Audiences at CinemaCon Get First Glimpse at ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Without a Star Wars or Avatar movie to release this holiday season, Disney is turning to The Lion King franchise to end the year on a high note.
While the final film is still being edited, audiences at Thursday’s CinemaCon were treated to a trailer for the upcoming Lion King prequel Mufasa: The Lion King.
The film will bring fans back to the Pride Lands, where Rafiki tells Kiara (Simba and Nala’s daughter) the story of her grandfather. Timon and Pumbaa will also lend their commentary to the story.
“What does this young lion look like before he is who we know him as, and he is discovering his rhythm, how he conducts himself, how he engages with his community and his loved ones,” the film’s synopsis reads.
“A Lion Born Without a Drop of Nobility in Its Blod”
In the clip previewed at CinemaCon, a young Mufasa was shown leaping over rhinos and other jungle animals as a voiceover from Rafiki set the scene. The story, he explains, is about “a lion who was born without a drop of nobility in its blood… a lion who would change our lives forever… a lion who will shape our destiny.”
According to director Barry Jenkins, who was on hand to introduce the new footage, The Lion King prequel will feature new music.
“They are handcuffing me,” Jenkins joked on stage at Caesars Palace. “I can’t tell you who made those new songs, but they are absolutely amazing.”
Jenkins Was All Smiles
Jenkins is taking over directing duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the live-action Lion King remake.
“You are probably wondering… what is the director of ‘Moonlight’ doing talking to me about an eight-quadrant tentpole legacy IP massive film?” he joked. “And I gotta say, the thought was very strange to me at first, as well. But oh my god. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life, and I’m so glad I made this picture.”
The upcoming film will star Aaron Pierre in the titular role. The Lion King stars Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani will reprise their roles as Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki, respectively. They will be joined by Kelvin Harrison Jr. as a young Scar.
Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters on December 20, 2024.