2019's remake of Disney's The Lion King (1994) might have made bank at the box office, but many felt that it was essentially a shot-for-shot rehash of the original animated feature. However, Disney might remedy this stigma with a new origin story for Mufasa and Scar in Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
The new film opens a new chapter on the Lion King mythos, and features a perspective on the story generations of Disney fans are so overtly familiar with, but can it break the stigma surrounding Disney's live-action remakes? This writer had an opportunity to see an early showing, and here's what fans can expect from this return to Pride Rock.
Mufasa: Milele or Misfit?
Disney's official statement summarizes the film's plot with the following,
"Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe."
Disney gives a very concise description, but the blurb about Mufasa and Taka searching for their destiny in the mythical Milele barely scratches the surface of how big and bold the movie is, at least on a visual sense. Those expecting a game-changing live-action adaptation might be a little mixed, but it's still a lovable movie... with one or two hiccups.
One thing viewers should know going in is that they essentially know the bones of the film. Spoiler alert (not), Mufasa becomes king, Taka is wounded and becomes Scar, and we are all connected in the great circle of life. Cue the title, roll credits, and bring in Timon and Pumbaa.
That all being said, this film isn't so much a dramatic origin story as it is "look how we got here." As Mufasa and Taka evade a band of pale rival lions called The Outsiders, audiences see the Pride Lands take shape as its lead characters grow and evolve into those seen in the 2019 Jon Favreau film.
Along with alum from the previous Lion King film reprising their roles such as Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen offering commentary and bad jokes as Timon and Pumbaa, Disney fills out the prequel film with a new cast to bring this story to life.
Aaron Pierre leads the film's cast as Mufasa, and while he is no James Earl Jones, he gives an earnest and heartfelt performance that makes us root for him. He is joined by Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka/Scar who slithers into the role set by Chiwetel Ejiofor in 2019.
Both leads play off of each other wonderfully, but it truly feels like Jon Kani and Kagiso Lediga steal the show as Rafiki, who both has an active role in the story and serves as the film's narrating force. In this writer's opinion, Mufasa may be on the marquee, but this film truly lets the mandrill have his moments in the limelight
Tiffany Boone takes the role of the film's leading lady as she portrays Sarabi, a lone lioness who encounters the two brothers on their journey, and her vivacious delivery makes both the film's leads and the audience fall in love with her.
A special mention has to be given to Mads Mikkelsen, who carries over his gift for villains as Kiros, the leader of the Outsiders. His thirst for blood and quest for vengeance is only accented by Mikkelsen's performance as he absolutely salivates over every word.
On that note, the soundtrack by the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda is an absolute joy. While his absence from Moana 2 (2024) was painfully felt, it's clear where he was putting all that energy. Although the original tracks by Sir Elton John and Lebo M. will never be topped, Miranda truly shines with this one, especially the villainous "Bye Bye" sung by Mikkelsen.
One of the biggest things fans will notice about the film is its look. While the 2019 film had a sort of BBC documentary vibe to it, the Pride Lands truly pop with the cinematography and visual presentation brought to life through photorealistic animation. We're using the term live-action-remake a bit loosely here, but Mufasa is an absolute feast for the eyes.
The film has several high points, but it's by no means perfect. The pacing of the film feels incredibly rushed, and there are times when it feels like we're missing too much information, such as Taka already knowing Mufasa's name upon their first encounter. Not to mention a wasted cameo from voice-acting icon, Keith David, as Mufasa's father.
Another issue many might find problematic is the consistent interruptions from Timon and Pumbaa doing their usual Hakuna Matata routines. While this writer shamelessly enjoys them, he'd be lying if he said they weren't an acquired taste.
The best way to describe this film is "Lion King fan service." That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does slightly limit the target audience. That being said, one of the most successful franchises under the Disney banner has to have a healthy fanbase to earn that title.
Is it a perfect film? No, but it's still a good time. In this writer's opinion, it's a decisive improvement over the 2019 adaptation with an infectious soundtrack and a different take on familiar characters. If you grew up with the likes of Scar, Simba, and the rest of the pride, you'll easily find something to enjoy in Mufasa: The Lion King.
Mufasa: The Lion King made its premiere on December 20, 2024, and will undoubtedly come roaring onto Disney+.