Mufasa: The Lion King - six key things to know before watching the prequel

20 December 2024, 23:20 | Updated: 21 December 2024, 05:16

Disney has added another film to their most successful franchise, The Lion King - this time following Mufasa's journey from a cub to becoming the king of Pride Rock.

Inspired by the 1994 animation, the latest addition is a live-action feature and is directed by Moonlight filmmaker Barry Jenkins.

Before heading to your nearest cinema, here are six things you need to know about the film and don't worry, there are no spoilers.

What is Mufasa: The Lion King about?

Mufasa is synonymous with one of the most heart-breaking moments of any Disney film but apart from being Simba's dad and Scar's brother, there's little fans know about him.

In this prequel film, we follow Mufasa as a young cub who gets lost and meets a sympathetic lion cub, and heir to a royal bloodline, named Taka.

This meeting sets the wheels in motion for the future king, and we go on his journey to meet his soon-to-be wife Sarabi and friends.

Do I need to watch The Lion King to understand Mufasa: The Lion King?

Not necessarily but it is a major reference point throughout the film.

In the new live-action sequel, we met some of the "great kings of the past" first mentioned in the 1994 original.

The story is told through flashbacks as Rafiki tells Simba's daughter Kiara about the "circle of life" and why it's important to "remember who you are".

The choice to do so makes it easier for young minds to follow along but if you want the full experience and to understand the non-stop references to the original, re-watching either the animation, 2019 live-action film or the musical would be a good idea.

Tiffany Boone, who voices a young Sarabi (Simba's mum), says her opinion on Scar has slightly changed after being part of the new movie.

She tells Sky News: "I think I empathise with Scar a lot more than I did before. I'm not saying he's right to do what he did in the original version but you understand how the relationship between Mufasa and Scar got to the point where it's so contentious and so I now have a little bit of a softer spot in my heart for Scar."

Who stars in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Mufasa: The Lion King is led by Croydon actor Aaron Pierre, who has previously starred in Rebel Ridge as well as Genius and Foe.

He says stepping into the role of Mufasa has been a "huge honour" and hopes he does James Earl Jones justice as the younger version of his character.

The actor posed for photos on Pride Rock at the UK premiere - a moment he says he won't forget.

"That was really special. The London premiere was just so beautiful. London showed up and with all of the beautiful energy and they celebrated, and they just poured love into that evening."

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Taka is played by Kelvin Harrison Jr and a young Sarabi is voiced by Tiffany Boone.

While the daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, voices Kiara, the daughter of King Simba.

Other voices include Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Kagiso Lediga as a young Rafiki and Preston Nyman as a young Zazu.

In order to set up the film as a flashback, the 2019 voices return briefly - Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, John Kani, John Oliver, Seth Rogan and Billy Eichner.

Is James Earl Jones in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Seen as a father figure by many, the death of James Earl Jones marked a sad day for movie fans all over the world.

The Star Wars actor originated the strong, stoic voice of Mufasa in the 1994 animation and reprised the role for the 2019 live-action remake.

Jenkins made the decision to dedicate the entire film to the star and his voice briefly appears as a somewhat 'voice of God' at the beginning of the new film.

Opening with a black screen, you hear Jones's voice uttering his advice to Simba: "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. So, whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I."

Is it safe for children to watch Mufasa: The Lion King?

The film has received a PG rating in the UK so it is safe for everyone to watch.

However, much like the original, it is worth approaching with caution as there's a scene or two that might be a bit scary and/or emotional for younger viewers.

Who made the music for Mufasa: The Lion King?

The musical man of the moment - Lin-Manuel Miranda - is responsible for the soundtrack to Mufasa: The Lion King.

Jenkins says watching him work taught him so much as a creative person.

"Typically, in a musical, the songs come first and the movie folds around it. But in this case, because Lin was so busy directing Tick Tick Boom and working on Encanto so we got started before he came in and it was really wonderful to see him look at the script and sort of diagnose where songs could elevate the narrative rather than just distract from it," says Jenkins.

"And the song I Always Wanted A Brother was a great example. Lin watched a very early animatic and right away identified that's the song [for this section], and it's one of my favourite pieces in the film."

Mufasa: The Lion King is in cinemas now.

(c) Sky News 2024: Mufasa: The Lion King - six key things to know before watching the prequel