Disney releases the LION KING prequel trailer

Published: August 13, 2024

Disney releases the LION KING prequel trailer

By Movieguide® Contributor

Disney just released the first look at the upcoming prequel MUFASA: THE LION KING.

“MUFASA: THE LION KING enlists Rafiki to pass on the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick,” Disney’s description of the film reads. “Told in flashbacks, the story follows Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone, until he meets a lovable lion named Taka – heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an extended journey of an extraordinary group of misfits in search of their destiny – their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a menacing and deadly enemy.”

Director Barry Jenkins said: “What you’ll learn from the story is that Mufasa is who he is … because of the family and friends he has and so I saw myself in that. I thought, “That’s a really nice story to tell.”

A recently released trailer for the film shows the early relationship between the Mufasa brothers and Scar, as well as a scene that features a new song, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, titled “I’ve Always Wanted a Brother.”

Speaking about the play at Disney’s recent D23 presentation, Miranda “said he was in the middle of writing ENCANTO when he got the script. But after reading it, the music began to form in his head in a way that compelled him to take on the project,” according to Deadline.

Movieguide® previously reported on MUFASA: THE LION KING:

A prequel to 2019’s THE LION KING, titled MUFASA: THE LION KING, will hit theaters later in the year.

The first trailer was released Thursday at the annual CinemaCon in Las Vegas, and director Barry Jenkins talked about the film.

“When the script came to me, I was fascinated to watch these complex people dealing with complex emotions. This film explores Mufasa’s rise to become the heroic king we know,” he said.

Variety reported“MUFASA: THE LION KING is expected to focus on the early years of the eventual ruler of the animals, as well as his menacing younger brother, Scar. The film will feature the voices of Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the younger version of Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones in the 1994 film and the 2019 remake) and Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons in the 1994 version and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the movie). 2019 remake).”

New characters and rivals, as well as the beloved Timon and Pumbaa, are expected to join the scene.

This isn’t the first live-action version of The LION KING characters we’ve seen — Disney recreated the 1994 classic in 2019, which won a Movieguide® Teddy Bear Award®.

Part of the Movieguide® review says:

THE LION KING is very well produced, with amazing graphics and amazing images of the African landscape. It’s very similar to the original animated film, pretty much scene for scene. It also has the same great music. THE LEO KING has a strong moral, redemptive worldview that extols sacrifice and honor. However, there is some pagan mysticism and scary scenes with animals fighting each other. So the new LION KING deserves attention for younger children.

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