'Sonic 3' zips to the top of the North American box office

Industry watchers said Sunday that Paramount's new action comedy Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sped to the top of the North American box office this weekend, outdoing predictions with an estimated take of $62 million. This was one of the best December openings in years.

The latest sequel about the blue-maned supersonic creature -- based on the popular Sega video game -- rode positive reviews and strong audience scores to what analyst David A. Gross called "an excellent opening" for the hybrid animation/live-action genre.

He predicted it would "far out-earn Sonic #2," which finished 2022 with $405 million worldwide. Jim Carrey plays mad scientist Dr. Ivo Robotnik, while Ben Schwartz (Sonic) and Keanu Reeves (Shadow) top the voice cast.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 18: Shadow and Sonic attend the "Sonic The Hedgehog 3" Guinness World Record for Largest Shadow Projection at American Dream Mall on December 18, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. John Nacion/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures/AFP

Industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported that Disney's new animated musical drama, Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to The Lion King, placed second at $35 million for the Friday through Sunday period.

Variety reported that that was far below predictions of around $50 million, especially for a movie that cost an estimated $300 million to produce and promote. But Gross predicted a "very good run," with schoolchildren now enjoying year-end vacations in North America.

The film's voice cast includes Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Seth Rogen, Beyonce, Donald Glover (AKA Childish Gambino), and songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Universal's "Wicked" raked in another $13.5 million, slipping one spot to third place. The musical fantasy is the first leg of a two-part adaptation of the popular Broadway play set in the magical world of Oz.

Touted as an Oscar favorite, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande starring, the weekend haul brings the film's global earnings to over $570 million.

"Moana 2" set records when it opened over Thanksgiving, but the Disney film slipped to fourth place this weekend with an estimated $13.1 million in ticket sales.

Hawaiian-born Auli'i Cravalho reprises her voice-acting role as the titular courageous young sea traveler. In contrast, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson voices the demigod Maui for the sequel, which has worldwide earnings of over $790 million.

In fifth place, at $6.1 million, was "Homestead," a post-apocalyptic thriller from Utah-based Angel Studios. Neal McDonough and Dawn Olivieri star in the story of a family fleeing the chaos of a nuclear attack and seeking refuge in the fortress-like mansion of an eccentric survivalist.

Britain's King Charles greets Pedro Pascal during the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of "Gladiator II" in Leicester Square in London, Britain on November 13, 2024. Eddie Mulholland/Pool via REUTERSnukta.com

Rounding out the top 10 were:

"Gladiator II" ($4.5 million)

"Kraven the Hunter" ($3.1 million)

"Red One" ($1.5 million)

"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" ($1.3 million)

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ($825,000)