“The Lion King” prequel “Mufasa” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” have been battling for box office supremacy since Christmas, with Disney’s latest CGI animated outing having a day by day edge, heading towards a $58 million five day “weekend.”

“Sonic 3” wins the THREE day weekend by a nose,  coming in just over $38 million, Friday-Sunday. “Mufasa” managed over $37.

But the bigger news is that the awards contenders “Nosferatu” and “A Complete Unknown” are opening great, compared to their more modest budgets.

Robert Eggers’ remake of the “original” expressionist vampire tale, F.W. Murnau’s 1922 “Nosferatu,” cleared $21 million weekend, $40 million since its Christmas (Eve, previews) opening. It may be the most derivative vampire tale ever, but if it isn’t up for best production design (by writer-director Eggers), somebody got robbed.

“A Complete Unknown” is bringing out Baby Boomers, Bob Dylan fans and Chalamet-worshippers, with an 11.6 million weekend — $24 million since its limited release, then pre-release previews Tuesday afternoon.

“Wicked” is putting the finishing touches on its dominance of this late fall/early winter release slate race with “Moana 2” by adding another $6.5-$7 million to its tally. “Wicked” has cleared $400 million, “Moana 2” over $376 million in North America alone.

“Babygirl” is looking at a $7 million opening “week.” $4.3 million over the three day weekend. Nicole Kidman masochism isn’t much of a draw, I guess.

“Homestead” is still in the top ten, earning over $3.

“The Fire Inside” won’t be much over $4 million for its opening week, and deserves better.

“Gladiator 2” is about to exit the top ten as it, like “Wicked,” is entering the screening stage of its release.

Awards announcements could extend the runs of any film in this weekend’s top ten. Not “Sonic,” of course.Dos

Disney just cleared the $5 billion mark at the box office.