During this past weekend, the opening of Disney’s “The Lion King” stampeded into over 4,700 theaters in North America and earned $185 million in box office sales! Despite what industry insiders have said about the film, the love was felt and shown with an opening $35 million higher than predicted that has now become the 9th biggest movie opening of all time!

Many of these numbers are the result of moviegoers who wanted to see the photorealistic film in premium formats. According to the Associated Press, 36% of the previously mentioned totals are from showings in 3D and $25.2 million came from showings IMAX! In addition, “The Lion King” has raked in $531 million around the globe, including the $98 million in sales brought in since the opening of the movie in China last weekend!

The film is a live-action remake of the 1994 animated classic that follows the story of Simba, a young lion whose father, Mufasa (voiced then and now by legendary actor James Earl Jones), was killed by Simba’s uncle Scar in attempt to become king of the Pride Lands. The re-imagining of the beloved film was an opportunity for a new generation to have their own version of the film to cherish. With characters voiced by actors such as JD McCrary (Young Simba), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), and Beyoncé (Nala), a massive opening weekend, the modern twist on “The Lion King” will certainly be one for the history books!

Make sure you, your friends, and your family take your rightful places within your local theatre to see and enjoy the “The Lion King” remake very soon…and that’s #According ToLariah!