On August 9, 2024, at the Disney Entertainment Showcase, there was quite a lot of news that was revealed about the future of Disney entertainment. This included plenty of trailers about upcoming films, announcements from Disney on Broadway, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm and a whole lot more! The night culminated with a segment that focused on Mufasa: The Lion King. This included a live musical performance and the showing of a new trailer for the film. Below is a look at what was revealed, including who is writing the music, during the showcase about this new film.
About Mufasa: The Lion King
The Premise
Mufasa: The Lion King will share the backstory for both Mufasa and his brother, who would eventually be known as Scar. However, in this film, he doesn’t have that name yet. At least, initially he doesn’t have that name yet. It also turns out that Scar’s original name is Taka. Even more of a surprise is that Taka is the heir to the thrown and not Mufasa, who is an orphan that Taka finds. The story is told by Rafiki to Kiara, Mufasa’s granddaughter.
The Cast
There is quite the cast for this film. It includes some returning vocal cast members from The Lion King and also some voices. The cast includes the following voices:
- 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
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings. The film is being directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins.
The Music
It was announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that Lin-Manuel Miranda has written the songs for Mufasa: The Lion King. Miranda appeared at the Honda Center presentation to talk about the music and also share some of it. Along with writing the songs, Miranda is also producing them with Mark Mancina. There is also additional music and performances by Lebo M.
Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”
The Look
Mufasa: The Lion King will look very similar (if not exactly the same) as 2019’s The Lion King. It is described as a blend of live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery. The photorealistic look ends up being something that looks like a live-action film through the use of computer graphic imagery.
Release Date
The release date for Mufasa: The Lion King is December 20, 2024.
Official Description
Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “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.
What do you think of what is known about Mufasa: The Lion King so far? Are you excited to see this film in December? What are you most looking forward to with it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
