Barry Jenkins’ 'Mufasa' Leans On “Big Feelings” & Its Breakout Cast. The Result Is Magical
Image credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images.
Barry Jenkins is aware that many people were doubtful about his choice to direct Mufasa: The Lion King, a live-action prequel to the cherished franchise. He's the creative mind behind Medicine for Melancholy and Moonlight, both groundbreaking indie films that explore themes of love, self-exploration, and connection. He also directed If Beale Street Could Talk, one of my all-time favorites; a poignant film that revealingly shows how love can uplift us while societal systems can tear us apart. Although Jenkins’ past work might not have suggested a transition to directing a big Disney film, those familiar with his artistry could have predicted one thing: Mufasa would be filled with deep emotions and, as I mentioned to Jenkins during my interview with him in San Diego for the movie’s promotional event, it would undoubtedly capture “big feelings.”
"I’m really into strong emotions," Jenkins shared while sitting next to Lin-Manuel Miranda, the celebrated director, musical talent, Broadway icon, and composer for Mufasa. "I didn’t realize how powerful a musical could be for expressing deep emotions until I was deeply involved in creating one. I'm all for musicals and big emotions." When you consider it, Jenkins’ approach to storytelling—exploring themes of yearning, vulnerability, and gentleness—fits seamlessly into the musical format. However, he recognizes that when the project was first revealed, many people struggled to comprehend the concept. "I can’t wait for audiences to see the film," he remarked, acknowledging the initial pushback but choosing not to dwell on it. "No response to the reaction," he smiled. "What folks are reacting to, before even seeing the film, is this notion of intense feelings, your words, which I truly appreciate. I made an effort to infuse this movie with as many profound emotions as I could, utilizing an entirely new set of tools. The tools are the only new aspect; the emotions remain unchanged."
Having seen the movie, I completely agree. Mufasa will tug at your heartstrings, even if you were doubtful after viewing Jon Favreau’s The Lion King (2019), which took away some of the charm from the beloved 1994 classic. The lifelike portrayal of the animals lacked the enchantment and excitement that makes the original story so special. Mufasa benefits from not having a predecessor to compare itself to, as well as the technological improvements made since 2019. The animals are more emotionally expressive, the cinematography is breathtaking, and Jenkins’ direction is infused with genuine emotion. Moreover, the performances from the cast shine brightly, managed not to be eclipsed by the visual effects. In fact, the impressive technology complements the dedication each voice actor brings to their roles. Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. embody Mufasa and Taka (before he becomes Scar) respectively, and both are solidifying their place as emerging stars in Hollywood and charming figures online, backed by their good looks (seriously, have you seen these guys?) and undeniable talent.
Image: Provided by Walt Disney Studios.
Taka and Mufasa in 'Mufasa: The Lion King'
"Mufasa" tells the story of how a young lion cub rises to become a king and how a once-promising child turns into a villain. At its core, it's a tale about legacy. The narrative begins dramatically with Mufasa being swept away from his parents in a devastating flood, only to end up with Taka’s royal family, who adopts him. Taka's father, a king, believes that power is achieved through trickery, while Mufasa holds fast to the values instilled in him by his own parents. This creates a rift in the bond between the two brothers when jealousy takes hold. The tension is further complicated by Sarabi (voiced by Tiffany Boone), who becomes Mufasa’s partner but is also desired by Scar. The stakes escalate. The tale is recounted to Kiara (the daughter of Simba and Nala, voiced impressively by Blue Ivy Carter) by Rafiki (John Kani) along with Timon and Pumbaa (voiced by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogan, respectively; honestly, their screen time could have been more concise). Throughout the unfolding drama, it becomes evident that both Mufasa and Scar are vying for their rightful place in the world, each convinced that their way is the correct one. So, when I had the opportunity to speak with Pierre and Harrison Jr., I asked them to explain their characters' viewpoints.
I aimed to dive into this film and infuse it with as many intense emotions as I could, using a completely fresh approach. While the method is new, the emotions themselves remain unchanged.
“At the end of the day, I was the true heir. I was a prince!” Harrison Jr. exclaimed with fervor. “I tried to welcome you into my home. I even let you win a whole race, and then you chose to act the way you did. I won’t spell it out, but you know what happened… What comes around goes around. I think Beyoncé mentioned that,” he chuckled. Pierre took a more measured approach and talked about the part in the film where Mufasa tried to address Taka’s feelings about Sarabi. “We tried to discuss that topic, but it never really happened. We never ended up having that talk. Instead of waiting for the right moment, someone acted out of frustration instead of being patient and waiting for a chance to talk it through, but that’s okay,” Pierre said, representing his character. “I care for [Taka], and I’ll always celebrate and support him.” You can really feel the emotions!
