We all know the heartbreaking story of Simba, the lion cub who runs away from his birthright only to return later and become king. The ‘90s animated movie The Lion King was a key part of many of our childhoods and a new generation of kids got a photorealistic animated version in 2019. Now we are getting a prequel story from yet another iconic character in this world. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how this noble lion came to lead the Pride Lands and its first trailer teases a brave new adventure.
While 2D animation will always have a place in my heart, I must admit that this clip looks so cool. And, as always, it is good to hear Rafiki’s comforting voice. Here’s a brief synopsis for Mufasa: The Lion King to accompany the teaser trailer:
“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.
Like the 2019 movie, Mufasa: The Lion King boasts an all-star voice cast. Of course, the BeyHive will be thrilled to see Beyoncé’s life manager (I’m kidding …sort of) and daughter Blue Ivy Carter in her first acting role as Simba and Nala’s daughter Kiara. Beyoncé is also returning as Queen Nala in this Lion King prequel. Here’s the remainder of the cast for Mufasa: The Lion King:
- 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
These first-look images from Mufasa: The Lion King give us a better look at the Pride Lands many years ago.
What Is the Release Date for Mufasa: The Lion King?
Mufasa: The Lion King is directed by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins and its songs are written by none other than Lin Manuel-Miranda. The film will hit theaters on December 20.