MOVIE NEWS – Mufasa: The Lion King comes from none other than the director of Moonlight.

After the massive success of 2019’s “live-action” The Lion King, it was only logical for Disney to explore even more of this photorealistic CG world. Instead of adapting The Lion King Sequels, which were released direct to video that year, the next film will delve into the backstory of Szimba’s father, Mufasa.

It’s a prequel, but it’s also a bit of a sequel, as the frame story seems to include Simba and Nala’s daughter.

Moreover, it seems that the origin of the title character is also surprising, as the trailer opens on a snowy mountain instead of the savannah of the original films.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“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. 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.”

Mufasa the usurper?!

Die-hard Lion King fans will recognize that “Taka” is actually Scar’s first name. So, it looks like this prequel will show how Mufasa usurped the divine right to rule by becoming a more competent leader. If they ever rework the future Kiara story, maybe they’ll turn it from a star-studded romance into one where the young lioness ushers in democracy to the Pridelands.

Directed by Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Mufasa: The Lion King stars Aaron Pierre (Old) as the title character and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier) as Taka. John Kani, Donald Glover and Beyoncé reprise their roles as Rafiki, Simba and Nala, and Blue Ivy Carter (Beyoncé’s daughter) makes her debut as Kiara. Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing new songs for the film.

Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to hit theatres on December 20.

Source: Disney