Mufasa: The Lion King - Release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far

While the story of Simba has been a beloved classic, fans’ requests for more have been heard, and now, the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King is Happening. Given the success of the 2019 CGI photorealistic remake, the much-anticipated follow-up film went under development just the next year in September 2020, with Barry Jenkins taking over the director’s seat.

As the title clearly proclaims, the prequel will delve into the unheard story of Mufasa’s prime days. The story will also involve other characters including Rafiki, Scar, Simba Kiara, and more.

Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, and most of the cast members from the 2019 film will be reprising their roles, with exciting new additions joining the ensemble. Follow along with the article to learn more about Mufasa: The Lion King.

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Mufasa: The Lion King will debut globally on December 20, 2024

Mufasa: The Lion King will be released worldwide on December 20, 2024. The film was previously scheduled to be released on July 5, 2024, but due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, during which the film was still under production, it got postponed indefinitely and later received a new date.

During D23, the prequel showcased an exclusive preview to those who attended the event, in which the eponymous character was revealed to be an orphaned cub. Rafiki and Timon will be playing a crucial role by narrating the story of Mufasa’s past and how he became a king.

Even before the prequel’s release, the film received mixed-to-negative remarks online where a significant sect of the audience was not so happy. Responding to a user on X, here’s how Jenkins stated how the magic of The Lion King endures, promising that the prequel will capture the timeless essence that has always enchanted fans:

There is nothing soulless about The Lion King. For decades children have sat in theaters all over the world experiencing collective grief for the first time, engaging Shakespeare for the first time, across aisles in myriad languages. A most potent vessel for communal empathy.

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Cast and characters in the prequel

Below is the complete list of all voice cast members and their respective roles:

• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• John Kani as Rafiki
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros
• Thandiwe Newton as Eshe
• Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara
• Donald Glover as Simba
• Keith David as Masego
• Anika Noni Rose as Afia
• Lennie James as Obasi
• Beyoncé as Nala
• Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
• Abdul Salis as Chigaru
• Preston Nyman as Zazu
• Braelyn Rankins as Young Mufasa
• Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
• Theo Somolu as Young Taka

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Where to watch Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King will be released in theatres globally, distributed by Walt Disney Studios and Motion Pictures. The movie is expected to be one of the biggest Disney’s blockbusters and given the hype, it will take it much time to land on a streamer. Although there is yet to be any news on its streamer debut, the movie will be arriving ultimately on Disney+.

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Plot summary

Here’s the official synopsis of the film that describes the story.

"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.”

It continues:

“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”

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Stay tuned for more news and updates on Mufasa: The Lion King and all your favorite TV shows and movies as 2024 progresses.