*Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” defeated Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” in its debut weekend, earning $62 million domestically compared to Mufasa’s $35 million.
Backed by strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audience approval (an “A” on CinemaScore), “Sonic 3” dominated theaters despite being shown in fewer locations, The Associated Press reports.
The success highlights the growing appeal of video game adaptations, with Sonic’s franchise already grossing over $700 million globally and a fourth installment in development. Meanwhile, Mufasa, a costly $200 million prequel, struggled with weaker reviews (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) and underwhelming domestic performance, though international sales might help narrow the gap.
In “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. Director Jeff Fowler returns along with our all-star cast including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, newcomers Alyla Browne and Krysten Ritter, with Keanu Reeves joining the franchise as Shadow the Hedgehog.
“Mufasa” hails from “Moonlight” filmmaker Barry Jenkins and features a voice cast including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Mads Mikkelsen and Blue Ivy Carter.
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Elsewhere on this weekend’s box office scorecard, “Wicked” fell to third place followed by “Moana 2,” “Homestead,” “Gladiator II,” “Kraven the Hunter,” “Red One,” “Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Tika Sumpter on Returning for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3,’ Parenting Lessons, and Her Role as Maddie | EURexclusiveWATCH
