Filmmaker Barry Jenkins has made celebrated indies (“Medicine for Melancholy”), Academy Award-winning dramas (“Moonlight,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”), and an epic ten-part historical period series (“The Underground Railroad”), but his latest film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” is easily his biggest and most ambitious leap to date. A live-action-styled photorealistic animated prequel to the 1994 film “The Lion King,” and the similar-looking 2019 remake from director Jon Favreau, Disney has released the first look trailer for the film that comes out in December.
In a drama musical, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani reprise their character voice roles from Favreau’s 2019 remake—as Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki, respectively—and they are joined by Aaron Pierre (“The Underground Railroad”) and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“Cyrano”), who voice the younger versions of King Mufasa and Scar.
The prequel about the rise of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Lands goes back to the African savanna, where Rafiki tells Kiara—daughter of Simba and Nala—the story of her grandfather while Timon and Pumbaa add color commentary.
Here’s the official synopsis:
“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.
Many, many new names have joined the cast Including, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, reprising her voice work from the 2019 version.
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
- 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
- Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
- And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
Written by Jeff Nathanson (2019’s “The Lion King” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”), Jenkins reunites with many of his previous collaborators on the film, including cinematographer James Laxton (“Moonlight”), editor Joi McMillon (“Beale Street Could Talk”) and composer Academy Award-nominated Nicholas Britell, though he is also joined by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams, who are both writing additional music for the film, in Williams’ case, likely original songs.
“You are probably wondering, what is the director of ‘Moonlight’ doing talking to me about an eight-quadrant tentpole legacy IP massive film?” Jenkins said at CinemaCon this year, asking the question that yes, was on everyone’s minds and, in some regards, still is. “And I gotta say, the thought was very strange to me at first, as well. But oh my god. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life, and I’m so glad I made this picture.”
If you’re wondering why Disney keeps remaking their animated film as these quasi-live-action movies that are really just another form of animation, well, 2019’s ‘Lion King’ box office is all you need to know: $1.66 billion worldwide, even with mixed reviews. Delayed slightly because of the 2023 strikes, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is set for release on December 20, 2024. Watch the first trailer below.