The box office is heating up this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, with Disney's *Mufasa: The Lion King* leading the charge against *One of Them Days*, marking the first female-led Black comedy to hit theaters since the smash 2017 hit, *Girls Trip*. Unfortunately for *Wolf Man*, its attempts to resurrect the classic monster film are falling flat, making it an underdog in this crowded race.

Initial reports suggest that this year's MLK weekend is shaping up to be one of the slowest in recent years. Many industry experts are leaning towards *Mufasa* clinching the long holiday weekend title, projecting it to rake in around $14.7 million or more. Notably, this animated feature is on track to become only the second film in the last 15 years to surpass the $200 million mark in domestic sales despite a lukewarm opening (less than $40 million). Currently in its fifth weekend, *Mufasa* aims to close the holiday with over $210 million in the bank.

Meanwhile, *Moana 2* is celebrating a major milestone, set to join the coveted billion-dollar club this weekend. This animated sequel has earned its place among the top films of 2024, following in the footsteps of other Disney hits like *Inside Out 2* and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, both of which also crossed the $1 billion mark.

On the other side of the spectrum, *One of Them Days*, produced by the acclaimed Issa Rae and featuring Keke Palmer alongside music sensation SZA in her acting debut, is expected to outperform initial expectations with a four-day holiday opening projected between $14 million and $15 million. The film's charm can be attributed to its impressive reviews and an A- CinemaScore from audiences. The film navigates the comedic misadventures of two friends having a disastrous day and is directed by Lawrence Lamont in her directorial debut.

In sharp contrast, *Wolf Man*, produced by Blumhouse and Universal, is struggling to find its footing, estimated to collect around $12 million, significantly lower than the projected $20 million. Critical reception has not been kind, leading to disappointing audience responses and a C- CinemaScore. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, the film’s premise revolves around a family facing both internal and external monstrosities as they revisit a childhood home.

Rounding out the weekend's top performers, Paramount's family-friendly *Sonic the Hedgehog 3* is expected to land fourth with about $10 million while offering select free screenings in areas of Los Angeles devastated by fires. *Den of Thieves 2: Pantera* and *Moana 2* are anticipated to take the fifth and sixth slots, respectively, each with earnings around $9 million to $10 million.

As we await the final box office numbers, the competition continues to heat up, and moviegoers are left wondering if *Mufasa* will maintain its lead or if *One of Them Days* can pull off a surprising upset. Stay tuned for updates!