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On April 29, Disney released its highly anticipated sequel to its 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King. Mufasa: The Lion King will be both a prequel and a sequel of sorts, as it will focus on Simba and Nala’s daughter Kiara while exploring Mufasa’s backstory. Disney had been hyping up the movie since it was first announced during the 2022 D23 Expo, which was held in Anaheim, California, across from the Disneyland Resort.
Credit: Disney
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When the trailer was finally revealed on Good Morning America, fans were shocked, but not in a good way. In the new film, Disney had seemingly changed A LOT of The Lion King (1994) canon.
The new film states that Scar (AKA Taka) and Mufasa are not actually brothers, despite what the original animated film and a storybook series say. They also decided to change Mufasa’s backstory, stating that he is an orphan and Scar was the prince poised to be king.
Credit: Disney
That same day, Walt Disney Pictures posted a still from the trailer on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, asking fans if they were going to see Mufasa: The Lion King.
Unfortunately, it may be a question that they regret asking.
There were more than 800 replies to Disney’s question, but scrolling through them, there seems to be a general consensus — fans will be skipping this one.
Definitely not in cinema since I didn’t like the live action Lion King
Definitely not in cinema since I didn’t like the live action Lion King
— Cara (@CLGreality9) April 29, 2024
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Others said that they would be watching, but only because of how much they love the original animated film.
Yes, just because The Lion King is my favorite. However, I wasn’t too crazy about the 2019 remake, so I don’t think this is a movie I’ll be counting down the days to see.
Yes, just because The Lion King is my favorite. However, I wasn’t too crazy about the 2019 remake, so I don’t think this is a movie I’ll be counting down the days to see.
— Sammi Ryan (@SammiRyan77) April 29, 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King will not be the only major film released on December 20, 2024. That same day, Paramount is releasing what is expected to be one of its biggest films of the year, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. A lot of commenters said that they would be heading to the theaters to watch the video game character on the big screen instead.
Nah, we’ll be watching peak instead.
Nah, we'll be watching peak instead. pic.twitter.com/t58x7gaKfq
— MalfunctionProductions (@MalfunctionDude) April 29, 2024
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Despite the popularity of the 2019 live-action remake, a lot of fans had one big issue with it. Disney chose not to give the animals facial expressions, which really seemed to strip audiences of any emotional attachment. However, Disney appears to have listened to the criticism and at least tried to add a little bit more expression to the characters this time around.
Mufasa: The Lion King will have numerous stars from the 2019 live-action film reprising their roles, including Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles Carter as Nala, Billy Eichner as Timon, and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa.
Credit: Disney
A number of new characters will also be introduced, who play a key role in Mufasa’s childhood. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice Taka (AKA Scar), Thandiwe Newton will voice Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James will voice Obasi, Taka’s father; Anika Noni Rose will be Mufasa’s mother, Afia, and Keith David will provide the voice for Mufasa’s father; Masego.
The film is being directed by Barry Jenkins, but unlike the original animated film and the live-action remake, Elton John will NOT be doing the music. Instead, Disney has brought on Hamilton creator, Lin Manuel Miranda.
Despite what many people are saying, will you be seeing Mufasa: The Lion King when it hits theaters on December 20? Let us know in the comments!
