Everything We Know About Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

A powerful soundtrack, captivating colors and a compelling storyline came together to create a timeless movie in The Lion King. In 1994, Disney presented audiences with an exciting new movie that has remained a fan favorite, even for newer generations. The story focuses on Simba, a lion cub whose father, King Mufasa, was killed by his brother, Scar. Simba leaves the Pride Lands, believing he was the reason for his father's death, only to return to find that Scar has ruined what was once his home. As the rightful King, it was up to Simba to take back control. The plot is said to be loosely based on William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride was released in 1998, but as a direct-to-video sequel. 2019 brought a revival of the original story in the form of a live-action remake, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. A cast of experienced performers came together to voice the characters, including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogan and Billy Eichner. James Earl Jones also reprised his role as Mufasa, which he played in 1994.

Now, the franchise is returning once again with Mufasa: The Lion King, and it looks to be a worthy addition to the tale of the lions that roamed Pride Rock. From the animated version, audiences learned that Scar held a grudge against Mufasa, always wanting to be the ruler. That couldn't happen whilst his brother was still around. Mufasa was full of wisdom, courage and a willingness to look after his family, no matter the price, while Scar held opposite values. He was selfish and plagued with a desire for power, putting him on the wrong path of destruction. Mufasa's death was arguably one of the saddest in Disney's history, especially as it was caused by his own sibling. Aside from greed and jealousy, Scar's motives weren't given a lot of explanation. The Lion King didn't give much detail about Mufasa's past, but the upcoming movie is set to clarify his origins.

A Trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King Has Been Released

• The screenplay for Mufasa: The Lion King is written by Jeff Nathanson.

After a teaser trailer was released in June, a full trailer has now been released for Mufasa: The Lion King. Told in flashbacks, Rafiki explains to Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, the story of how Mufasa found his way to a royal bloodline after he got lost as a young cub. He meets another cub called Taka, who viewers would come to know as Scar. Mufasa was taken into Taka's family, and the two grew up as brothers, with an adventurous life ahead of them which didn't come without its struggles. Presumably, viewers will also come to understand why Taka became known as Scar. Although the narrative depicts Mufasa's past, the characters that have become an important element of The Lion King will make appearances. In the trailer, Timon and Pumbaa are shown to be very present, making themselves known with their usual comedic personalities. Seemingly, the creators have paid attention to what fans know and love about the previous movies, choosing not to ignore what made them a success.

The scenery looks to be as breathtaking as ever, setting the illustration for the circle of life that runs deeply through the franchise. The live-action creation adds to the depiction of the African Plains, displaying sharp imagery of the wildlife that occupies the land. Barry Jenkins is directing the movie, and he appears to have kept his film in line with Jon Favreau's 2019 remake, featuring a photo-realistic style. Although the animation was beautifully crafted and perfect for young viewers, the live-action makes the film a little more believable. It's easier to get lost in the fictional world and trust in the plot. Live-action is impressive to watch, coming as close to watching real animals as possible. Jenkins has four other film director credits to his name. Between 2008 and 2018, Jenkins directed Medicine for Melancholy, Tall Enough, Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. With an accomplished creative overseeing this much-anticipated project, it's almost certain to be a triumph.

New Actors Are Being Added to the Cast

• The Lion King is the 32nd film in Disney's animated canon.

The characters of Mufasa: The Lion King are to be voiced by new actors as well as those returning from the previous live-action film. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will be revisiting her role as Nala, the lioness who grew up with Simba, and eventually became his partner. Knowles-Carter is known for her extensive singing career, as well as roles in films, such as Dreamgirls. Joining her will be her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who is set to play Kiara. She has appeared in documentaries made by her mother, but Mufasa: The Lion King is her film debut. Aaron Pierre voices the titular character, Mufasa. The actor's filmography includes Old, Brother and Foe, having also made waves in London's Globe Theater in Othello, and Theatre Royal Stratford East in King Hedley II. Star of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guava Island, Donald Glover returns as Simba. Bringing the comedy will yet again be Seth Rogen (Superbad, Pineapple Express) and Billy Eichner (Bros, Noelle) as they bring life to Pumbaa and Timon, respectively.

John Kani of Murder Mystery is coming back as Rafiki, and, if the trailer is anything to go by, he may have a far more instrumental role in narrating the story than in The Lion King. New performers who weren't previously in The Lion King will be making their mark on the franchise. Kelvin Harrison Jr., the Elvis star, will be replacing Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. Harrison Jr. played singer BB King in the Austin Butler-led movie, and also appeared in Chevalier in the same year. Tiffany Boone, who can be seen in Hamilton, and more recently, Midnight Sky, is due to play Sarabi, the mother of Simba who was last voiced by Alfre Woodard. The mix of old and new actors will keep the movie fresh, whilst also holding a strong connection to the live-action remake that came before it. The famous names are sure to draw in various generations of viewers, and the lesser-known names should pique the interest of many.

Mufasa: The Lion King's Music Is in Good Hands

• "I Always Wanted A Brother" is a song due to appear in the film, sung by Mufasa and Taka.

Audiences have a little while longer to wait for the release of Mufasa: The Lion King. The movie is set to air on December 20th of this year. The festive treat will be featuring original songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose work as a lyricist and composer can be found in the acclaimed films The Little Mermaid, Hamilton, Moana, Encanto and In the Heights. Music has been a core part of The Lion King's lasting impact. Each song encompassed everything that needed to be said in the scene and was never unnecessary. Lyricist Tim Rice and singer Elton John worked on the music for the original movie. Together, they wrote "Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", "Be Prepared", "Hakuna Matata", and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Each one became a highlight that audiences still love today. The soundtrack was released in 1994 and became a hit in the music charts. With a tough act to follow, Miranda has a large task on his hands that audiences will be desperate to hear. However, they can relax in the knowledge that the film's music is in the hands of a musical genius.

The prequel to The Lion King has a lot to live up to. The original animation is something that holds a special place in the childhood memories of 90s kids and has gone on to age very well through the years. The film changed up the usual narrative of princes and princesses to deliver something unique in the Disney catalog, but with characters that were still able to convey important life lessons that relate to family, friendship and strength. The live-action remake upheld the values that had been firmly rooted in the original by giving the project its due respect and effort. The prequel is a completely new installment to the story of the lions of Pride Rock and will give context to everything that came to be in the animation. Although a lot is resting on the shoulders of those involved in making the film, they are the right people for the job. From the actors to the director, the weight of the movie will undoubtedly be met with hard work and commitment, so audiences will be given another cinematic gem.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Drama

Adventure

Family

Simba, having become king of the Pride Lands, is determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints while the origins of his late father Mufasa are explored.

Director

Barry Jenkins

Release Date

December 20, 2024

Cast

Aaron Pierre , John Kani , Kelvin Harrison Jr. , Seth Rogen , Billy Eichner

Writers

Jeff Nathanson

Main Genre

Drama