Mufasa: The Lion King

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This article is about the film. For the character, see Mufasa.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Teaser poster
Directed byBarry Jenkins
Screenplay byJeff Nathanson
Based on
Disney's The Lion King
by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJames Laxton
Edited byJoi McMillon
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byWalt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures
Release date
  • December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

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. This film is photorealistic animated and a prequel to the 2019 remake of the original 1994 film The Lion King.[1] Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reprise their character 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.[2]

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,[3] by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Premise[edit]

In a prequel to The Lion King, Rafiki tells Kiara — daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala — the story of how her grandfather Mufasa became king of the Pride Lands, while Timon and Pumbaa add color commentary.

Voice cast[edit]

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

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

In September 2020, it was announced that a follow-up film to the live-action-styled photorealistic CGI 2019 remake of The Lion King (1994) was in development, with Barry Jenkins attached to direct.[4] 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).[5] By this point, Jeff Nathanson, the previous installment's screenwriter, had completed a draft of the script.[6][7] The film was officially announced, with the title of Mufasa: The Lion King at the 2022 D23 Expo.[8]

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.[9] 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.[10]

Casting[edit]

In August 2021, Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. were cast as the voices of young Mufasa and Scar, respectively.[11] 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.[12] By September 2022, it was revealed that Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani will reprise their roles as Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki, respectively.[13][14]

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 (replaced Alfre Woodard), Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman (replaced 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.[2] 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".[15]

Visual effects[edit]

In September 2022, at D23, the first footage was played exclusively to attendees, thus revealing that production had been underway.[8][13][14] Moving Picture Company is returning to provide the visual effects.[16] In July 2023, production on the film slowed down due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[17]

Music[edit]

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.[18] In September 2022, it was announced that Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams would return for the film,[19] and in April 2024, it was announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda would write the songs for the film.[2] 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).[10] Mark Mancina would also co-produce the songs with Miranda, with Lebo M providing additional vocals and performances.[2]

Marketing[edit]

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.[20] 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."[21]

The first teaser trailer and the official teaser poster debuted on April 29, 2024 on ABC's Good Morning America.[22] The trailer received a mixed 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."[23]

Release[edit]

Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to be released on December 20, 2024.[3] It was previously scheduled for release on July 5, 2024, but was delayed to its current date due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[13][14]

References[edit]

  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. ^ a b c d "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b c Chapman, Wilson (September 9, 2022). "'Lion King' Prequel Gets Official Title, Footage Shown at D23". Variety. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c 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[edit]

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