The connection between Pierre and Harrison Jr. (who also portrayed Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. in the Genius: MLK/X series this year) is evident in their performances, enhancing the relationship between Mufasa and Taka. The dynamic showcases both the love and rivalry typical of brothers. “We really enjoyed the process,” Pierre noted about developing his chemistry with Harrison Jr. He elaborated on how Harrison Jr. immersed himself in his character. “One of my favorite moments was during our initial read-through of the script. At that time, Kelvin was fully into his role for Chevalier — which is an amazing film, by the way. He had his hair styled and embraced the physicality of Scar. He was envisioning his character's perch, and had his shoes off, which I found fascinating. I’m always inspired by my brother’s approach.”
We had an amazing time working on it... I constantly find motivation in my brother.
Aaron Pierre discusses Kelvin Harrison Jr.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Taka, grappling with his pain and doubts about betrayal, begins to become Scar. His voice becomes deeper and takes on a playful tone, while his posture shifts to a more threatening position. He gradually evolves from an innocent young lion trying to emulate his brother into the Scar who performs "Be Prepared" (originally a classic thanks to Jeremy Irons, and brilliantly reinterpreted by Chiwetel Ejiofor in the new version)—a small-minded lion driven by a desire for power. It's thrilling to see this transformation, and it demonstrates that even with the impressive realism of live-action technology, Mufasa effectively conveys the subtle growth of a complex character. It was no small feat, and while I expect the reviews might vary, I believe they achieved it well.
"Definitely, there's a tremendous amount of pressure," Boone, who portrays Sarabi, shared with me about stepping into these cherished roles that hold a special place in people's hearts. "We grew up loving this movie and these characters, so it can be quite daunting. Yet, at the same time, it’s such an incredible privilege. We all felt confident with Barry [Jenkins] at the helm, which allowed us to give our best and introduce these stories to a new generation. So yes, the pressure is constant, but look at us now. We did it. After 30 years, it’s finally here, and it’s out of my hands now," she joked.
Boone shared several ideas that resonated with me and deserve attention: first, he reminded us that this is a film aimed at children, and second, the reactions it garners aren’t the concern of the cast or creators. When assessing films made for younger audiences, I often notice that my colleagues overlook the fact that these movies aren't created for the adults who may hold nostalgic views of the source material.
Image: Leon Bennett/Getty Images/Disney.
Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda
If you're hoping for Mufasa to evoke the same emotions as the original Lion King does, you might find yourself let down. The music isn’t quite as impactful—there’s nothing quite like “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” or “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” However, the songs are still catchy enough to stick with you. The story of two young cubs navigating their identities, dealing with grief, legacy, and high expectations is genuinely moving and sincere. As you watch this enormous film—which many might see as just a way to make money—you can appreciate how director Barry Jenkins managed to keep the heart of the story intact while injecting some fun. While some critics might view Jenkins’ Mufasa as a compromise of artistic integrity, I see it as a commendable attempt by a talented filmmaker to bring some joy and warmth into the world. After all, given the weight of his previous work, I believe we can give him a pass on this one. In the future, when Jenkins reflects on his career, I doubt he’ll regret making this charming kids' movie that resonated with so many people.
When I asked Jenkins about the idea of legacy, he hesitated. “I really try to steer clear of those kinds of thoughts,” he explained. “I prefer to focus on what’s right in front of me, especially when I'm in the midst of creating something, particularly something as broad as this. However, I found the topic of legacy fascinating to explore and analyze in a unique way by breaking down the lives of Mufasa and Scar. It involved looking at their experiences—this event happened, which was really powerful, and then they changed a bit, and another significant event unfolded. When you take a step back and view it from a distance, you can see why their legacies are so meaningful. It’s all about the journey. I really enjoy creating in this way; I love making art like this.”
Miranda acknowledged that he has thought about his legacy, but mentioned that he feels he’s already fulfilled that aspect with "Hamilton." The musical earned the Pulitzer Prize for drama and garnered 11 Tony Awards. “I was kind of like, okay, my obituary's first line is sorted. So what’s next for me? How do I decide what to take on, knowing that no matter what, I'm going to be known as 'the creator of Hamilton'? For me, the solution is that I only agree to projects that will help me grow, and I was certain I would learn a great deal working with Barry, whom I believe is one of our most talented storytellers.”
In the end, Mufasa surpasses its earlier version, The Lion King (2019). Its stunning visuals will captivate you, making you gaze in awe at the screen. The adventure with its characters is so enjoyable that you'll come to understand that only Barry Jenkins could transform a Disney prequel that nobody requested into a profound examination of themes like brotherhood, leadership, and family.
