Summary:
- The first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King is released by Disney on Monday, giving us a glimpse at Mufasa’s early life.
- The story will focus on how the orphaned Mufasa will rise to become the leader of the Pride Land, and how his relationship with Scar falls apart.
- Beyoncé will reprise her role as Nala, alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy, who will voice young Kiara in the prequel movie.
Disney unveiled the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King this Monday, stirring excitement with its fresh take on the beloved saga. This upcoming prequel film, directed by Barry Jenkins, promises to blend the origin story of Mufasa with the narrative introduced in Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic remake of the classic 1994 animation.
Slated for a theatrical release on December 20, Mufasa: The Lion King delves into the past of Simba’s father, Mufasa, showcasing his rise from an orphaned cub “without a drop of nobility in his clood blood” to the wise, compassionate, and beloved leader of the Pride Land. The narrative is cleverly unfolded as Rafiki relays the epic story to young Kiara, Simba and Nala’s newborn daughter and future queen of the kingdom. The comical duo Timon and Pumbaa will also make their return to blend their iconic slapstick humor into the movie.
The story follows Mufasa’s early life as he stumbles upon Taka, the royal prince the first in line for the throne. Upon meeting Mufasa, Taka immediately welcomes the orphan into the pack. Their meeting sparks a series of unexpected events, as Mufasa joins a group of misfits (including his future queen, Sarabi) on a quest to find their destinies, battling a formidable threat along the way.
For those deeply familiar with The Lion King, the name “Taka” might ring a bell — it’s rumored the birth name of the infamous Scar. But how could such a well-mannered Taka could turn into the evil Scar that would kill his own brother to take the throne? It seems like this prequel will show how Mufasa earned right to rule the Pride Land and turn into a wise leader, and how Taka gained his notorious nickname, and how the villain falls from grace.
Aaron Pierre lends his voice to Mufasa, taking over the iconic role originally voiced by James Earl Jones. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice Taka, who later becomes known as Scar, joining a stellar cast that includes the returning Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa, Donald Glover as Simba, and new additions like Tiffany Boone as Sarabi and Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros.
Adding to the anticipation, the trailer’s debut was coupled with the announcement that Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s daughter, will voice Kiara, the daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala, marking her film debut. Beyoncé herself will also return to voice Nala, reprising her role from the 2019 adaptation.
