Fans are getting more and more excited for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” the prequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 CG version of the 1994 cartoon classic. Under Barry Jenkins’ direction, the picture promises breathtaking images employing the cutting-edge photo-real technology Favreau’s team earlier developed.
Examining his childhood and the bond with Scar, the lion who would later become his antagonist, “Mufasa” transports viewers back to the early days of the future king. Two parallel tales follow the narrative: Rafiki (John Kani) tells Kiara, the daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyonce), Mufasa’s difficult youth. Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) naturally provide their trademark humor, asking why they aren’t included in Rafiki’s story.
Originally shown by Theo Somolu and then by Kelvin Harrison Jr., we witness a young Mufasa in flashbacks voiced first by Braelyn Rankins and later by Aaron Pierre as he encounters Taka (later known as Scar). Bonded against a great enemy, the two lions have a relationship as near as brothers.
Jenkins has assembled an outstanding cast for the movie, including fresh voices like Thandiwe Newton, Mads Mikkelsen, Anika Noni Rose, and Keith David as well as many returning from the 2019 version. To heighten the thrill, the film also includes fresh music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
