Mufasa is a lion who changed our lives forever when he was first introduced in the animated classic, The Lion King. Now we explore the origins of the original lion king in the new Disney film, Mufasa: The Lion King.
What is Mufasa: The Lion King About?
At first, Disney introduced The Lion King in 1994 as an animated movie. In general, it follows the journey of Simba as he becomes the Lion King after his uncle Scar murders his father, Mufasa.. The film was so successful that it led to a Broadway adaptation and several sequels. Afterward, a photorealistic animated remake landed in theaters in 2019. At this time, it became the highest-grossing animated film.
Due to both films primarily focusing on Simba, people knew little about Mufasa. As a result, the studio announced a project that centered on Mufasa with additional scenes set after the first film.
In the prequel, Rafiki tells the story of the legend of Mufasa to young, Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala. With the help of Timon and Pumbaa, we learn about Mufasa’s rise to king of the Pride Lands through flashbacks. As a cub, Mufasa was orphaned, lost and alone until he met Taka, also known as Scar. With royal blood, the lion prince accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother. Together, they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
New and returning cast members lending their voices to the film:
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros
- Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
- Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
- Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
- Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
- John Kani as Rafiki
- Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
- Billy Eichner as Timon
- Donald Glover as Simba
- Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
Additionally, casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.
Along with an all-star cast are new songs from producers Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Some of the greatest songwriters around, Elton John, Hans Zimmer and Beyoncé worked together to continue the legacy of incredible music for the film.
What is Mufasa: The Lion King Rated?
The film has a rating of PG for mild violence.
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How to watch Mufasa: The Lion King?
Originally set for release on July 5, 2024, the film’s launch became due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. Now, Mufasa: The Lion King will arrive in theaters on December 20, 2024. Although not announced yet, Disney Movie Insiders members will earn points for purchasing tickets and watching the film in theaters.
Theaters
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer
Who is Behind Mufasa: The Lion King?
Directing Mufasa: The Lion King, is Moonlight director Barry Jenkins. Serving as producers are Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, with executive producer by Peter Tobyansen. Returning from the 2019 movie to provide the visual effects is Moving Picture Company.
