Mufasa: The Lion King Explores the Backstory of the Iconic Sibling Pair
The highly anticipated prequel to Disney’s 2019 live-action remake, Mufasa: The Lion King, is finally arriving on December 20, 2024. The film follows the journey of Mufasa’s rise to power, exploring what led to the souring of his relationship with his brother, Scar.
The movie features a talented cast, including Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Mufasa and Taka, respectively, alongside Tiffany Boone as Simba’s mother, Sarabi, and Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a fearsome pride leader. The film also sees the return of comedians Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Timon and Pumbaa.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, the cast and director Barry Jenkins delved into the making of the film, discussing their experiences working with Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the music for the movie. Aaron Pierre, who plays Mufasa, emphasized the character’s journey, saying, “He started as someone who was separated from his family, an orphan, ostracized, and labeled, and I think that brings an element of this that is really human – ironiclly – and I think that’s something that we can all be inspired by: he started here and he got there. It’s possible for all of us.”
Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka, shared his excitement about exploring the bond between the two brothers, saying, “I was excited to have this little brother effect. He’s kind of following him around and looking up to him, but at the same time, feeling entitled to a certain idea of who he’s supposed to be and how he’s supposed to be treated.”
Tiffany Boone, who plays Sarabi, discussed her character’s interactions with Mufasa and Taka, saying, “I think she’s separated from family and she’s kind of orphaned, but she kind of wants to be a loner. And she stumbles upon these – I think she kind of looks at them at first like two bumbling idiots, and she’s like, ‘What is with these two guys?’ [Laughs]”
The film’s creative team, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barry Jenkins, and Aaron Pierre, have come together to create a story that is both a coming-of-age tale and an exploration of the complexities of sibling relationships.
The cast members also shared their experiences working with director Barry Jenkins, who they praised for his sense of humor and generosity. “He’s always dropping gems – so generous with his experience and his knowledge,” said Aaron Pierre.
Mufasa: The Lion King is set to release on December 20, 2024, and promises to offer a fresh take on the beloved Disney classic.