Summary:
- Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King,” directed by Barry Jenkins, explores Mufasa’s rise from orphaned cub to wise ruler with a star-studded cast and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- The film, set for a December 20 release, promises an epic, heartfelt adventure.
Disney has unveiled the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, a captivating prequel directed by Barry Jenkins. Set to expand on the beloved Lion King universe, this film promises to delve into the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters.
A New Chapter in The Lion King Saga
Disney has released the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. This music-filled film serves as both an origin story and a follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 The Lion King, which itself was a reimagining of the 1994 animated classic.
The new film, set to hit theaters on December 20, delves into the backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa. It narrates his journey from an orphaned cub to a wise and compassionate ruler.
The official logline reveals that Rafiki will share Mufasa’s legend with young Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter, with Timon and Pumbaa adding their signature humor. The story unfolds in flashbacks, introducing Mufasa’s challenging childhood and his fateful meeting with Taka, a lion prince destined for greatness.
In an exciting addition, Blue Ivy Carter makes her film debut as the voice of Kiara, while her mother, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, reprises her role as Nala from the 2019 film.
Aaron Pierre voices Mufasa, a role previously voiced by James Earl Jones, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. takes on the role of Taka, who later becomes known as Scar. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as Timon and Pumbaa, respectively.
Watch Mufasa: The Lion King – Official Trailer Here.
Star-Studded Cast and Musical Legacy
The cast of Mufasa: The Lion King includes many familiar faces. Donald Glover reprises his role as Simba, and the ensemble features Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, and Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a lion with big ambitions for his pride.
Thandiwe Newton voices Taka’s mother, Eshe, Lennie James plays Taka’s father, Obasi, Anika Noni Rose is Mufasa’s mother, Afia, Keith David voices Mufasa’s father, Masego, and John Kani returns as Rafiki. Additional cast members include Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.
Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the script for Favreau’s film, returns as the screenwriter. Lin-Manuel Miranda is crafting the film’s songs, continuing the franchise’s tradition of outstanding musical contributions.
Miranda expressed his excitement, saying, “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.” (via THR)
Earlier this month, Jenkins previewed the first teaser trailer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, describing the film as “an expansive adventure” that promises an epic story filled with comedy and gravitas. Audiences can look forward to both hilarious and deeply moving moments in this highly anticipated film.
