Disney has unveiled the first trailer for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of “The Lion King,” and announced Blue Ivy Carter as part of the voice cast.
Directed by Barry Jenkins of “Moonlight” fame, “Mufasa” delves into the origin story of the iconic lion, depicting his childhood alongside his brother Taka, who later becomes the infamous Scar in “The Lion King.” Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. voice the younger Mufasa and Scar, respectively. James Earl Jones previously voiced Mufasa in the original 1994 film and its 2019 remake, while Jeremy Irons and Chiwetel Ejiofor voiced Scar in the respective versions.
Returning from the 2019 cast are John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Blue Ivy Carter joins as Kiara, daughter of King Samba and Queen Nala. The screenplay is written by Jeff Nathanson, the same writer from the 2019 remake.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is crafting the film’s songs, produced alongside Mark Mancina, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.
“Having the opportunity to work with Disney on expanding this magnificent tale of friendship, love, and legacy while furthering my work chronicling the lives and souls of folk within the African diaspora is a dream come true,” Jenkins expressed about the prequel.
New additions to the cast include Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, 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.
Considered one of Disney’s most successful properties, the original 1994 “Lion King” grossed $960 million worldwide, with the 2019 version reaching $1.6 billion at the global box office. “Mufasa: The Lion King” is set to premiere in theaters on Dec. 20.
