The story
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King, offering audiences an origin tale of one of Disney’s most iconic characters.
Told as a flashback at bedtime to a curious new cub, we learn the story of a lost and orphaned cub, Mufasa, who encounters Taka – a royal heir – and their fateful meeting sparks an extraordinary adventure. Together with a band of misfits, they embark on a quest to discover their destinies, setting the stage for the Pride Lands we know and love.
The legacy of Mufasa
The title character, Mufasa, was first introduced as Simba’s father in the 1994 animated classic. The unmistakable voice of James Earl Jones – who originally brought Mufasa to life – opens this prequel with a tribute: “In Remembrance.” This poignant title card honours Jones, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 93.
In Mufasa, Aaron Pierre voices the young king-to-be, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. takes on the role of his younger brother Taka – later known as Scar. The film features familiar voices from the 2019 remake, including Donald Glover (Simba), Billy Eichner (Timon), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala). Notably, Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, makes her feature debut as Kiara, Simba and Nala’s cub.
The name Mufasa, rooted in Swahili, means “king” or “ruler,” a fitting title for a character destined to lead.
The trailer
The music
With songs penned by the multi-award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda and a stunning original score by Dave Metzger, the soundtrack elevates Mufasa to new heights. Miranda’s ability to weave emotion and energy into his music is on full display, offering moments of joy and heartache in equal measure.
The verdict
Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, 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. The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending live-action film-making techniques with photo-real computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.
Visually, Mufasa: The Lion King is a triumph of modern technology. The CGI is so immaculate and lifelike that it’s hard to believe the animals aren’t real. The level of detail in each scene reflects how far animation has come since the original 1994 classic.
However, when it comes to storytelling, Mufasa doesn’t break new ground. The narrative, while touching and visually mesmerising, feels overly familiar. Audiences may find themselves predicting key moments, as the film relies heavily on nostalgia and well-trodden themes.
That said, it remains a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults. Families will undoubtedly find joy in revisiting the Pride Lands, and the underlying message is one worth hearing: unity is strength. In a world increasingly divided, Mufasa reminds us of the power of standing together. Whether in the animal kingdom or human society, when we work as one, we are stronger.
This subtle yet powerful political undertone resonates deeply. The film’s call to solidarity feels especially timely, urging us to preserve the hard-won rights our ancestors fought for and to remain vigilant in the face of inequality.