmas season.
The film debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates. With strong reviews—scoring 86% on Rotten Tomatoes—and an “A” rating on CinemaScore from audiences, Sonic 3 is poised to be a favorite among moviegoers during this peak period.
Once considered a weak genre, video game adaptations have transformed into reliable box office winners in recent years. The first two Sonic films collectively grossed over $700 million worldwide, and the third installment is expected to perform even better. A fourth Sonic movie is already in the works.
In contrast, Mufasa: The Lion King fell short of expectations in its opening weekend, earning $35 million in domestic ticket sales. Despite opening in 4,100 theaters—more than Sonic 3’s 3,761 locations—Mufasa struggled, taking up a significant number of IMAX screens.
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Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be released in most international markets in the coming weeks, including Singapore on December 26.
