Theater counts: Mufasa fends off Wolf Man to remain widest release

January 16, 2025

Despite being the widest release in the land, Mufasa: The Lion King came up a bit short in winning the weekend box office battle against newcomer Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, with the latter taking the crown, $15.02 million to the former’s $14.22 million over the three days. With the debut of Wolf Man this weekend, it will take a hulking effort for Mufasa to recapture the top spot at the box office.

Starting out in 3,354 theaters, Wolf Man follows family man Blake, who relocates from San Francisco to Oregon after inheriting his childhood home, left vacant following his estranged father’s mysterious disappearance and presumed death. As the family approaches the remote farmhouse in the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal and, in a desperate escape, barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. As the night stretches on, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable. The horror feature is directed by Leigh Whannell, who last helmed 2020’s The Invisible Man.

Also making its first appearance in cinemas this weekend is the Sony Pictures film One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA. The movie follows two women who are racing against the clock to avoid eviction after their rent money is stolen. The film will begin its run in 2,675 movie houses.

Worth noting is the North American debut of Autumn and the Black Jaguar. The Gilles de Maistre-directed film played in various overseas territories throughout 2024 and finally makes its way into 550 domestic theaters via Blue Fox Entertainment.

Rounding out the top five this weekend is the aforementioned Mufasa: The Lion King, dropping 65 locations this weekend, but still widely available in 3,555 cinemas. Next up is the $200+ million earner, Sonic The Hedgehog 3, occupying the third place spot by playing in 3,306 theaters. Then, the current box office topper, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, holds steady with its opening count of 3,008 locations. Lastly, Moana 2 hopes to add to its already impressive $436 million total by showing in 2,825 venues this weekend.

Looking forward to next weekend, we see the debut of Mark Wahlberg’s action-thriller, Flight Risk, which is set to open in approximately 2,800 theaters. Other films coming to theaters include Presence, Brave the Dark, and the Japanese anime feature, The Colors Within.

Filed under: Theater Counts, The Lion King, Sonic The Hedgehog, Den of Thieves, Moana, Mark Wahlberg, Keke Palmer, Leigh Whannell, Gilles de Maistre