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Mufasa: The Lion King
Teaser poster
Directed by	Barry Jenkins
Screenplay by	Jeff Nathanson
Based on	Disney's The Lion King by Irene Mecchi     Jonathan Roberts     Linda Woolverton
Produced by	Adele Romanski Mark Ceryak
Starring	Aaron Pierre Kelvin Harrison Jr. John Kani Seth Rogen Billy Eichner Tiffany Boone Donald Glover Mads Mikkelsen Thandiwe Newton Lennie James Blue Ivy Carter Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Cinematography	James Laxton
Edited by	Joi McMillon
Music by	Hans Zimmer Pharrell Williams Lin-Manuel Miranda Nicholas Britell Mark Mancina
Production companies	Walt Disney Pictures Pastel Productions
Distributed by	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release date	December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20)
Country	United States
Language	English

Mufasa: The Lion King is an upcoming American musical drama film directed by Barry Jenkins, written by Jeff Nathanson, and produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pastel Productions. The film is photorealistic animated and both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 adaptation of the 1994 film The Lion King. Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reprise their roles from the remake, and are joined by Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, and Knowles-Carter's daughter Blue Ivy Carter in her feature film debut.

Development on a prequel to The Lion King was confirmed in September 2020, with Jenkins attached to direct and Nathanson finishing a draft of the script. Pierre and Harrison Jr. were announced as the voice cast in August 2021, followed by further casting between September 2022 and April 2024. The film was officially announced when its official title was revealed in September 2022 at the 2022 D23 Expo announcement. Production on the film slowed down in July 2023 due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 20, 2024, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Premise

The prequel about the rise of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Lands, goes back to the African savannah where Rafiki tells Kiara — daughter of Simba and Nala — the story of her grandfather while Timon and Pumbaa add color commentary.

Meanwhile, Kiara wants to explore outside of Pride Rock and the Pride Lands but Simba and Nala warns their daughter to stay away from the Outlands, Kiara disobey her parents (who sent Timon and Pumbaa to keep an eye on her), venue into the Outlands and befriends another lion; a male cub named Kovu (the second son and youngest child of Zira) after escaping from the crocodiles and play a game of "tag, you're it". But their fun was cut-short by their respective parents, Zira (Kovu's mother) and Simba and Nala (Kiara's parents) but Zira revealed that the Pride Lands belong to her follower loyalty, Scar and Simba already told her that he banished her to the Outlands. Zira also reveals that her second son and youngest child, Kovu was hand-chosen by Scar to follow in his pawprints to execute Simba so that Kovu will become the future king of the Pride Lands.

Kovu and Kiara whispering while said goodbye to each other as Zira, Simba and Nala took their cubs back to their respective prides.

Nala led the lionesses, Zazu, Timon and Pumbaa back to Pride Rock while Simba stayed behind to discipline Kiara for ventures into the Outlands by telling her that he and Nala won't be here and Kiara need to carry on in Simba's place but Kiara already know what Simba said "the great circle of life" , Simba agrees with Kiara; warning her that need to be careful as the future Queen of the Pride Lands. Simba reminds Kiara about don't want to be a lioness by saying is in her blood as he was because of they are part of each other which Kiara doesn't understand what Simba said.

Meanwhile in the Outlands, Nuka teases his younger sister, Vitani about Kovu's disappearance but Vitani reminds Nuka that Zira will be mad at him because of his responsibility to watch Kovu. Zira blames Nuka for not watching Kovu but Kovu stood up for his older brother by reminds Zira that he went off on his own. Zira has a plan to use Kovu's friendship with Kiara to get her vengeance towards Simba for killing her loyal follower, Scar.

Back in the Pride Lands, Rafiki told Mufasa of his thoughts of Kiara (whom will grow more beautiful young adult lioness and more importantly into the future Queen after Simba will step down as King) and Kovu will grow big and strong.

