Three decades after its original release, Disney’s The Lion King is set to shift once again with a new story that takes audiences deeper into Simba and Mufasa’s world.
When The Lion King arrived in theaters in 1994, it quickly became one of Disney’s crown jewels of the Renaissance era. The animated feature followed young Simba, destined to inherit the Pride Lands after the death of his father, Mufasa. Instead, his uncle Scar exiled him, setting the stage for a journey of growth, responsibility, and ultimately redemption. The combination of heartfelt storytelling, playful humor, and themes of loss and family responsibility made the movie a phenomenon.
Memorable voice performances from Matthew Broderick as Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, and Jeremy Irons as Scar, combined with the music of Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, cemented the film’s legacy. Songs like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” are still instantly recognizable 30 years later.
The story’s staying power can be seen across decades of sequels, TV spinoffs, and even a Broadway stage adaptation that continues to thrive. Disney’s 2019 photorealistic reimagining, directed by Jon Favreau, grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, proving that audiences still return to the Pride Lands generation after generation.
Now, The Lion King is branching out again—this time into comics. Dynamite Entertainment has announced a new series written and illustrated by Edwin Galmon, scheduled for release in November 2025. The story takes place during the “golden time” of the original film, when Simba is still young and Scar has yet to seize power. It will focus on Simba and Mufasa’s relationship, centering on their bond, mentorship, and the challenges of safeguarding the Pride Lands.
“Taking place in the golden time during the events of the 1994 film while Simba is young and Scar has not yet risen to power, the new series will follow Mufasa and his young heir as they navigate the complex web of relationships across their vast kingdom,” Flickering Myth explains, “with the ruler of the Pride Lands teaching his son how to defend their home against the forces that threaten their peace and harmony from both outside and within their pack.”
For Galmon, stepping into this world was deeply personal.
“Having the honor and opportunity to work with the regal The Lion King franchise is a humbling experience,” he said. “This is where my childhood imagination meets my adulthood craftsmanship, and with excitement, I hope people really enjoy the story we have cooked up!”
He continued, “As a kid my favorite parts of The Lion King movie were all the scenes featuring Mufasa and Simba together because I related to how much I love and respect my dad. With that in mind, I wanted to have more father-son bonding, loving guidance, goofy playtimes, and mentorship themes for Simba to enjoy with his dad.”
The comic’s approach promises to add new dimension to the 1994 film, highlighting unseen moments of father-son connection that precede Mufasa’s tragic fate. The first issue arrives this November.
This new series joins a growing slate of Lion King projects. Disney recently released Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), a prequel helmed by Barry Jenkins. Employing the same photorealistic visual style as Jon Favreau’s film, it chronicles Mufasa’s rise from orphaned cub to ruler of the Pride Lands, tracing his relationship with Taka (later Scar), his bond with Sarabi, and the roots of Pride Rock. Rafiki recounts the tale to Kiara, with Timon and Pumbaa adding comic relief.
Reactions to the film were split. Audiences embraced it, while critics were less enthusiastic. While many praised its visuals and expanded lore, others found the emotional connection muted by the hyper-realistic animation. Scar’s backstory drew mixed opinions, while Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs—including the villain number “Bye Bye”—failed to resonate with all viewers. Complaints about pacing, tonal inconsistencies, and crowded subplots also surfaced.
Despite this, the film pulled in $722.6 million globally, proving there’s still appetite for stories from the Pride Lands. With fresh comics and ongoing films, Disney continues to expand the universe of one of its most treasured franchises.
Will this latest addition change the impact of the original? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
