WATCH: The First Trailer For ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Has Arrived; Will Feature Music By Lin-Manuel Miranda
With Marvel Studios only set to release one film this year and nary a Star Wars or Avatar film in sight, Disney will turn to The Lion King prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, to fill its coveted holiday season release slot.
The second film in Disney’s live-action Lion King franchise, Mufasa, will shift the focus back to Simba’s father and explore the future king’s backstory.
Photo: Disney
In the Pride Lands, Rafiki tells the story of Mufasa to his granddaughter, Kiara (who will be played by Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy), with Timon and Pumba chiming in.
Photo: Disney
“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.
The First Trailer Has Arrived!
Although Mufasa: The Lion King is not set to hit theaters until December 20, Disney has released the first trailer for the upcoming film!
Photo: Disney
In the clip, we see shots of Mufasa at various points throughout his life.
“A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood. A lion who would change our lives forever — Mufasa,” Rafiki says in the voiceover.
Photo: Disney
According to the film’s synopsis:
“‘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.”
Photo: Also Disney
Lin-Manuel Miranda Will Write Mufasa’s Songs
Revealed alongside the new trailer was the fact that Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s new songs, which will be produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda. Lebo M. will also be involved.
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Photo: PRESLEY ANN/GETTY
“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. We can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters,” Miranda said.
If you have not seen the trailer yet, check it out now!
Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters on December 20.
