This Lion King prequel takes place before the events of the 2019 live-action photorealistic reimagining and is directed by Jenkins.
“Mufasa” focuses on the early years of the eventual ruler of Pride Rock, as well as his menacing younger brother Scar. Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. lead the voice talent as the younger version of Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in the 1994 film and 2019 remake) and Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons in the 1994 version and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the 2019 remake). Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is returning and will voice Nala; her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, will play Kiara, the daughter of King Samba and Queen Nala.
A new trailer also shows a young Mufasa and his sibling Scar, as their relationship transforms from siblings to enemies. New cast members include Tiffany Boone as Sarabi; Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki; Preston Nyman as Zazu; Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride; Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi; Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia; and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego. “Mufasa” reunites Jenkins with his go-to team of artisans which includes composer Nicholas Britell, editor Joi McMillon and cinematographer James Laxton. The 2019 remake, directed by Jon Favreau, raked in a staggering $1.66 billion globally and was one of seven Disney films to cross the billion-dollar mark that year.