Released Friday, "The Lion King 3D" clawed its way to the top once again, reaching another generation of enthusiastic moviegoers as it did 17 years ago.
The encapsulating Disney movie brought in $29.3 million in ticket sales over the weekend, beyond what it was expected to do.
Known for being one of the top earning animated films of all time,"The Lion King" has also proven to be one of the most loved among Disney movies.
Drawing part of its inspiration from the biblical stories of Joseph and Moses, the Oscar-winning film has inspired a self-titled Broadway show, movie sequels “The Lion King 1 1/2” and “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride,” and the animated television series “Timon and Pumbaa.”
Over its 17-year history, the movie itself has amassed $788.2 million worldwide and is expected to make about another $30 million by the end of September.
“The Lion King 3D's” opening day earnings were more than double the $3.3 million that the beloved children’s story “Toy Story 2 3D" brought in its first day.
The limited 3D release is not only doing well but holding its own against other top non-animated films. Steven Soderbergh’s action thriller “Contagion” slid down to second place at the box office.
“The Lion King 3D” is set to be in theaters two more weeks before it heads into the jungle again.
