Mufasa: The Lion King is a 2024 American musical drama film directed by Barry Jenkins from a screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, the film is photorealistically animated and serves as both a prequel and sequel to The Lion King (2019), the remake of the 1994 animated film of the same name. Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and John Kani reprise their roles from the remake; new cast members include Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, and Blue Ivy Carter in her feature film debut.
Development on a prequel to The Lion King was confirmed in September 2020, with Jenkins attached to direct and Nathanson finishing a draft of the script. Pierre and Harrison Jr. were announced as the voice cast in August 2021, followed by further casting between September 2022 and April 2024. The film was officially announced when its official title was revealed in September 2022 at the 2022 D23 Expo announcement. Production on the film slowed down in July 2023 due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The film is dedicated to James Earl Jones, who voiced Mufasa in the 1994 film and the remake, died before the film’s release, and whose voice is heard briefly during the opening titles.
- Species: Mufasa is a male lion
- Appearance: Mufasa has black, gold, red, and tan hair, and red eyes
- Family: Mufasa’s parents are Masego and Afia, and his younger brother is Scar
- Mate: Mufasa’s mate is Queen Sarabi, and they have a son named Simba
- Role: Mufasa is the King of the Pride Lands and a devoted father to Simba
- Fate: Mufasa is killed by Scar to take the throne, but his ghost later appears to Simba and urges him to return home
- Creator: Mufasa was created by screenwriters Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton
- Actor: Mufasa was voiced by an actor who reprised the role in the 2019 remake of The Lion King
Details | |
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World premiere | December 9, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles |
Original release date | July 5, 2024, but delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike |
Availability | Exclusively in theaters, with IMAX available for an immersive viewing experience |
Streaming | Expected to be available on Disney Plus Hotstar |
