Sonic 3 cast includes Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Idris Elba, and Jim Carrey, as John Wick star Keanu Reeves voices the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog.

According to box office reports from Variety, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has now earned $211 million worldwide to date, ing the $200 million milestone in its second weekend. Of this, $137.5 million came from domestic ticket sales. Paramount’s latest chapter in the video game franchise continues to narrowly compete with Disney’s photorealistically animated Mufasa: The Lion King for the top spot at the North American box office, which has now pulled in $111 million domestically.

What Sonic The Hedgehog 3's Box Office Milestone Means

Family-Friendly Blockbusters Go Head-to-Head

The success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 marks a strong continuation of the franchise’s growth and Fowler's success in adapting SEGA's video game world to the big screen. Having earned $211 million globally within two weekends, the film is pacing ahead of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, which earned $148 million domestically and $319 million worldwide during its entire theatrical run in 2020. It also positions the third film to potentially outpace Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which grossed $190 million domestically and $405 million globally in 2022.

With a $122 million production budget, Sonic 3 is well on track to be another major win for Paramount, signaling confidence in their already-in-development Sonic The Hedgehog 4. The film’s strong performance is bolstered by glowing audience and critic reviews amid the Blue Blur's family-friendly appeal, a critical factor during the busy holiday season where the options are plenty.

At the same time, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, the studio's $200 million-budgeted tentpole, has proven to be a worthy competitor. In reviews of each film, Screen Rant's Rachel LaBonte gave Sonic 3 and Mufasa an 8 and 7 out of 10 scores, respectively. While Mufasa claimed the five-day holiday crown, Sonic's stronger opening weekend highlights how family films can still coexist and thrive in theaters. Both films benefited from strong seasonal demand and showcased the power of animated blockbusters in driving box office success.

Our Take On Sonic The Hedgehog 3's Box Office Success

Sonic's Speed Stays Unmatched

Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s continued box office success sets the iconic blue speedster on track for another blockbuster hit. The introduction of Shadow in the third film provided a compelling storyline as he forces Sonic to redefine his role as a leader. In a holiday season packed with heavy competition, the film's signature blend of humor, action, and heartfelt camaraderie keeps Sonic the Hedgehog 3 a fresh and appealing option for moviegoers of all ages. The numbers are not just a win for the franchise but a clear sign that this Blue Blur has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

Source: Variety