As the holiday season unfolds, December brings an exciting lineup of movies, including holdovers from Thanksgiving like Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II. Alongside these blockbusters, new tentpole releases and limited platform debuts are set to captivate audiences. Don’t miss the Boxoffice Podcast's December preview for insights into this year’s award contenders.
Kraven the Hunter | Sony / Columbia
Release Date: December 13
Projected Domestic Opening Weekend: $20–$25M
"Once you're on his list, there's only one way off." Kraven the Hunter introduces another chapter in Sony’s expanding Spider-Man-adjacent universe. Following films like Venom (2018) and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), this movie explores the gritty backstory of Sergei Kravinoff, one of Marvel’s most iconic antiheroes.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Kraven, a role that marks his return to Marvel after portraying Pietro Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Directed by J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, A Most Violent Year), the film faced multiple delays before securing its December release. Positioned between major blockbusters, Kraven the Hunter promises to deliver an intense exploration of its titular character’s rise to infamy.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim | Warner Bros.
Release Date: December 13
Projected Domestic Opening Weekend: $7–$15M
The beloved Lord of the Rings series ventures back to the big screen with The War of the Rohirrim, an animated prequel helmed by renowned anime director Kenji Kamiyama. Set 183 years before Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy, this story delves into the tale of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan.
The plot follows Helm and his people as they make a daring last stand in the ancient fortress of the Hornburg, later known as Helm’s Deep. The Lord of the Rings franchise, which dominated the early 2000s box office, returns to theaters to rekindle the magic of Tolkien's world for a new generation.
Mufasa: The Lion King | Disney
Release Date: December 20
Projected Domestic Opening Weekend: $70–$100M
Disney revisits the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to the 2019 reimagining of the 1994 classic. Narrated by Rafiki, the film weaves Mufasa’s journey to kingship through flashbacks shared with Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba’s daughter Kiara.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie combines the grandeur of live-action visuals with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Despite facing stiff competition, Mufasa could follow the success of The Little Mermaid and build momentum during the holiday season. Its family-friendly appeal ensures it will remain a holiday staple in theaters.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Paramount
Release Date: December 20
Projected Domestic Opening Weekend: $50–$80M
The Sonic franchise returns with its third installment, directed by Jeff Fowler. This time, Sonic teams up with Knuckles and Tails to confront a formidable new adversary, Shadow. Voiced by Keanu Reeves, Shadow introduces powers unlike anything Team Sonic has faced before, forcing them to forge an unlikely alliance to save the planet.
Returning cast members include Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, and Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Robotnik. The franchise, which has grossed over $870M globally, continues to lead the wave of successful video game adaptations and sets the stage for more exciting releases in the genre.
Conclusion
December 2024 offers a thrilling cinematic lineup that caters to every audience. From the superhero world of Kraven the Hunter to the nostalgic allure of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, and from Disney’s heartwarming Mufasa: The Lion King to the action-packed adventure of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, there’s something for everyone. These films not only promise to dominate the box office but also create unforgettable experiences for moviegoers during the holiday season.
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