Return to the Pridelands with the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King
After the enormous success of 2019’s “live-action”. Lion Kingit only made sense for Disney to explore more of that photorealistic CG world. Instead of adapting the direct-to-home video sequel The Lion King: Simba’s prideor the Disney Junior series The Lion GuardHowever, the next film will delve into the backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa.
It’s a prequel, but it’s also a small part of the sequel, since it apparently involves Simba and Nala’s daughter. And it turns out that Mufasa’s origins are surprising, as the trailer opens on a snowy mountain instead of the savannah from the original films.
The official synopsis is as follows:
Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to pass on the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. The story, told in flashbacks, 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 encounter sets in motion an extensive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny. Their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a menacing and deadly enemy.
Hardcore Lion King fans will recognize that “Taka” is actually Scar’s first name. So it seems like this prequel will show how Mufasa has usurped the divine right to rule by being a more competent leader. And hey! If they ever adapt Kiara’s future story, perhaps they will change it from a romance novel to a story about the young lioness who introduces democracy to the Pridelands.
Directed by Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Mufasa: The Lion King stars Aaron Pierre (Old) as Mufasa, with Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier) as Taka. John Kani, Donald Glover and Beyoncé reprise their roles as Rafiki, Simba and Nala respectively, while Blue Ivy Carter (Beyoncé’s daughter, y’all!!!!!!!!!!) makes her debut as Kiara. Lin-Manuel Miranda will write new songs for the film.
Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters on December 20.