Los Angeles, CA – Disney’s latest venture into the world of “The Lion King” franchise has been highly anticipated, with the release of the trailer for the prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his work on “Moonlight,” the film will delve into the origin story of Mufasa, the beloved lion king, and his complicated relationship with his brother Scar.
Voiced by Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr., the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar, respectively, the film boasts a star-studded cast with familiar voices returning from the 2019 remake. John Kani, Seth Rogen, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will reprise their roles as Rafiki, Pumbaa, and Nala, respectively. Notably, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s daughter, joins the cast as Kiara, the daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
The film will feature new music penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his work on “Hamilton,” and will also include performances by Lebo M. Miranda expressed his excitement to be part of the project, highlighting the incredible musical legacy of “The Lion King.”
Joining the cast are Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, and Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe, among others. Jenkins, reflecting on his involvement in the prequel, shared his personal connection to the characters and his excitement for expanding the tale of friendship, love, and legacy within the African diaspora.
With an original 1994 film that grossed $960 million worldwide and a 2019 remake that earned $1.6 billion at the global box office, “The Lion King” remains one of Disney’s most successful properties. The remake received critical acclaim, with Variety naming it a Critic’s Pick in 2019.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on December 20, “Mufasa: The Lion King” promises to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and memorable characters. Fans can watch the full trailer for a glimpse into the world of Mufasa’s origin story and prepare for another cinematic adventure in the iconic Lion King universe.