Disney released a first look at Mufasa: The Lion King, a new movie that examines the improbable ascension of the adored Pride Lands king and opens in theatres on December 20.
The film’s songs, which Mark Mancina and Miranda are producing, are being written by renowned award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lebo M. will also be contributing music and performances. An all-star cast of actors will be bringing new and beloved characters to life.
“John Elton. Tim Rice. Zimmer Hans. Lebo M. Mancina Mark. Ilya Salmanzadeh, Labrinth, and Beyoncé. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the outstanding musical group from “The Lion Guard,” and numerous other musicians over the years. I’m honoured and proud to be a part of the amazing musical history of The Lion King, which features songs by some of the best songwriters ever. We’ve enjoyed working with Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s narrative to life, and Miranda expressed her excitement for moviegoers to see it in cinemas.
Mufasa: Rafiki, along with Timon and Pumbaa’s trademark antics, helps little lion cub Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, learn about the legend of Mufasa in The Lion King. The plot, which is told in flashbacks, starts with Mufasa as an abandoned cub who is lost and alone until he encounters Taka, a kind lion who is descended from a royal family.
A remarkable gang of misfits embarks on an extensive adventure, set in motion by a chance meeting, seeking their destiny. They must cooperate to avoid a deadly and menacing nemesis, putting their bonds to the test.
Casting
The movie requested both new and returning actors to provide voices.
As Mufasa, Aaron Pierre
Like Taka, a lion prince with a promising future who welcomes Mufasa into his family like a brother, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Sarabi, played by Tiffany Boone.
Kid Rafiki, played by Kagiso Lediga
Preston Nyman in the role of Zazu
Mads Mikkelsen plays Kiros, a ferocious lion with ambitious aspirations for his pride.
As Taka’s mother, Thandiwe Newton, Eshe
Lennie James as Obasi, Taka’s father
As Afia, Mufasa’s mother, Anika Noni Rose
Masego (Keith David) as Mufasa’s father
Rafiki, played by John Kani
As Pumbaa, Seth Rogen
Billy Eichner in the role of Timon
Donald Glover in the role of Simba
Presenting Blue Ivy Carter as King Simba and Queen Nala’s daughter, Kiara.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in the role of Nala
Among the additional cast members are Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.
Barry Jenkins is the director of Mufasa: The Lion King, which combines live-action filmmaking methods with photoreal computer-generated graphics. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak are the producers, and Peter Tobyansen is the executive producer.
