Mufasa: The Lion King – six important things to know before watching the prequel | Ents & Arts News

Disney has added another film to their most successful franchise, The Lion King – this time following Mufasa’s journey from a youngster to becoming the king of Pride Rock.

Inspired by the 1994 animation, the latest addition is a live-action feature and is directed by Moonlight filmmaker Barry Jenkins.

Before you head to your nearest cinema, here are six things you need to know about the film, and don’t worry, there are no spoilers.

What is Mufasa: The Lion King about?

Mufasa is synonymous with one of the most heartbreaking moments in any Disney movie, but aside from being Simba’s father and Scar’s brother, there’s little fans know about him.

In this prequel film, we follow Mufasa as a young youth who gets lost and meets a sympathetic lion cub and heir to a royal family named Taka.

This meeting sets the wheels in motion for the future king and we go on his journey to meet his soon-to-be wife Sarabi and friends.

Do I have to watch The Lion King to understand Mufasa: The Lion King?

Not necessarily, but it is an important point of reference throughout the film.

In the new live-action sequel, we met some of the “great kings of the past” first mentioned in the 1994 original.

The story is told through flashbacks as Rafiki tells Simba’s daughter Kiara about the “circle of life” and why it’s important to “remember who you are”.

The choice to do so makes it easier for young minds to follow, but if you want the full experience and understand the uninterrupted references to the original, it will be to re-watch either the animation, the 2019 live-action film or the musical. a good idea.

Tiffany Boone, who voices a young Sarabi (Simba’s mother), says her opinion of Scar has changed a bit after being a part of the new film.

She told Sky News: “I think I feel a lot more for Scar than I did before. I’m not saying he has the right to do what he did in the original version, but you understand how the relationship between Mufasa and Scar got to the point where it’s so contentious and so now I have a little bit of a softer spot in my heart for Scar.”

Who stars in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Mufasa: The Lion King is directed by Croydon actor Aaron Pierre, who previously starred in Rebel Ridge and Genius and Foe.

He says it has been a “huge honour” to step into the role of Mufasa and hopes he does justice to James Earl Jones as the younger version of his character.

The actor posed for pictures at Pride Rock at the UK premiere – a moment he says he won’t forget.

“It was really special. The London premiere was just so beautiful. London showed up and with all this beautiful energy and they celebrated and they just poured love into that night.”

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Taka is played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. and a young Sarabi is voiced by Tiffany Boone.

While the daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, voices Kiara, daughter of King Simba.

Other voices include Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki and Preston Nyman as young Zazu.

To set up the film as a flashback, the 2019 voices return briefly – Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, John Kani, John Oliver, Seth Rogan and Billy Eichner.

Is James Earl Jones in Mufasa: The Lion King?

Seen as a father figure by many, the death of James Earl Jones marked a sad day for film fans around the world.

The Star Wars actor originated Mufasa’s strong, stoic voice in the 1994 animation and reprized the role for the 2019 live-action remake.

Jenkins made the decision to dedicate the entire film to the star, and his voice appears briefly as a somewhat ‘voice of God’ at the beginning of the new film.

Opening with a black screen, you hear Jones’ voice giving his advice to Simba: “Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. So when you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you and so will I.”

Is it safe for children to watch Mufasa: The Lion King?

The film has received a PG rating in the UK so it is safe for everyone to watch.

However, like the original, it’s worth treading with caution as there is a scene or two that may be a little scary and/or emotional for younger viewers.

Who did the music for Mufasa: The Lion King?

The musical man of the moment – Lin-Manuel Miranda – is responsible for the soundtrack to Mufasa: The Lion King.

Jenkins says watching him work taught him so much as a creative person.

“Typically, in a musical, the songs come first and the film wraps around it. But in this case, because Lin was so busy directing Tick Tick Boom and working on Encanto, we started before he came in, and that was really wonderful to see him look at the script and kind of diagnose where songs could elevate the narrative instead of just distracting from it,” says Jenkins.

“And the song I Always Wanted A Brother was a good example. Lin saw a very early animation and knew right away that it was the song (for this episode), and it’s one of my favorite parts of the movie.”

Mufasa: The Lion King is in theaters now.