The first thing you see on screen in Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney‘s latest attempt to squeeze another billion or so out of its gift that keeps on giving on stage and screen, is a dedication to the late, great James Earl Jones, who of course provided the regal voice of Mufasa in both the classic 1994 animated film, and its 2019 live-action remake. It is also a reminder that it would be near impossible to try to replace the presence of Jones, and smartly — especially if you are hellbent on adding to the franchise — director Barry Jenkins and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson have not tried to do that.
Instead what we have is an origin tale, the harrowing journey of a seemingly orphaned cub Mufasa (Braelyn Rankins voicing the young version) trying to survive the elements on his own after being separated from his parents due to a sudden raging river taking him on top of, and below, dangerous currents miles and miles away. This take has as much in common with the story arc of The Lion King, as it does with Wicked. Two friends find each other even though their life paths are headed in opposite directions — one for good, the other for bad — but the story we are seeing is what sent them in such different places. It is all told in flashback by wise old mandrill Rafiki (a returning John Kani), who entertains young Kiara (a debut for Blue Ivy Carter), whose father Simba (Donald Glover) has gone off to find a missing Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter). He regales her with the story of how her grandfather Mufasa came to rule Pride Rock, with the wacky duo of Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) joining in.
This intense adventure would be certain death if Mufasa somehow didn’t come upon a friendly lioness, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), the matriarch of a royal pride overseen by her husband Obasi (Lennie James), who wants nothing to do with this cub, or any interloper into their tribe. However his son, Taka (voiced by Theo Somolu as a cub), sees a kinship with Mufasa. Despite his father’s misgivings, they bond, and Mufasa is taken in, essentially becoming a brother to Taka.
There are plenty of adventures, but soon it gets complicated when Mufasa (now a teen and voiced by Aaron Pierre) becomes a hero in protecting Obasi from the evil pride of white lions led by devious Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen in full villain mode). It is time to move on, hopefully to find his almost mythical home and parents, but joining him on the journey will be Taka (now voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Their relationship becomes more trying as Mufasa seems charmed, while Taka too often feels a failure in comparison.
The pair really do go through the ringer, evading elephant stampedes, treacherous mountains and ice-cold snowy conditions that look like Disney is setting up a crossover sequel with Frozen. Along the way, lioness Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) joins, turning it all into a G-rated Challengers, as she comes between the brotherly Taka and Mufasa. Added to their trip is Rafiki (the flashback version voiced by Kagiso Lediga), whom we meet at the moment Mufasa does, and talkative red-billed hornbill Zazu (Preston Nyman). Rafiki is also looking to get back to the homeland and promises them all he can lead them there. Kiros has other plans, but Mufasa, not yet the brave and charismatic Lion King, has to prove himself in some pretty dire circumstances, as Taka increasingly drifts to the dark side on his way to becoming known by another name, Scar.
Shot in the same live-action photo real CGI technique of the 2019 remake, as well as the earlier Jungle Book remake, this edition is visually stunning, the character work even better as the technology grows. Jenkins, as I said, is not trying to replicate the legendary versions of this world that dazzled moviegoers, and continues to do so in its own magical ways in the never-ending Broadway and global stage productions. Rather he’s steering it into a nonstop action adventure that barely slows down to breathe. It is one nail-biting sequence after another, and parents should beware: PG rating aside, this all might be too intense for the youngest family members, especially with the recurring themes of being separated from family.
Jenkins, better known for the likes of his Oscar-winning Moonlight and epic limited series adaptation of The Underground Railroad, may not seen an obvious choice for this thoroughly Disneyfied product. But he does the job and puts the emphasis on these irresistible characters where it belongs, particularly in some heartbreaking closeups and a hugely romantic moment with Mufasa willing Sarabi back to life. He also acquits himself nicely in this live-action format.
Production values are high. Oh, and did I mention it is a musical with seven songs thrown in to largely emulate what we have come to expect from Lion King entertainments? Lin-Manuel Miranda provides most of them, and though they won’t make you forget Hamilton, there are some highlights, notably the lively “I Always Wanted a Brother”, the tuneful “We Go Together” and the lovely “Tell Me It’s You.” Lebo M’s “Ngomso” also lends power. Dave Metzger’s score, living like Miranda’s songs in the shadow of the Oscar-winning Hans Zimmer original and Elton John songs, finds a way to break through on its own while also keeping the tension humming in all those action scenes. Nicholas Britell also contributed themes.
Although James Earl Jones is impossible to follow, these voice actors give it all a game try. It’s fun to have Eichner and Rogen back for their vaudeville routines, and apparently the filmmakers thought so also as we are constantly returning for more of their shtick as Rafiki continues his tale. And of course, it all will lead to a majestic conclusion, one that pays homage to the original, The Lion King, that will always rule cinematically.
Producers are Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak.
Title: Mufasa: The Lion King
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Release date: December 20, 2024
Director: Barry Jenkins
Screenwriter: Jeff Nathanson
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr. , Blue Ivy Carter, John Kani, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Tiffany Boone, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu
Rating: PG
Running time: 2 hrs