Jon Favreau’s photorealistic animated retelling of of 1994’s The Lion King was one of the highest grossing Disney live-action adaptations of an animated classic. Of course, earning $1.6 billion would be more than enough to get the studio’s interest in pursuing more stories. But rather than a direct sequel, the studio has tasked director Barry Jenkins helm Mufasa: The Lion King, a photorealistic animated prequel that chronicles the young lives of orphans and outsiders Mufasa and Scar, the former of whom would be king. And Disney has released the first trailer for the upcoming film.
Mufasa: The Lion King is told through a series of flashbacks with Rafiki (John Kani) telling the story of Simba’s father to Kiara. Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) are also there to bring some of their comedic levity to the story.
Blue Ivy Carter joins the cast as Kiara, daughter of King Simba (Donald Glover) and Queen Nala (Beyoncé), and Lin-Manuel Miranda is penning new songs.
The other confirmed cast are Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother, and Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride. Keith David and Anika Noni Rose voice Mufasa’s parents, Masego and Afia, respectively. Thandiwe Newton voices Taka’s mother, Eshe; while Lennie James voices Taka’s father, Obasi.
While there have been other stories and direct video sequels, Mufasa: The Lion King looks to take a different approach to expand upon The Lion King story and, as such, won’t fall prey to having to replicate scenes from the original, which was a common criticism of the first film.
On the music side of things, Lin-Manuel Miranda pens the film’s songs, which will be produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda. Lebo M. provides additional music and performances. In the press release, Miranda said: “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.”
Mufasa: The Lion King opens in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Mufasa: The Lion King:
Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. 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.
