Learn how Mufasa became king. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
Coming to theaters on December 20, 2024, Walt Disney Studios musical/drama film, Mufasa: The Lion King, gives us the story of the early days of a young Mufasa, and his brother, Taka, who will grow up to be the ruthless Scar. Disney announced the prequel film back in 2020 with Barry Jenkins (The Underground Railroad) announced as the director.
The story begins as Rafiki, voiced by John Kani (Black Panther), tells young Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, the story of how her grandfather, Mufasa, became King Of The Pridelands, with colorful commentary provided by Timon (Billy Eichner, The Angry Birds Movie) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan, Kung Fu Panda). Donald Glover (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Beyonce Knowles-Carter (Cadillac Records) are also reprising their voice roles as Simba and Nala, while Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, provides the voice Kiara.
The film includes the talents of Aaron Pierre (Foe) as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr (Mudbound) as Taka, Lennie James (Blade Runner2049) as Taka’s father and Simba’s adoptive father, Obasi, the pride’s leader, Thandiwe Newton (Westworld)as Eshe, Taka’s mother and Simba’s adoptive mother, Keith David (Gargoyles) as Mufasa’s biological father, Masego, Anika Noni Rose (The Princess And The Frog) as Mufasa’s biological mother, Afia, Tiffany Boone (The Chi) as a young Sarabi, future wife of Mufasa, Preston Nyman (Catch 22 mini-series ) as a young Zazu, the future majordomo of the Pride Lands, and Mads Mikkelson (Hannibal) as the white lion, Kiros, who has huge plans for his pride. Also, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, and Kagiso Ladiga provide the voices of younger versions of Mufasa, Taka, and Rafiki, respectively.
Lin Manuel-Miranda composed the songs for the film, with Mark Mancini producing the songs with Miranda with additional songs and performances from Lebo M. Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”
The script was written by Jeff Nathanson. The film is produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. The special effects looks to be greatly improved of it’s predecessor, with better facial expressions on the characters. Here’s hoping for a new Disney classic
