After thirty years of being a superfan of all things The Lion King, is it possible to fall in love with it even more? Can there be a backstory worthy of the magnitude of the original story? I had the privilege of pre-screening Mufasa: The Lion King and I am giving you the scoop on this new movie. Of course, as always, I will not have any spoilers.
What is Mufasa: The Lion King About?
Here is the extended synopsis:
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.
Is Mufasa: The Lion King OK for Children?
If your child saw the 2019 live-action movie, The Lion King, then they will love this movie as well. However, if this version of a live-action is new to them, it would be better to prepare them.
Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the film is the is mind-blowing, and I still have to remind myself I am not watching real animals talking on screen (I mean, I know but it’s truly amazing!). It’s incredible to see what Disney is able to create in such detail. So for that reason, it is important to explain to your child that what they will be seeing on screen is not real and no animal gets hurt.
(L-R): Afia (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), Mufasa (voiced by Braelyn Rankins), and Masego (voiced by Keith David) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
I think children will love this movie for multiple reasons. The story is intriguing, the visuals are breath-taking, and every child’s favourite characters, Timon and Pumbaa are back and more hilarious than ever. Seriously, I was cracking up at their bits together.
New Music in Mufasa: The Lion King
In this new film, you will not hear The Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata or even I Just Can’t Wait to Be King. The movie has new and gorgeous music by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. As well, you will hear the music and vocal performances of Lebo M; the constant and powerful voice from the original Lion King movie 30 years ago. To hear Lebo M and to experience new stories in music the only way Lin-Manuel Miranda can do is truly epic. For me, music can make or break a film, and I think, truly, that is the reason I adore The Lion King. So to have this same burst of emotions with new music was profound. I caught myself singing some of the catchy new songs already, and you will too.
My favourite song is Milele, song by Anika Noni Rose and Keith David and the Disney Choir. Milele means forever in Swahili. A strong and choral masterpiece, reminiscent of The Circle of Life. Another favourite is I Always Wanted a Brother. The chorus is just so good! This song is a story in itself – just beautiful. There is a part in this song that made me cry so hard – just one line…but oh my, Disney is just so good with words and music..! And We Go Together is so fun! This song has a great message and it’s so catchy. I’m having a great time listening to the soundtrack at home!
(L-R) Afia (voiced Anika Noni Rose), Young Mufasa (voiced by Braelyn Rankins) and Masego (voiced by Keith David) in Disney’s MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights
The film was directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. And features an all-star roster, 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.
(L-R): Rafiki (voiced by John Kani) and Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What To Expect with this New Story
As promised, I will not give anything away – no spoilers! But I will say, this prequel to the original story that we know and love is absolutely amazing. This movie brings heart and depth into each of the characters. Some characters we love and others we hate. Now, we will learn what happened to Mufasa and Scar long before they were grown lions in conflict. The story within the story effect is very entertaining too, as Timon and Pumbaa get to shine even in this prequel. There is even as 80’s reference to the storytelling…I wonder if you will catch it too (think Neverending Story).
Mufasa was always my favourite character in The Lion King and I will tell you why. The Lion King was my father’s favourite Disney movie, and his favourite animal was the lion. I grew up loving the music, the story and the experience of The Lion King with my own family. When it was Christmas or his birthday, my sister and I would find Lion King related gifts for my dad. Now that he has passed, to watch this movie and hear the story of Mufasa growing, becoming a parent and finally how he lives in Simba (and more history I cannot tell you here)…well, you can imagine, it is very emotional. In the Broadway musical, there is a song that was not in the animation but it was brought into the 2019 live-action film. It is called He Lives In You. The melody of this song is laced within Mufasa: The Lion King and it is touching. My son and I went to see the musical, and this is by far, our favourite song. Go have a listen, it is stunning.
One Last Mention
The list of voice actors always takes the lead in information we as media are given. And while I love their voices and their talented musical pieces, this movie would not exist without the hundreds of animators that created every detail of these incredible wild animals. To the extent of a lion flicking his ear from a burst of air or an insect just like in the wild. The lion’s mane, a giraffe’s winkled face, the feathers on Zazu, the colours of the landscapes…unbelievable. As I mentioned before, it was hard to believe all that I was watching was created by very talented artists!
Thank you to Walt Disney World Studios Canada for inviting me to view this pre-screening. What a special gift for me, just before the holidays. I can’t wait for you all to see this new film, just in time for the winter break.
Mufasa: The Lion King opens only in theatres on Dec. 20, 2024.
For more information on the making of the film, the voice actors and more, follow along:
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(L-R): Taka (voiced by Theo Somolu) and Mufasa (voiced by Braelyn Rankins) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I was invited to the pre-screening to facilitate this review. All opinions, as always are my own (as passionate as they are!). All images have been provided by Walt Disney World Studios Canada.