- New live action film explores the story of how Mufasa came to be the Lion King
- More details about the cast have been released, including Blue Ivy Carter
- Mufasa: The Lion King hits theaters in time for Christmas
Disney has given fans a first look at Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to 2019’s The Lion King – and it looks epic.
The film delves into the origin story of Mufasa – Simba’s father. In the trailer, which opens panoramic views, Rafiki tells in voiceover of a lion “born without a drop of nobility in his blood” who would go onto be “a lion who would change our lives forever”.
It shows the young lion facing various perils, including a stampede, fire and water, with Rafiki intoning: “Destiny awaits you.”
Since the trailer dropped on April 29, it has been viewed more than 4.3 million times on YouTube.
In addition, more details about the voice cast have been announced. Aaron Pierre will voice the young Mufasa, alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr, who voices Scar. Alongside them, many of the voice actors from the 2019 film are reprising their roles, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Timon, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala.
In addition, Knowles-Carter’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, has been cast as Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala.
Jeff Nathanson, who wrote The Lion King, has also written the screenplay for Mufasa. Meanwhile the songs for the film have been written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In a statement, Miranda said: “’The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it.” Barry Jenkins is directing the film.
The film is set to be the big Christmas blockbuster as it hits cinemas on December 20