Back in the Outlands, Zira declared that Kovu is ready- Zira circles around Kovu while impressed of how he has been growing stronger and stronger noting that Kovu had the same in his soul like Scar has, Zira asking Kovu was his destiny? Kovu responded his mother that he will avenge Scar to take his place in the Pride Lands- Zira agreed and what she had taught him? Kovu declared that Simba is the enemy- Zira also asked what must Kovu do? Kovu decided that he must kill Simba all the lionesses of the Outlands cheer on with a roar.

Back in the Pride Rock, Nala walked towards Simba after the Pridelanders is ready to see Kiara's first hunt, Rafiki blessed with Kiara's growth everyone in the Pride Rock even Timon, Pumbaa and Zazu awed for Kiara is fully prepared for her first hunt.

Nala asked Kiara do not get hurt and be just fine when Kiara made a promise to Simba that she has to do this on her own and Simba agreed with Kiara as the father and daughter embraced one another making Timon and Pumbaa cried after Kiara and Simba embrace each other as Kiara ready for a hunt. She looks back at Simba and Nala as Simba nods of her mission of a hunt once Kiara was gone hunting not knowing Nala walks away fearing that Simba was once again secretly sent Timon and Pumbaa to make sure Kiara doesn't get hurt.

Meanwhile in the Pride Lands, Kiara had finally found the Giseles but failed when the Giseles ran away and Kiara followed them. In the Elephant Graveyard, Nuka and Vitani were ordered by their mother to trap Kiara by setting ablaze in the Pride Lands.

When Kiara discovered that Timon and Pumbaa were followed her again by her father after Simba promised, Kiara knew that Simba had been lied to her but Timon denied knowing that Simba said he doesn't want Kiara to get hurt. Kiara wandering off to continue on her hunt away from the Pride Lands, Nuka and Vitani found Kiara by ready to destroy the Pride Lands by ablaze all around it.

Kovu being sent by his mother to rescue his childhood friend knowing the plan was montion. Back at Pride Rock, Simba walks in circles when Zazu told him don't worry that Kiara will be fine. Simba and Zazu discovers the fire ablaze in the Pride Lands fearing that Kiara is in danger, Simba orders Zazu to fly ahead so that they can save Kiara while the Pridelanders followed The Lion King.

Kiara was saved by the stranger Lion but grows angry towards the mysterious stranger Lion who reminds her that he had saved her life when Kiara tells him that she had everything under control.

Just before the two lions begin to fight, the strange Lion asked Kiara what she was doing reference to their meeting as cubs when Kiara recognised her childhood friend, Kovu was her rescuer.

Back at Pride Rock, Kiara decides that Kovu wants to teach her how to hunt and Kovu accept Kiara's permission. When Zira and Nuka watched as Kiara left Kovu, Nuka wouldn't believe of what just happened by telling his mother that Kovu let Kiara go while Zira hushed her eldest child and firstborn son that the fire has perfectly and Simba felt for it.

Inside Pride Rock, Simba had a nightmare about his late father and adoptive uncle when Nala was awake from her sleep, asked Simba what's wrong and Simba told her that just had a nightmare. The next morning, Kovu tried to kill Simba for what Simba did last night but Kovu was distracted by Kiara who just ready for hunt training.

Kiara and Kovu met up with Timon and Pumbaa who just had enough of followed Kiara, they pursue Kovu of getting in the fun so that Kovu and Kiara's friendship bonded over and blossomed into love when Rafiki found the two lions to help them fall in love with each other in the place called "Upendi".

After Simba knew that he was afraid of Kovu being around his daughter and Nala convinced him to get to know Kovu. Kovu and Kiara came back from their "date", they both say goodnight to one another and Simba invited Kovu to the den.

Meanwhile, Zira notices that her only daughter came back from Pride Rock after Vitani saw Kovu going inside the royal den with Kiara, Simba, Nala and the Pridelanders fearing that Kovu cannot betrayed Zira and the Outlanders.

