Sonic the Hedgehog 3 got off to a fast start at the North American box office, comfortably ahead of fellow newcomer Mufasa: The Lion King.
The Sonic sequel, which earned $60.1 million in its opening weekend and an additional $9 million on Monday, is expected to earn another $50 million between Dec. 25-29.
By comparison, Mufasa’s opening weekend record was $35.4 million, with an additional $7 million on Monday. Deadline reports that the five-day Christmas season could generate an additional $45 million.
“As we see audiences for this franchise grow, we see a window in December where we believe we can make a mark in the market,” said Chris Aronson, Paramount’s president of domestic distribution. “We were able to achieve that. Sonic will rule the holidays.”
Paramount has reportedly greenlit a fourth Sonic the Hedgehog movie ahead of the release of Sonic 3 last weekend.
No plot details have been shared, but Sonic 4 is in the planning stages and is expected to release in spring 2027.
Sega president Shuji Utsumi said this month that the Sonic maker was considering launching its own game subscription service.
He also revealed that the Japanese publisher currently has no plans to release any more mini-consoles.
