Mufasa: The Lion King - six key things to know before watching the prequel
Disney has introduced a new film in their highly popular franchise, The Lion King. This installment focuses on Mufasa's journey from being a young cub to ultimately ascending as the king of Pride Rock.
Drawing inspiration from the 1994 animated film, the newest release is a live-action production directed by Barry Jenkins, the visionary behind the film Moonlight.
Before you make your way to the closest movie theater, here are six important points to keep in mind about the film. And don't worry, we won't give away any plot details!
What is Mufasa: The Lion King all about?
Mufasa is known for one of the most emotional scenes in any Disney movie, but besides being Simba's father and Scar's sibling, there's not much information about him that fans are aware of.
In this earlier movie, we see Mufasa as a young cub who finds himself lost and encounters a compassionate lion cub named Taka, who is destined to inherit a royal lineage.
This gathering marks the beginning of the future king's journey, as we follow him on his path to encounter his future bride, Sarabi, and his companions.
Is it necessary to see The Lion King before watching Mufasa: The Lion King?
It's not essential, but it serves as a significant point of reference throughout the movie.
In the latest live-action sequel, we were introduced to several of the "legendary kings from the past," who were first referenced in the original film from 1994.
The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks, as Rafiki shares with Simba's daughter, Kiara, the concept of the "circle of life" and emphasizes the significance of knowing one's true self.
Opting for this approach helps younger audiences keep up, but if you're looking to fully enjoy the experience and grasp all the constant nods to the original, revisiting either the animated version, the 2019 live-action movie, or the musical would be beneficial.
Tiffany Boone, who lends her voice to the young Sarabi, Simba's mother, shares that her perspective on Scar has shifted a bit after working on the new movie.
In an interview with Sky News, she expressed, "I find myself relating to Scar much more than I used to. While I don’t agree with his actions in the original story, I can see how the dynamic between Mufasa and Scar became so strained. Because of this, I feel a bit more compassion for Scar now."
Who are the cast members of Mufasa: The Lion King?
Mufasa: The Lion King features Croydon actor Aaron Pierre in the lead role. He is known for his performances in projects such as Rebel Ridge, as well as in Genius and Foe.
He mentions that taking on the role of Mufasa has been a "great privilege" for him, and he aspires to honor James Earl Jones by portraying the younger version of his character faithfully.
The actor took photos at Pride Rock during the UK premiere, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
"It was an extraordinary experience. The premiere in London was absolutely amazing. The city truly came alive, filled with positive energy as everyone came together to celebrate and shared their warmth throughout the night."
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Taka is portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr., while Tiffany Boone lends her voice to the character of a young Sarabi.
Blue Ivy Carter, the child of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, provides the voice for Kiara, Simba's daughter.
Other cast members are Mads Mikkelsen voicing Kiros, Kagiso Lediga playing a young Rafiki, and Preston Nyman as a youthful Zazu.
To establish the film as a flashback, the voices from 2019 make a short return, featuring Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, John Kani, John Oliver, Seth Rogen, and Billy Eichner.
Is James Earl Jones voicing Mufasa in The Lion King?
Regarded as a paternal figure by numerous fans, the passing of James Earl Jones brought a sense of sorrow to film enthusiasts around the globe.
The actor from Star Wars was the original voice of Mufasa in the animated film released in 1994 and returned to lend his voice to the character in the 2019 live-action version.
Jenkins chose to dedicate the whole film to the star, and his voice can be heard at the beginning, resembling a 'voice of God' moment in the new movie.
The video begins with a blank black screen, and then you hear Jones’s voice sharing his wisdom with Simba: “Observe the stars. The legendary kings from long ago watch over us from up there. Whenever you feel isolated, just keep in mind that those kings are there to offer their guidance. And I will be here for you too.”
Is it appropriate for kids to watch Mufasa: The Lion King?
The movie has been given a PG rating in the UK, which means it's appropriate for viewers of all ages.
That said, similar to the original, it's best to take it easy with this one because there are a few moments that could be somewhat frightening or emotional for younger audiences.
Who composed the soundtrack for Mufasa: The Lion King?
The current musical sensation, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has created the soundtrack for Mufasa: The Lion King.
Jenkins mentions that observing his process has greatly educated him in his own creative journey.
"In most musicals, the songs are usually the main focus, and the film is built around them. However, in this instance, Lin was occupied with directing Tick Tick Boom and collaborating on Encanto, so we began our work before he joined us. It was truly great to witness him reviewing the script and figuring out where the songs could enhance the story instead of simply pulling attention away from it," Jenkins explains.
The song "I Always Wanted A Brother" perfectly fits this part of the film. Lin saw an early version of the animation and immediately recognized that this was the right song for it. It's one of my favorite moments in the movie.
Mufasa: The Lion King is currently showing in theaters.
