The Lion King is set to reign over the box office as it debuts around the world this weekend. The film posted a huge $23 million in Thursday evening previews at the domestic box office, where it opens in over 4,700 theaters today.
Internationally, the film opens in most major territories this weekend after rolling out in China on July 12 with a powerful $54.1 million debut. Over the last week, that has risen to $76.6 million, and combined with the first two days of play in newly opened territories, the international gross through July 19 is an estimated $130.5 million. It was the second biggest industry opening day ever in Brazil and the second biggest opening day for a Walt Disney Studios live-action film in France (in both cases, behind only Avengers: Endgame), and the biggest opening day for a Disney-branded live-action film of all time in Australia and Korea. In Russia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, it was the third biggest opening day of all time. It was the second biggest opening day of the year (also behind only Avengers: Endgame) in several markets, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
