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Mufasa keeps rolling at the box office. The prequel to the 1994 and 2019 classic The Lion King has resonated with audiences, keeping pace with many of the big films currently in theaters. As the calendar turns to 2025, Disney hopes the film can continue its momentum. The good news is January is not known for being a time for many movie releases. This means that moviegoers have to choose from the existing releases. Disney’s prequel has been getting good reviews, and many people have been watching the film during the holiday season. In the first weekend of 2025, Mufasa took the top spot at the box office, raking in another $23.8 million.
Mufasa Wins Opening Weekend Of The Year
While the Sonic franchise has officially crossed the $1 billion mark, it was Mufasa who won the weekend. Sonic 3 was a close second with $21.2 million, and Robert Eggers' Nosferatu kept up its strong performance with another $13.2 million. Disney has to be happy with the movie’s performance. It has now grossed $168.6 million domestically and has a global total of $476.4 million. This wasn’t the only movie from the studio to do well at the box office this weekend. Moana 2 was fourth with $12.4 million as it approaches the $1 billion mark worldwide.
These are promising box office numbers for Hollywood in general. After the Covid-19 pandemic, studios have struggled to attract people to the theaters. This holiday season was the first time a wide variety of movies were able to have strong numbers beyond opening weekend. All of the top four grossing movies this weekend have had strong performances. It is still nowhere near where the pre-pandemic numbers were, but it is a start.
Strong 2024 For Disney
The Walt Disney Company is hoping to keep its momentum going from 2024. It was a banner year for the studio. Inside Out 2 grossed $1.78 billion, making it the highest-grossing PG-rated movie of all time. Marvel Studios has been struggling lately, but Deadpool & Wolverine broke the streak of disappointing box office numbers. It earned $1.34 billion, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. The records didn’t stop there. The aforementioned Moana 2 set the record for the biggest Thanksgiving weekend ever with $225 million.
In total, the company raked in $5.46 billion in box office sales last year. This year, the studio hopes to build on those numbers. Marvel Studios will release three highly anticipated films in Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and Fantastic Four: First Steps. Snow White and Lilo & Stitch are getting the live-action treatment in 2025. Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash are the most anticipated sequels. That is a strong lineup, so don’t be surprised if we see similar numbers at the box office in 2025.
Final Thoughts
I have to admit I was wrong about Mufasa. I thought this movie would flop hard, but fans have loved it. It goes to show that movies with strong characters and storytelling are always popular with audiences. Fans have praised the development of Mufasa and Scar as characters. There are not many new movies coming in the next few weeks. This film may have more opportunities gross more money and possibly cross the $500 million mark.
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‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3, Episode 5 Recap and Review: 'You Know I’m Just a Fool For You!'
After a painful first four episodes filled with moments between Belly (Lola Tung) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), Jenny Han has rewarded viewers with The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5, an installment so incredible that it more than makes up for the heartache. Eighty straight minutes made up of Conrad (Christopher Briney) yearning? From his point of view? With his narration? It feels like Christmas in August! Let’s get into our The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 recap, and discuss why “Last Dance” is probably the best episode of the entire series so far. “Last Dance” Features Unique Visuals From Conrad’s Perspective The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 opens to Otis Redding‘s “These Arms of Mine” as we rewatch Belly and Conrad’s sweet embrace at the end of TSITP Season 3, Episode 4. While the interaction from Belly’s point of view was brief, viewers are now treated to Connie’s perspective, where time slows down and passion intensifies. Conrad notices every little detail as close-ups on her hands, face, and more, portraying his deep love for every part of her. The color grading is also noticeably warmer, as Belly is lit in a golden hue to represent how Conrad sees her, bathed in sunlight throughout the entire episode. It’s July Fourth weekend, and it’s been a week since that interaction, with Conrad fixing a roof in the vein of Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) from The Notebook. According to his narration, he keeps replaying their hug over and over in his mind. He also reveals that, by design, he and Belly have barely seen each other since that moment, because with each passing minute they’re together, Conrad falls deeper and deeper in love. Something that can’t happen because, you know, she’s marrying his brother. Conrad gets a call from his Dad (Tom Everett Scott), who inquires about Conrad’s thoughts on the wedding. Devoid of hope, he tells his Dad that he believes it’s going to happen regardless of what anyone else thinks. Meanwhile, Belly comes outside to take a swim, and the mere sight of her causes Conrad to drop his hammer in the storm gutter. Belly and Conrad Get Some Alone Time in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3 Episode 5 In one of the rare moments not centred on Conrad, Jeremiah, Steven (Sean Kaufman), and