The weekend following a robust close to 2024 showcases a blend of triumphs and tribulations in the world of film. As we celebrate significant achievements in box office numbers, it is essential to acknowledge the heartbreaking devastation affecting the heart of the entertainment industry—Hollywood. The community stands resilient, and our thoughts are with all those impacted, especially those working beyond the shores of the United States. This update reviews the weekend’s performances internationally, highlighting not just the victories at the box office but also the unique narratives surrounding these films.
Disney’s highly anticipated release, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” has successfully carved out a place for itself in the cinematic landscape. With a commendable global gross of approximately $539.7 million, the film has secured its position as the ninth highest-grossing film globally for 2024. Out of this impressive figure, $350.9 million has come from international markets, marking it as the eighth highest overseas juggernaut.
Despite a noted weekend drop of 48%, the film continues to charm audiences, adding $27.9 million to its overseas tally. The figures across major markets reflect a robust engagement: France leads with $33.7 million, followed closely by the UK ($29.9 million) and Mexico ($24.6 million). While examining its performance, we appreciate the ongoing appeal of the Lion King franchise, reminding us of the animated classic’s legacy that continues to resonate with audiences decade after decade.
Universal/Focus’ “Nosferatu,” helmed by Robert Eggers, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence as it ventured into new territories. Now opening in India and Lebanon, the film reaches a significant milestone of 63 territories in total. Having crossed the $50 million mark internationally and reaching a global total of $135.8 million, this film has become Eggers’ most successful project to date.
Adding $13.7 million this weekend alone, the film’s performance highlights its strong traction across key markets, where it has generated impressive numbers like $11.1 million in the UK and $6 million in Mexico. This demonstrates a promising trend for horror films, suggesting that audiences are increasingly drawn to complex storytelling in the genre, a notable shift from traditional blockbusters.
Moana 2: Riding the Wave to $1 Billion
Meanwhile, “Moana 2” is edging closer to the iconic $1 billion milestone, with an $11.1 million haul over the weekend. The film’s global total of $989.8 million, along with an overseas figure of $554.9 million, is a testament to Disney’s prowess in creating animated spectacles. As the film prepares to cross the billion-dollar mark, it is poised to become the studio’s third release of 2024 to hit this landmark.
However, it is vital to analyze the film’s recent performance closely. While it experienced a significant overall drop of 58%, certain markets showed resilience—China for instance saw a 16% increase in ticket sales. This statistic is thrilling for industry insiders, suggesting that some international audiences are still keen on supporting high-quality animated films, despite the competitive landscape.
The animated hit “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” continues to race ahead, collecting an additional $20.3 million across 62 international markets. With a global total of $384.8 million, this franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The diverse and engaging nature of the content has won over audiences worldwide, keeping the franchise fresh and exciting.
On another note, despite its availability on PVOD, Universal’s “Wicked” remains a powerful presence, closing in on a worldwide gross of $700 million. With $5.6 million added from 81 overseas markets, the production is steadily creating anticipation for its eventual release in Japan, further saturating the market with its presence.
In contemplating the weekend’s box office dynamics, it is evident that the film industry continues to adapt and thrive amid external challenges. Successful titles like “Mufasa,” “Nosferatu,” and “Moana 2” showcase the diverse storytelling that resonates globally, even as we consider the effects of prevalent socioeconomic factors and filmmaking hardships. Through resilience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, the cinematic world marches forward, eager to deliver more captivating stories on the big screen.