Sonic the Hedgehog 3has raced past a significant box office milestone in its second weekend. Directed by Jeff Fowler, the film follows Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they join forces once again to take on Shadow, a mysterious and immensely powerful new enemy. With Shadow’s abilities far exceeding anything they’ve faced before, the trio must form an unexpected alliance to stand a chance at saving the planet. The star-studdedSonic 3castincludes Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Idris Elba, and Jim Carrey, asJohn Wickstar Keanu Reeves voices the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog.
According to box office reports fromVariety,Sonic the Hedgehog 3has now earned$211 million worldwide to date, passing 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 animatedMufasa: The Lion Kingfor 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
The success ofSonic the Hedgehog 3marks 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 originalSonic 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 outpaceSonic the Hedgehog 2, which grossed $190 million domestically and $405 million globally in 2022.
With a $122 million production budget,Sonic 3is well on track to be another major win for Paramount, signaling confidence in theiralready-in-developmentSonic 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.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
$137.5 million
$211 million
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
$190 million
$405 million
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
$148 million
$319 million
At the same time, Disney’sMufasa: 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 gaveSonic 3andMufasaan 8 and 7 out of 10 scores, respectively. WhileMufasaclaimed 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 keepsSonic the Hedgehog 3a 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.
Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they face a formidable new adversary, Shadow. With Shadow’s unprecedented powers posing a significant threat, Team Sonic seeks an unexpected alliance to thwart his plans and safeguard the planet.
