As we venture into the latter part of 2024, the film industry has showcased extraordinary resilience, achieving significant milestones despite the unpredictable circumstances affecting Hollywood. This past weekend offered a glimpse into the current state of international box office performance. However, it is also marked by sobering reminders of the challenges that the industry faces, particularly the devastating fires impacting the region. With this backdrop, let’s delve into the latest box office numbers and key developments in global cinema.
A Noteworthy Performance by Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King
Among the standout performers this weekend is Disney’s latest installment, *Mufasa: The Lion King*, which has secured its place as the ninth highest-grossing film globally for 2024 with an impressive $539.7 million take, of which $350.9 million stems from international markets, ranking it eighth overseas. Its recent weekend performance saw a 48% drop, bringing in an additional $27.9 million. The top five international markets contributing to this success include France ($33.7 million), the UK ($29.9 million), Mexico ($24.6 million), Germany ($24 million), and Italy ($21.8 million). This mixture of international appeal and nostalgic familiarity continues to solidify Disney’s dominance in the animated genre.
In a different vein, *Nosferatu*, the latest creation from director Robert Eggers, has been making waves across multiple territories. The film, which opened in new markets including India and Lebanon this weekend, has expanded to a total of 63 territories. The haunting narrative has resonated well with audiences, resulting in international earnings surpassing the $50 million mark, with a weekend contribution of $13.7 million. The film’s total now stands at $135.8 million globally, marking Eggers’ most commercially successful project to date in numerous regions, particularly in the UK, Mexico, and Australia. The film’s chilling allure appears to be captivating audiences worldwide, filling theaters with a sense of spooky anticipation.
On another front, *Moana 2* has been riding a wave of success, inching closer to the milestone of $1 billion at the global box office. The film garnered $11.1 million this weekend, pushing its international tally to $554.9 million and its global total to an impressive $989.8 million. With this impressive trajectory, *Moana 2* is poised to become Disney’s third film of 2024 to cross the billion-mark, a feat unmatched by any other studio this year. The current weekend showcased a significant 58% decline overall, yet markets like China (+16%) and Argentina (-24%) witnessed positive holds, indicating sustained interest in the franchise.
The statistics surrounding *Moana 2* are compelling, as it stands as the second-highest grossing animated film of all time in Brazil and France. Additionally, it holds the title for the highest-grossing release from Walt Disney Animation Studios in several territories including Australia, Brazil, and Mexico, further exemplifying its global dominance.
Furthering the diverse landscape of cinema this weekend, *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* continues its impressive journey through the box office, accumulating $20.3 million from 62 markets. The sequel has demonstrated remarkable staying power, now boasting a total of $384.8 million globally, with a particularly strong presence in the UK ($25.9 million) and Mexico ($18.8 million). The film’s mix of nostalgia and family-friendly entertainment appears to resonate well with audiences, ensuring its place among the top earners of 2024.
The Spellbinding Success of Wicked
Lastly, Universal’s *Wicked* continues to weave its enchanting narrative across the international stage. Despite being available on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD), it has managed to pull in $5.6 million from 81 international markets this weekend. With a global total nearing $700 million, it showcases the film’s appeal and the impressive resilience of theatrical releases even amid shifting consumer habits.
The box office performance this weekend reflects both triumph and tribulation in the film industry. As we witness these diverse cinematic experiences continue to break records and connect with global audiences, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to acknowledge and address the ongoing challenges while celebrating these accomplishments. The journey of cinema remains unpredictable, yet profoundly captivating.