The next morning, Kovu want to tell Kiara about the plot but being distracted by Simba that he and Kovu will have a talk while showing Kovu around the kingdom, Simba explains to Kovu that Scar wasn't his paternal uncle when Rafiki told Kiara about his late father but it was revealed that Scar was Simba's adoptive paternal uncle because his late father was adopted by Simba's adoptive paternal grandparents who was the former King and Queen of the Pride Lands.

Zira and the Outlanders surrounding Simba and a betrayed Kovu when Simba knew it was an ambushed but Kovu denied revealing that he was distracted by the Royal family who offered Kovu a place in the den.

Zira witnessed Nuka's death and blames Kovu for everything by giving him a scar on his left eyebrow knowing that Kovu got the same fate as Scar had.

Kiara, Timon, Pumbaa and Zazu saw Simba who was limping back from the Pride Lands knowing that Kovu was part of the ambush.

After Kovu was exile from the Pride Lands, Simba and Kiara went into a conflict argument when Simba will not be escort Kiara to find Kovu from now on, Kiara protests Simba that's not Simba stops her saying that Kovu was using her to get to him.

Kiara once again protests to get Simba to understand that Kovu loves her for who she is for herself, Simba once again telling her that she is the daughter of The Lion King. Simba told her that she would not leave Pride Rock to stay here so that Simba keep an eye on her away from Kovu. Kiara who is had enough of her father's overprotective attude, yelling at him in tears by declaration "You Will Never Be Mufasa!".

Simba shocked by his daughter's words not knowing that Rafiki and Mufasa made an agreement to bring Kiara and Kovu together ended the feuds between the Pride Lands and the Outlands.

After Kiara run back in the den burst into tears and found a little rock hole to run off to find Kovu. Nala was angry at Simba for being overprotective of their daughter and she was very disappointed in him.

During the song Love will find a way, Kiara can't find Kovu but Kovu found her and they reunite while they look at their reflections of the water. Kiara knew what Simba said to her as a cub by convinced Kovu to return with her by saving their respective prides and Kovu agrees.

The battle between the Pridelanders and the Outlanders had commence but Kovu and Kiara break up the one more conflict of their parents by convincing them that "We Are One". The Outlanders (even Vitani) abandon Zira to rejoin Simba's Pride.

After the battle is over, Simba and Nala witnesses their daughter's marriage to Kovu atop of Pride Rock. Which made Mufasa happy.

Voice cast

• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• John Kani as Rafiki
  • Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki
• Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
• Preston Nyman as Zazu
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
• Donald Glover as Simba, current king of Pride Rock and Mufasa's son
• Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Mufasa's daughter-in-law
• Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, Taka's mother and Mufasa's adopted mother
• Lennie James as Obasi, Taka's father and Mufasa's adopted father
• Keith David as Masego, Mufasa's biological father
• Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Mufasa's biological mother
• Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, Simba and Nala's daughter and Mufasa and Sarabi's granddaughter

Additionally, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Joanna Jones, Folake Olowofoyeku, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings have been cast in undisclosed roles.

Production

Development

In September 2020, it was announced that a follow-up film to the live-action-styled CGI photorealistic 2019 remake of The Lion King (1994) was in development, with Barry Jenkins attached to direct. Reports indicated that the project would have a story centered on Mufasa during his formative years, with additional scenes focusing on the events after the first film; comparing the movie to a similar structure as The Godfather Part II (1974). By this point, Jeff Nathanson, the previous installment's screenwriter, had completed a draft of the script. The film was officially announced, with the title of Mufasa: The Lion King at the 2022 D23 Expo.

On December 13, 2023, the Hollywood Handle reported that the film's plot would involve Rafiki telling the story of Mufasa to his granddaughter, Kiara, marking the character's first on-screen appearance in an animated feature film since The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998), the direct-to-video sequel to the original animated film. In regards on how much his film would adapt from Simba's Pride, Jenkins admitted that "some stuff" from the canon is very much alluded and referenced, but it isn't an adaptation per se.

