Disney’s latest blockbuster, Mufasa: The Lion King, has firmly secured its crown, dominating the box office for the second consecutive weekend. The highly anticipated prequel to the beloved The Lion King captured audiences’ hearts with its stunning visuals and emotionally resonant story, raking in an impressive $72 million in its sophomore outing. But the real surprise came from Keke Palmer’s indie darling, One of Them Days, which outpaced expectations and dethroned Universal’s big-budget horror flick, Wolf Man, for the runner-up spot.
Keke Palmer Shines with a Breakout Hit
One of Them Days, a heartfelt drama led by Keke Palmer, has turned into a sleeper hit. With glowing reviews and strong word-of-mouth buzz, the film pulled in $38 million over the weekend, doubling its modest $15 million production budget. Fans and critics alike have praised Palmer’s powerful performance, with many calling it one of her career-best roles. The film’s relatable narrative, exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, has resonated with a broad audience.
“This movie hit home for me in so many ways,” one fan tweeted. “Keke Palmer’s performance was absolutely incredible.”
Palmer, who also served as an executive producer, celebrated the film’s success on Instagram, writing, “To everyone who’s gone out and supported One of Them Days, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This project means everything to me.”
Wolf Man Struggles to Howl
Meanwhile, Universal’s Wolf Man, starring Ryan Gosling, debuted to a lukewarm $34 million. Despite a massive marketing campaign and a star-studded cast, the horror flick couldn’t capitalize on its pre-release buzz. Critics have been mixed, with some praising the film’s dark atmosphere but others criticizing its lackluster script.
“While the visuals were stunning, the story left much to be desired,” wrote one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes. With competition heating up, Wolf Man will need strong midweek numbers to avoid becoming a financial disappointment.
A Box Office Battle Worth Watching
This weekend’s box office proved there’s still room for surprises in Hollywood. While Mufasa: The Lion King remains the undisputed champion, Keke Palmer’s One of Them Days has shown that smaller films with authentic storytelling can still pack a punch. The coming weeks will determine whether Wolf Man can recover or if One of Them Days continues outperforming expectations.
With awards season on the horizon, all eyes are on Palmer’s next move. Could this be her year for an Oscar nod? Hollywood and fans alike will be watching closely.