$1.6 Billion Sequel: First Look at Cult Classic’s Epic New Images!

Five years following Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King,” Disney introduces “Mufasa,” a prequel focusing on the early years of Simba’s father.

Directed by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins and penned by Jeff Nathanson, who also wrote the 2019 film, the story is told through flashbacks. Mufasa’s tale is narrated to Kiara—Simba and Nala’s daughter—by Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa. The newly released trailer features the voice of John Kani, reprising his role as Rafiki, and gives us a glimpse into the movie’s universe. It confirms a detail hinted at during the 2022 D23 Expo: Mufasa is not a direct descendant of Ahadi, thus not Scar’s brother, which helps explain Scar’s deep-seated jealousy towards Mufasa.

At a 2022 film presentation, Barry Jenkins shared that his version of Mufasa would carry the same dynamism as its famed predecessor. “It’s different from The Lion King, yet it will carry the same energy. ‘Mufasa’ explores how Simba’s father rose to become king, narrating his journey from childhood to the birth of his son.” Jenkins said. “In the original film, Mufasa epitomizes greatness. We admire his royalty, his leadership. We assume he was born into this… But in this prequel, we’ll delve into how his friends and family shaped him into who he is.” “We will explore his journey. To me, Mufasa means a lot, and I believe it’s a film that both children and their parents, who grew up with the Disney classic, will enjoy watching.” A first poster for the movie was also revealed.

Blue Ivy Carter’s First Major Film Role

The original voice cast features Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Scar, Penny Johnson Jerald as Sarafina, and Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner returning as Pumbaa and Timon, respectively, with John Kani once again voicing Rafiki.

New additions to the voice cast include Mads Mikkelsen and Thandiwe Newton, with Donald Glover and Beyoncé returning as the voices of adult Simba and Nala, respectively. Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Jay-Z and Beyoncé, will also join the original voice cast, likely voicing the young Kiara.

After his work on “Moana,” “Encanto,” and the live-action “The Little Mermaid,” Lin-Manuel Miranda is set to compose new songs for “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

Released 25 years after the animated film by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, Jon Favreau’s remake grossed $1.6 billion internationally, ranking it seventh among the highest-grossing films of all time. Will “Mufasa” achieve similar success? “Mufasa: The Lion King” is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 18, 2024.