It’s time to head back to the Pride Lands in Barry Jenkins’ Lion King prequel. Watch the first Mufasa: The Lion King trailer below.
The Lion King, released in 2019, proved to be a controversial one. While early reactions praised the film’s visual effects, others found fault in its all-CGI creatures. Really, it was a strange move from Disney to call it a live-action version of such a beloved classic when it was all created on a computer screen.
Regardless, the film has spawned a prequel, and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins signed on to direct what we now know is called Mufasa.
Take a look at the Mufasa: The Lion King trailer below.
It certainly looks like it’s going to be more of the same, so if you weren’t a fan of 2019’s The Lion King, something tells us this might be a miss for you too. That being said, Jenkins is a tremendous director, so we have faith in him. Also, looks like those pretty visual effects have been put to good use as the trailer looks pretty spectacular.
Lin Manuel Miranda is also behind the film’s new, original songs. Miranda previously created music for Moana and Encanto as well as Hamilton, the stage musical phenomenon. Pharell, Nicholas Britell and Hans Zimmer are in charge of the film’s soundtrack.
Here’s the official synopsis:
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’s impressive voice cast includes Aaron Pierre as the voice of Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr as Taka, “a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother”, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, “a formidable lion with big plans for his pride” and Tiffany Boone as Sarabi.
Additionally, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover and Beyonce return to reprise their roles as Pumba, Timon, Simba and Nala respectively. Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter will also make her voice acting debut as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
Mufasa: The Lion King will be heading into cinemas on the 20th December, just in time for Christmas.
