Disney has just unveiled eight movie character posters Mufasa: The Lion King. The posters introduce the main characters in the story. The movie is a prequel as well as a sequel to 2019’s The Lion King. Barry Jenkins, an Oscar winner best known for Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, is directing this animated film.
1. Mufasa: The Lion King Character Posters
Mufasa will tell the story of young Mufasa’s (Aaron Pierre) journey from an orphan to becoming the legendary king of the Pride Lands. The story will be told through the memories that Rafiki (John Kani) shares with Kiara, the daughter of King Simba (Donald Glover) and Queen Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter).
The released posters feature well-known characters such as Timon (Billy Eichner), Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), and Zazu (Preston Nyman, replacing John Oliver).
In addition, there is also young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga), Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) who will later become Mufasa’s partner, and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Mufasa’s adopted brother who we will later know as Scar. Interestingly, the movie also introduces Kiros, a white lion who becomes the king. Mads Mikkelsen is the actor behind the voice of Kiros in the movie.
2. Airing December 20, 2024 with New Music
The movie will feature new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda (from Moana), along with original collaborators from The Lion King, namely Mark Mancina and Lebo M.
Set to hit theaters on December 20, Mufasa: The Lion King is ready to take fans back to the Pride Lands with an emotional story, mesmerizing music, and unforgettable characters.
The movie will chronicle the journey of little Mufasa who is orphaned until he meets Taka, who is the heir to the kingdom. The movie will also delve into the complicated relationship between Mufasa and Scar, and their journey full of obstacles.
“This encounter begins a grand adventure with a group of extraordinary, marginalized individuals, in search of their destiny while facing dangerous threats,” reads the film’s official synopsis.
Barry Jenkins showed his passion while speaking at the D23 event. “The movie The Lion King which was released in 1994 made a deep impression on me,” he said.
“I felt every emotion as I listened to the music and watched the story unfold-a father passing on his legacy to his son, a pride that is broken and rebuilt, and a young lion bravely facing his destiny. Telling Mufasa’s backstory was a huge honor.”
