What to watch this week: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and more

This week, theaters and streaming platforms are filled with new releases. Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” is a big hit, and “Girls Will Be Girls” is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Netflix is bringing out some exciting shows. “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma” is a docuseries, and “Ronny Chieng: Love to Have It” is a comedy special. They also have a new series called “Beast Games” that’s sure to grab your attention.

Movie fans can check out “The Brutalist” in theaters. It stars Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones. Don’t miss the final season of “What If…?” on Paramount+ and the series finale of “What We Do in the Shadows” on FX.

Key Takeaways

• A diverse range of new releases, including theatrical premieres and streaming content, are available this week.
• Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” leads the theatrical offerings, promising an emotional backstory and potential franchise expansion.
• Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are debuting original series, documentaries, and comedy specials.
• TV viewers can look forward to finales and premieres of popular shows like “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Virgin River.”
• The entertainment landscape this week caters to a wide range of audience preferences, from family-friendly animations to gritty dramas.

Major Theatrical Releases This Week

This week, movie fans have a lot to look forward to. Several new films are set to hit theaters worldwide. Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King is one of the highlights, exploring Simba’s father’s story.

Disney’s Latest Animation Premier

Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, hits theaters on December 20th. It promises a new take on the Disney classic. It’s expected to earn around $50 million in its opening weekend.

Other Notable Theater Releases

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the next chapter in the video game series. It’s forecasted to make $60 to $70 million in its first three days. It’s a strong contender for the top spot.
• Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman, and The Brutalist, with Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, will also premiere this week.
• Indian film Viduthalai 2 and Kannada sci-fi action film UI by Upendra Rao are also coming to theaters.

Box Office Expectations

The box office is looking exciting this week. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is likely to lead, with Mufasa: The Lion King close behind. With films across various genres, there’s something for everyone.

Mufasa: The Lion King – A Deep Dive

The prequel to “The Lion King” is coming on December 20, 2024. Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for “Moonlight,” it will have stunning visuals and a great story. It’s a live-action version that fans are excited about.

Cast and Voice Actors

Aaron Pierre plays young Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. is Scar. James Earl Jones and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter return as Mufasa and Nala. Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s daughter, also stars in her first movie.

Plot and Storyline Details

The story tells of Mufasa’s early days, adopted into a royal family. It’s about family, legacy, and life’s cycle. Hans Zimmer and Lin-Manuel Miranda are working on the music.

Director Barry Jenkins’ Vision

Barry Jenkins, known for “Moonlight,” brings his vision to “The Lion King.” He uses advanced CGI to make the African savanna come alive. Jenkins focuses on the emotional side and family bonds, making it a compelling prequel.

“I want to explore the story of how Mufasa became the king we know and love, and dive deeper into the relationship between the two brothers, Mufasa and Taka.” – Barry Jenkins, Director

Streaming Highlights on Netflix

This week, Netflix brings a mix of new and exciting content. “The Six Triple Eight,” a historical drama by Tyler Perry, is a highlight. It tells the story of African American women in WWII. Kerry Washington stars, bringing this important history to life.

“Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous” is a must-see for music lovers. It shows the journey of the famous Indian hip-hop artist. “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma” is for fans of the NFL quarterback. It explores his life and career in depth.

Netflix’s latest shows offer something for everyone. They promise to keep viewers engaged and entertained.

Prime Video’s New Content Lineup

This week, Prime Video brings us “Girls Will Be Girls,” a moving coming-of-age drama. It’s directed by Shuchi Talati and stars Preeti Panigrahi. The story dives into sexual awakening and the deep bond between mothers and daughters.

Prime Video also introduces “Beast Games,” a game show from YouTube star Mr Beast. It offers a $5 million prize to 1,000 contestants. They face physical and mental tests, making it an exciting watch for game show fans.

Prime Video is set to wow audiences this week. It offers a mix of content for movie lovers and reality TV fans.

Disney+ Original Programming

Disney+ is exciting fans with its new original content. This week, it premieres the final season of “What If…?” on December 22. New episodes will come out every day until December 29.

This series is special because it shows alternate scenarios in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It gives a fresh look at characters like the Hulk, Agatha, and the Winter Soldier.

Disney+ is also adding a special episode of “The Simpsons” called “O C’mon All Ye Faithful.” It’s a holiday treat for fans of Marvel and casual viewers.

Disney+ is growing its collection of original programming. Fans can look forward to fantasy, action, and comedy shows. The platform is all about exploring alternate timelines and unique stories.

“The final season of ‘What If…?’ promises to take viewers on a thrilling journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, presenting new and unexpected stories that will leave a lasting impact.”

Notable TV Series Finales and Premieres

TV fans are in for a treat with a mix of series finales and new season premieres. Shows like FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” and Netflix’s “Virgin River” are returning. There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.

What We Do in the Shadows Series Finale

FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” is ending its six-season run with a series finale. Fans of the show, which follows vampire roommates on Staten Island, are excited. They’ve been waiting for the conclusion of this beloved series.

Virgin River Season Premiere

Netflix’s “Virgin River” is starting its new season, delighting its fans. The series explores the lives of Virgin River’s residents. Its loyal fanbase is eager to see what’s next for their favorite characters.

Popular Show Updates

Many popular TV series are reaching milestones. Shows like “NCIS,” “FBI,” and “Elsbeth” have midseason finales coming. Reality competitions like “Survivor” and “The Masked Singer” are also ending their seasons. And, the true-crime series “The Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot” will debut on ID channel.

Whether you love dramas, comedies, or true-crime stories, there’s something for you. So, grab your remote and get ready for an exciting season of finales, premieres, and more.

International Releases and Regional Content

Hollywood movies still rule the world, but international and regional content is gaining fans everywhere. This week, many exciting films from different places are ready to wow audiences.

In India, people are looking forward to Viduthalai 2. It’s the sequel to a hit Tamil film from 2022. Directed by Vetrimaaran, it stars Vijay Sethupathi and Manju Warrier. It explores big social and political issues. Also, UI, a sci-fi thriller set in 2040, is coming to Indian cinemas. It highlights India’s growing film talent.

Malayalam cinema is also buzzing with new movies. Marco is a spinoff of the 2019 film Mikhael. ED – Extra Decent stars Suraj Venjaramoodu. Both are making waves among fans.

“These international and regional releases show the richness and variety of global stories. They give viewers a fresh view and the chance to see the depth of different cultures.”

The entertainment world is changing, and international and regional films are proving their worth. They show the strength of diverse voices and the power of engaging stories, no matter where they come from.

Conclusion

This week, viewers have a lot to choose from in entertainment. “Mufasa: The Lion King” is out in theaters, and streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have great shows. “Girls Will Be Girls” and “The Six Triple Eight” are just a few highlights.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” has gotten mixed reviews, but many say it’s better than the first. It dives into the relationships between Mufasa, Taka, and Kiros. It also introduces new characters, adding depth to the story.

Meanwhile, streaming services are packed with exciting content. Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ have something for everyone. From “Girls Will Be Girls” on Prime Video to TV show finales and premieres, there’s plenty to watch. This week promises diverse and engaging stories on both screens and streaming services.