Taylor (Rain Spencer) head to the Cousins house to celebrate the holiday. However, none of them end up making it to their destination, as Steven is forced to make a detour to New York for a gaming conference. With Steven out of the office, Jeremiah takes over for one more work assignment. Impressed with Jeremiah’s newfound work ethic, his dad offers to pay for the entire wedding and declares the venue will change from the beach house to the Country Club. The absence of her brother, bestie, and beau is all much to Belly’s dismay, as she planned on spending the day wedding shopping with Jere and Taylor. However, her Connie in shining armor (white t-shirt, khakis, and sexy watch) and his noble steed (silver Range Rover) are here to save the day. Unfortunately, Conrad refuses to give Belly a ride downtown, as he’s still trying to avoid her, in respect for his brother. As Belly rides her bike into downtown Cousins, Conrad watches from the window, narrating that every time Belly runs into a problem, he is always asking himself, “How do I fix it?” The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 treats the audience with a sweet flashback of the four Cousins kids riding their bikes. Jere and Steven insist that the group leaves without Belly as she falls behind, but little Conrad not only stays back, he even gives her his bike to use for herself. Conrad Reluctantly Comes to Belly’s Aid in the Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 Despite always wanting to be there for her, Conrad now declares to himself that he’s done helping Belly when she’s in need. However, in typical Connie fashion, that plan is immediately scrapped. While on errands of his own, Conrad drives past Belly as she’s struggling to fit shopping bags on her bike handlebars. Although he’s reluctant, Conrad picks Belly up, loads her bike and groceries, and even lets her drive his vehicle home when she asks. The pair have a cute conversation about Conrad’s former stamp-collecting hobby that ends with Belly asking Conrad if they can make one more stop. While the voice inside his head says no, his heart says yes. Anything to make Belly happy! They stop at the florist, where Conrad is awkwardly mistaken for the groom. After they realize how expensive the flowers would be, Conrad sweetly suggests using some of Susannah’s hydrangeas instead to save money in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5. Conrad Looks Out For Belly Whenever He Can In the car, Conrad encourages Belly on ways to cut wedding costs, despite Jeremiah’s pleas for his specific, expensive cake. When Belly calls Jere to discuss the changes, he throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get what he wants, and cancels on Belly despite having plans to go vase shopping at Michael’s with her. Belly confides in Conrad about how she feels alone in this wedding planning, with Jere’s cancelling their plans being the last straw. Despite his inner monologue telling him not to, Conrad takes Belly on the shopping trip himself to go get the vases. Belly laughs through her tears, and Conrad smiles back so lovingly you’d think Belly just brought upon world peace. In his mind, she did. On the way to Michael’s, Belly and Conrad open up to each other, showcasing just how comfortable they are with one another, to Harry Styles‘ “Cherry” playing softly in the background. Conrad reveals to Belly that he’s been in therapy in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5, the first time he’s ever mentioned it out loud to another person. Yearn-Rad Fisher Takes Over in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3 Episode 5 Few fictional heartthrobs have ever yearned harder than Conrad for Belly in “Last Dance.” As Belly and Conrad weave through each aisle of Michael’s shopping for vases and fake flowers, Conrad sneaks a glimpse at Belly at every opportunity he possibly can. The yearning gets so intense that Conrad even mentions that he keeps forgetting he’s not the one marrying her. Just when you think the yearning is at its peak, the camera starts moving in slow motion once again. The very next shot is of Belly flashing Conrad a beaming smile, with golden light surrounding her as if she’s standing outside the gates of heaven. It isn’t helping that Belly is as chipper as ever, acting more like herself than viewers have seen since Season 1. In the car after their successful trip, shopping for vases, Conrad reveals to Belly that he was fired from his Stanford clinical position. Their conversation ends when Belly directs her attention to a roadside peach stand, setting up the most iconic moment in the entire series. Any fans of Jenny Han’s books know just how big a deal the peach scene is, and The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 is when it finally happens. When Conrad asks if she’d like him to pull over, Belly rejects, but Conrad sticks with his U-Turn Routine and takes Belly to the uninhabited peach stand she was eyeing. ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3 Episode 5 Features “The Peace Scene” Upon arrival, Belly pops a dollar into a bucket and takes a big bite of a peach. Juice is spurting out of that damn peach, but Belly doesn’t mind as she’s overtaken by how good it tastes. As Belly finishes the second juicy peach, Conrad steps over and uses his white t-shirt to slowly wipe all the juice off her face. They share a passionate gaze that stops time and launches them both into a different realm, before Belly breaks it off. Conrad walks back to the car, unaware that this moment was just as electric for Belly as it was for him. It’s moments like these in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 that make this show a classic. Belly and Conrad get home fairly late, just in time for dinner, so Conrad can make his special grilled chicken. They drink a bottle of white wine and reflect on the day’s events. Belly is laughing so hard and smiling so big that it’s so easy to forget she’s engaged to Conrad’s brother. Conrad reminisces about their last moments as a couple, a few weeks before that fateful prom day. Conrad is staying over in the Conklins’ guest room, and Belly sneaks in for a brief cuddle. Well, one thing leads to another and… dot dot dot. The love sequence is nothing short of shocking and adds a new layer of depth to Belly and Conrad’s relationship. Unfortunately, as the scene transitions back to the present day, an agitating, grating voice comes from the doorway, “Honey, I’m home!” Jeremiah is back, ugh. Belly and Jere Share One “Last Dance” in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Everything falls apart for Belly as Jeremiah arrives to discuss their wedding. Jere delivers the ‘good’ news regarding Adam paying for the wedding, but Belly is even less thrilled upon finding out that Adam’s mistress would be helping plan the wedding. Belly loses the venue she wanted, her first dance song, the cake she desired, and won’t even have all the people she wants at the wedding. All of the choices are being made by Jeremiah, speaking volumes about their relationship. The camera pans up to Conrad watching Belly and Jere dance from the window. He reminisces about the final promise he made to his Mom (Rachel Blanchard) to always take care of his brother, as Jenny Han couldn’t let viewers move on to the next week without one final sad Conrad moment. In the final flashback of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 3, Episode 5, Conrad makes this promise to Susannah on her deathbed, and it’s as heart-wrenching as ever. ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 3 Episode 5 Is a Series Highlight Jenny Han directed this episode in such a unique and beautiful fashion. Viewers are watching Belly through Conrad’s eyes, often with an extreme close-up shot of her, focusing on her eyes, hair, smile, or hands. This strategy, combined with the warm color grading used throughout, makes “Last Dance” stand out visually from every other episode of the series thus far. Chris Briney has been incredible all season, but his performance in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 is something special. There is no one who understands Conrad’s struggles and triumphs better than Briney. While Belly takes a backseat as the eyes and narrator in this episode, she still remains front and center. It’s no secret that Belly has lost herself this season, becoming arguably the worst version of herself in her relationship with Jeremiah. However, in “Last Dance,” she’s portrayed as a breath of fresh air through Conrad’s eyes. Lola Tung brings back a lot of Belly’s quick wit and physicality from Season 1, and it’s so refreshing to watch. With Conrad and Belly back sharing the screen for most of the episode, The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 5 proves to be one of the best episodes of the entire series. Best Moment: The peach scene. Duh. Worst Moment: “Honey, I’m Home!” A chill went down my spine, but not in a good way. Best Needle Drop: Our first tie! “Cherry” and “Wild Horses” were both just too good. Episode MVP: Jenny Han. My queen. Thank you for your service. Quote of the Episode: “[Jere] can give her all the things I can’t. She deserves that. She deserves the world.” 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3, Episode 5 Review 5/5 Total Score The Sour Patch Kids (Pros) Jenny Han's unique direction and visual language makes this episode one-of-a-kind. The performances and chemistry between the two leads is unmatched. The writing allows these characters to be the best versions of themselves. Iconic scenes from the book are adapted with love and care. The Swedish Fish (Cons) Jeremiah was in it.
Steelers May Immediately Pursue One Of Aaron Rodgers' Former Targets To Boost Offense
Giants to waive fan favorite QB
The Giants’ trio of new quarterbacks has pushed Tommy DeVito off the roster. New York is moving on, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. DeVito has made 12 appearances and eight starts across the past two seasons, but the Giants’ actions this offseason led to the expectation he would wind up on the wrong side of the roster bubble. New York added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency before selecting Jaxson Dart in the first round of the draft. Each of those three signal-callers will be on the team’s 53-man roster, Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms. DeVito’s showings during his regular season appearances as well as New York’s preseason finale last Thursday could make him an attractive option on the waiver wire. Teams will be able to put in a claim through Wednesday, the first day in which practice squads will be formed. If DeVito, 27, passes through waivers, he will become a free agent. As NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes, DeVito was the subject of trade talks in recent days. Winston has also been the target of a potential deal, but the Giants are prepared to move forward with the former No. 1 pick in a depth capacity. Wilson will handle starting duties to begin the year with Dart looming as a potential replacement depending on how the early portion of the campaign shakes out. This time of year often brings about shuffling at the QB position, and it will be interesting to see how strong DeVito’s market turns out to be. The Raiders found themselves in need of an addition, but their vacancy was filled with the Kenny Pickett trade. The Patriots, meanwhile, have only two passers in the organization at the moment. New England thus represents a candidate for a waiver claim or a free agent push in the event DeVito hits the market.
