Mufasa: The Lion King Nigerian box office performance has stunned industry analysts, grossing N482 million since its December 20, 2024, release. Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the prequel to Disney’s 2019 live-action remake opened with a powerful N64 million opening weekend, cementing its status as Nigeria’s highest-grossing Hollywood film of the year.
Globally, Mufasa has earned 542.3million∗∗in25days,with∗∗35189.8 million) from domestic (U.S./Canada) markets and 65% ($352.5 million) from international territories, including Nigeria. Walt Disney Studios’ strategic release across 4,100 theaters worldwide propelled it to become a holiday season blockbuster.
Nigerian Box Office Records Shattered
Mufasa: The Lion King Nigerian box office triumph includes:
- Best live-action debut in Nigeria for 2024 (surpassing Venom: The Last Dance).
- N309 million earned by December 31, securing its #1 rank through New Year’s.
- A- CinemaScore from audiences, despite mixed critic reviews.
For context, The Lion King (2019) remains the franchise leader with $1.66 billion globally, but Mufasa’s strong start hints at enduring demand for Disney’s reimagined classics.
Global Success & Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Mufasa blends photorealistic animation with a prequel-sequel narrative. The cast features:
- Returning stars: Donald Glover (Simba), Beyoncé (Nala), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa).
- Newcomers: Aaron Pierre (young Mufasa), Blue Ivy Carter (Kiara, her film debut).
The film ranks #10 globally for 2024 and is poised to overtake Venom: The Last Dance ($476.9 million) for ninth place. Learn more about Disney’s 2024 releases.
Daily Box Office Breakdown of Mufasa: The Lion King Nigerian box office (Nigeria & U.S.)
Earnings surged during holidays:
- Dec 20 (Opening Day): N22 million
- Dec 25 (Christmas): N41 million (+86% spike)
- Jan 1 (New Year’s): N38 million
In the U.S., daily grosses mirrored this trend:
- Dec 25: $14.7 million (+105.6% jump)
- Jan 1: $10.4 million (+42.7% rebound)
See global box office rankings.
Why Mufasa Resonates in Nigeria
Nigeria’s box office growth aligns with rising cinema culture and Disney’s localized marketing. Mufasa’s themes of legacy and family, paired with its Nollywood-friendly runtime (2h 15m), boosted its appeal. FilmOne’s partnership with Disney ensured wide screenings, including IMAX and 4DX formats.
For comparison, Nigeria’s highest-grossing film of all time remains Omo Ghetto: The Saga (N636 million), but Mufasa’s performance highlights Hollywood’s growing influence. Explore Nollywood vs. Hollywood trends.
Final Takeaway
With $542.3 million globally and N482 million in Nigeria, Mufasa: The Lion King proves Disney’s strategy to expand African markets is paying off. While it may not surpass the 2019 original, its hybrid release model and A-list cast ensure long-term profitability.
For more box office updates, follow FilmOne Entertainment and Disney Africa.