Part 8/13:
The live-action The Lion King prequel, centered on Mufasa, opened to disappointing box office numbers—around $35 million domestically against expectations of over $500 million. While the film gradually gained ground over the holiday season, the opening was a stark reminder that Disney can't rely solely on brand recognition. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 notably outperformed it, illustrating how fan goodwill—earned through careful fan engagement—can trump traditional marketing and star power.