Some kings aren't born, they're made. A new CGI prequel to the animated Disney film The Lion King is coming to theatres this winter, with a number of familiar faces working hard behind the scenes.
Called Mufasa: The Lion King, the film will premiere December 20. The film is directed by Barry Jenkins, features a script by Jeff Nathanson, and is produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and additional music and performances by Lebo M., the project also sees the return of much of the voice cast from the 2019 CGI remake of the 1994 classic.
In the film, Rafiki is called upon to relay the legend of Mufasa to the daughter of Simba and Nala, Kiara, after the events of the first film. Told primarily through flashback by Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa, the story introduces a new backstory for Mufasa, who is now an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline—setting destiny in motion.
New and returning voice actors will include Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, 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, Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego, John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala.
They will be supported by voice artists Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.
Said Miranda of his inclusion in The Lion King franchises' long list of contributing songwriters, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years. 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. It's been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa's story to life, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this film in theatres."