Casting

In August 2021, Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. were cast as the voices of young Mufasa and Scar, respectively. During an interview with Fandango in April 2023 about his film Chevalier (2022), Harrison Jr. confirmed that the film will explore Scar's backstory, portraying him in a "hilarious and very, very spicy" way and expressing interest in how the young and sweet Scar's relationship with his brother Mufasa evolves throughout the film. By September 2022, it was revealed that Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani will reprise their roles as Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki, respectively.

In April 2024, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Donald Glover were confirmed to reprise their roles, with Blue Ivy Carter (in her feature film debut), Tiffany Boone (replacing Alfre Woodard), Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman (replacing John Oliver), Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings announced as new additions to the cast. Jenkins considered to cast Blue Ivy as Kiara since he heard the audiobook version she did for his friend Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love (2019) short film, but had reservations on whether she and her mother would want to act opposite each other, fearing it may hit "too close to home", but both Blue Ivy and Beyoncé were enthusiastic when he proposed them the idea. Coupled with Beyonce's Renaissance tour, during which Blue Ivy participated as a dancer in a performance of one of The Lion King: The Gift album's songs, Jenkins felt there was some sort of synergy between mother and daughter with the film showcasing some type of "time capsule".

Visual effects

In September 2022, at D23, the first footage was played exclusively to attendees, thus revealing that production had been underway. Moving Picture Company is returning to provide the visual effects. In July 2023, production on the film slowed down due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Music

In June 2022, Nicholas Britell was hired to serve as composer for the score on the film's soundtrack, after having previously collaborated with Jenkins on various projects. In September 2022, it was announced that Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams would return for the film, and in April 2024, it was announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda would write the songs for the film. Jenkins approached Miranda to work on the film due to keeping in touch since Jenkins almost cast Miranda in his film If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). Mark Mancina would also co-produce the songs with Miranda, with Lebo M providing additional vocals and performances.

Marketing

During the D23, an exclusive preview for the film was shown to those who attended, which revealed that Mufasa was an orphaned cub. The preview also revealed that Rafiki and Timon will tell stories about Mufasa's past and his way to becoming king. Barry Jenkins also appeared during The Walt Disney Studios' presentation of their 2024 theatrical slate at CinemaCon on April 11, 2024, to promote the film, where he remarked: "You are probably wondering... what is the director of Moonlight (2016) doing talking to me about an eight-quadrant tentpole legacy IP massive film? 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."

The first teaser trailer and the official teaser poster debuted on April 29, 2024, on ABC's Good Morning America. The trailer's music track was bookended by a new instrumental rendition of "Circle of Life," confirming that some musical material by Elton John and Tim Rice from the previous film would be featured in the film in some way. The trailer received a negative reception, some of whom deemed the film as "unnecessary" and a "soulless prequel to a soulless remake". Jenkins responded on Twitter writing, "There is nothing soulless about The Lion King ... For decades children have sat in theaters all over the world experiencing collective grief for the first time, engaging Shakespeare for the first time, across aisles in myriad languages. A most potent vessel for communal empathy."

Release

Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to be released on December 20, 2024. It was previously scheduled for release on July 5, 2024, but was delayed to its current date due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

