Meet the New Faces of Disney’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
On December 20th, Disney returns to the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King. This amazing prequel takes a new look at one of animation’s most beloved rulers.
The film revisits iconic characters like Mufasa, Scar, and Sarabi, but it also introduces new faces and goes deeper into their untold stories.
Directed by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Encanto, Moana), Mufasa: The Lion King offers a fresh perspective on the Pride Lands through a vibrant cast of new and returning characters.
Taka: Scar’s Origins
Before he became the infamous villain known as Scar, Taka was a lion with a strong desire to protect and please. Voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taka is a complex character whose bond with Mufasa begins during a life-changing adventure. The film explores Taka’s good-hearted nature and how the challenges he faces slowly shape his darker path.
“The biggest thing was just not to judge him,” Harrison explains. “I enjoyed him so much in the original version. He’s so playful, so lively… I wanted to let his instincts and love of life shine through.”
Taka’s journey reveals a side of him that fans have never seen.
Sarabi: The Future Queen
In the original films, Sarabi, known as Simba’s mother, is reintroduced as a young lioness searching for her place. Voiced by Tiffany Boone, Sarabi faces immense loss and learns to rely on her strength and instincts to survive.
“In the original, you see her as a wife and a mother in this really graceful, wise, loving woman. You get to see what brought her to that place of wisdom. She’s lost everything when we find her in this film,” shared Boone.
Sarabi is more than just a future queen; she is a lioness who we see fighting for her place in the world.
Rafiki: The Keeper of Legends
Fans of the Lion King films will remember Rafiki and this time, audiences will meet a younger version, voiced by Kagiso Lediga. Through Rafiki’s narration, the film bridges the past and present, sharing the story of Mufasa’s rise with Simba’s daughter, Kiara.
Mufasa’s Childhood Companion
You can’t think of The Lion King without thinking of Pumbaa and Timon! As Simba’s friends, the duo of meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa are an integral part of the kingdom under their friend’s reign.
That bond extends to Simba’s family, especially daughter Kiara, who relies on their good humor and fun when her parents are away.
An Expanded Story
In addition to these characters, Mufasa: The Lion King gives audiences a richer understanding of the Pride Lands’ history from a unique perspective. Don’t miss this new adventure when it comes to theaters on December 20!
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Feature Photo: Disney