Written by Kianna Best on Apr 30, 2024. Posted in Production News

Disney reveals first look of Mufasa The Lion King

The much awaited Mufasa: The Lion King has finally unveiled its first look. Set for cinema release on 20 December, the film is directed by Barry Jenkins with Lin Manuel Miranda leading on music. Donald Glover and Beyoncé return as Simba and Nala, with the film welcoming Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy carter in the role of Kiara.

Much like the 2019 remake of The Lion King, the upcoming film once again sees the blending of live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer generated imagery. Moonlight’s Barry Jenkins takes directorial lead on the project with Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak as producers and Peter Tobayansen as executive producer.

As much as the climactic plots, The Lion King’s franchise is known for its memorable musical contribution from the iconic Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John to the most recent Spirit by Beyoncé. For the upcoming project, award-winning songwriter Lin Manuel-Miranda has joined the team, writing the film’s songs, produced by Miranda and Mark Macina. Additonal music and performances will be conducted by Lebo M.

Said Miranda, “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 theaters."

Mufasa: The Lion King welcomes lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, and played by first time actress Blue Ivy Carter. Wise baboon Rafiki is enlisted to relay the message of Mufasa to young Kiara, with comedic meerkat and warthog duo Timon and Pumba tagging along. The story, told in flashbacks, sees the origins of Mufasa, and orphaned cub who after a chance meeting with Taka, heir to a royal bloodline, embarks on a journey of self discovery, death defying challenges and understanding their destiny.

Cast members 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 Pumba, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles Carter as Nala.

Image courtesy of Disney