References

1. Geisinger, Gabriella (September 30, 2020). "The Lion King 2 has been confirmed – here's everything you need to know". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
2. ^ "Disney Debuts First Teaser Trailer for 'Mufasa: The Lion King'". The Walt Disney Company. April 29, 2024. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
3. ^ Murphy, J. Kim (November 10, 2023). "Marvel Delays 'Deadpool 3,' 'Captain America 4' and 'Thunderbolts' in Post-Strike Disney Release Shake-Up". Variety. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
4. Fleming, Mike Jr. (September 29, 2020). "'The Lion King' Followup Set With 'Moonlight' Director Barry Jenkins To Helm For Walt Disney Studios". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
5. Sandell, Rachel (March 18, 2022). "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Is an Underrated Disney Sequel". Collider. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
6. Rubin, Rebecca; Lang, Brent (September 29, 2020). "'The Lion King' Follow-Up in the Works With Director Barry Jenkins". Variety. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
7. Couch, Aaron; Kits, Borys (September 29, 2020). "'Lion King' Prequel in the Works with Director Barry Jenkins". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
8. ^ Leston, Ryan (September 9, 2022). "Mufasa: The Lion King Announced at D23". IGN.
9. Schreur, Brandon (December 14, 2023). "Mufasa: The Lion King Reveals New Plot Details for Disney Spin-off". yahoo.com. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
10. ^ Murray, Iana (April 29, 2024). "Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer Interview: Barry Jenkins On Blue Ivy Carter, The New Songs, And More". Empire. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
11. Wiseman, Andreas (August 26, 2021). "'The Lion King' Prequel: Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Aaron Pierre To Lead Cast For Disney & Barry Jenkins". Deadline. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
12. @Fandango (April 24, 2023). "We caught up with #Chevalier star Kelvin Harrison Jr., who shared some new info about his upcoming role of Scar in #TheLionKing prequel #Mufasa. Don't miss him in theaters now in 'Chevalier'! 🎟's http://fandan.co/Chevalier" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
13. ^ Chapman, Wilson (September 9, 2022). "'Lion King' Prequel Gets Official Title, Footage Shown at D23". Variety. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
14. ^ Busch, Jenna (September 9, 2022). "Mufasa: The Lion King Footage Description: Barry Jenkins Completes The Circle Of Life [D23]". /Film. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
15. Romano, Nick (April 29, 2024). "Blue Ivy joins mom Beyoncé as Simba and Nala's daughter in Mufasa — watch the first trailer". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
16. "Filmography". MPC Film. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
17. Bowden, George; Glynn, Paul (July 14, 2023). "Which movies and TV shows are impacted by the Hollywood strike?". BBC. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
18. Ridgley, Charlie (June 21, 2022). "The Lion King Prequel Adds Succession, Star Wars: Andor Composer". ComicBook.com. Paramount. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
19. Glynn, Jennifer (September 22, 2022). "'Mufasa' Prequel Director Barry Jenkins Reveals New Details on Live-Action Characters". Collider. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
20. Chapman, Wilson (September 9, 2022). "'Lion King' Prequel Gets Official Title, Footage Shown at D23". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
21. Rubin, Rebecca (April 11, 2024). "'Lion King' Prequel 'Mufasa' Debuts Majestic CinemaCon Trailer Filled With Stampeding Animals and Dazzling Sahara Setting". Variety. Archived from the original on April 12, 2024.
22. Nordyke, Kimberly (April 29, 2024). "'Mufasa: The Lion King': First Trailer Released by Disney". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
23. Gajewski, Ryan (April 30, 2024). "Barry Jenkins Responds to Criticism That 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Is Part of "Soulless Machine"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024.

External links

• Mufasa: The Lion King at IMDb

• 2024 films
• Upcoming films
• 2020s coming-of-age films
• 2020s fantasy adventure films
• 2020s musical drama films
• 2024 computer-animated films
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• American computer-animated films
• American epic films
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• Animated coming-of-age films
• Disney film remakes
• Upcoming English-language films
• Animated films about mammals
• Animated films about lions
• Animated films about royalty
• Animated films affected by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike
• Films directed by Barry Jenkins
• Films scored by Hans Zimmer
• Films scored by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Films scored by Mark Mancina
• Films scored by Nicholas Britell
• Films scored by Pharrell Williams
• Films using motion capture
• Fiction about fratricide
• High fantasy films
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• Upcoming prequel films
• The Lion King (franchise)
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