Steelers nearly completed trade with Saints before making roster move
The Pittsburgh Steelers had to begin to determine the final roster for the 2025 season after the team played its final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. This is always a tough time of year for all 32 organizations across the NFL, as difficult roster decisions need to be made. One of those that the Steelers had to make came at punter, as the franchise had to decide between Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman for the starting job. On Monday, Pittsburgh made the move to release Johnston, which meant that Waitman had won the starting punting job in Pittsburgh. This was a bit of a surprise as it felt like most fans believed Johnston would win the job, but the two had a stark difference in what they were being paid. Waitman made significantly less, and the production from the two players was not all that different. Before releasing Johnston, Pittsburgh seemed to shop their punters around the league as the franchise looked to trade one of them. According to Adam Schefter, a deal almost got done with the New Orleans Saints. Fans wanted to see the organization find a way to move its extra specialists for additional draft capital. The Steelers probably felt comfortable starting either Johnston or Waitman at punter, so whichever one could bring in more value in a trade was going to be dealt. A trade didn't materialize, and Johnston was released. Had Pittsburgh and New Orleans come to an agreement on a deal, it is hard to imagine the Steelers would have been able to bring in anything higher than a sixth or seventh round pick for the punter. However, all draft capital is good. Both Waitman and Johnston are good enough to be starters in the NFL, but no team carries two punters. The Steelers were able to save money by releasing Johnston, and Waitman is due roughly $2 million less than the former Steeler. Play certainly factored into the decision to release Johnston, but it seems like it was mainly a business decision as Pittsburgh was able to create some more flexibility against the cap. Waitman filled in for Johnston after the punter suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1, and played well throughout the rest of the year.
Vikings–Panthers Adam Thielen talks face cutdown-day clock: Is a deal coming?
The NFL's 53-man roster deadline arrives at 3 p.m. CT Tuesday and logic says the Minnesota Vikings would like to know where they stand on Adam Thielen before cutting any wide receivers currently on the roster, who might otherwise make the team if a deal for Thielen can't be completed. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings and Carolina Panthers have "tried to work out a trade" that would bring Thielen back to Minnesota, "but the two sides continue to struggle to agree on compensation." Schefter adds that Thielen "would like to return to Minnesota," where he played nine seasons after growing up in Detroit Lakes, Minn. and then starred at Division II Minnesota State University in Mankato before making it with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Insiders, including Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, have reported that Carolina is seekings a legitimate Day 3 draft pick for Thielen, whose $6.25 million base salary in 2025 will also have to be sorted out. Will the Vikings pick up the entire tab or ask Carolina to eat some of his salary? Subscribe: Sign up to receive the free Vikings On SI newsletter Amid the negotiations, the Vikings have been wheeling and dealing. They've stockpiled late-round draft picks by trading defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to the Jets, quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles, and cornerback Mehki Blackmon to the Colts. Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah now has a cupboard full of picks for the 2026 draft. 1st round 2nd round 3rd round 3rd round (projected comp pick for Sam Darnold) 4th round (projected comp pick for Daniel Jones) 5th round 5th round (from the Eagles) 5th round (projected comp pick for Cam Robinson) 6th round (from the Colts) 7th round 7th round (from the Texans Adding a wide receiver of their liking before Tuesday's 3 p.m. roster deadline would be ideal. As it stands now, the only wide receivers guaranteed to make the team are Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and perhaps rookie Tai Felton. That leaves the fates of Lucky Jackson, Tim Jones, Jeshaun Jones, Myles Price (who has flashed as a kick and punt returner), Thayer Thomas and Dontae Fleming up in the air. Without adding a receiver before the cutdown deadline, the last wide receiver to make the 53-man roster would likely be on the roster on borrowed time until Minnesota adds a more proven name. What if the Vikings can't find a solution for Thielen? According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, a couple of names worth monitoring could be Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods, who might not make the 53-man roster, and Odell Beckham Jr., who is a free agent. Both have experience in Kevin O'Connell's offense and would be somewhat seamless additions to help fill the void while Nailor is out with a hand injury and Addison is serving a three-game suspension to begin the season. More from Vikings On SI
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