Disney unveils first look Mufasa: The Lion KingThe new film, arriving in theaters December 20, explores the unexpected rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.
Announced this morning is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life – plus, renowned award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing songs for the film produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, including Includes additional music and performances. Lebo M.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible musical team of ‘The Lion Guard,’ and many musical contributors over the years. The Lion King It has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. “It has been a pleasure to work with Barry Jenkins to bring the story of Mufasa to life and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters,” Miranda said.
Mufasa: The Lion King Simba and Nala’s daughter recruits Rafiki to tell the tale of Mufasa to the young lion cub Kiara, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature shtick. The story, told in flashback, introduces Mufasa as an orphan cub who is lost and alone, until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka – the heir to a royal dynasty. A chance meeting sets off an elaborate journey for an extraordinary group of misfits seeking their destiny – their bond will be tested as they work together to escape a dangerous and deadly enemy.
New and returning actors were invited to lend their voices to the film:
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, the lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa as a brother into his family
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
- Thandiwe Newton as Ashe, Taka’s mother
- Lenny James as Obasi, Taka’s father
- Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Mufasa’s mother
- Keith David as Masego, Mufasa’s father
- John Kani as Rafiki
- Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
- Billy Eichner as Timon
- Donald Glover as Simba
- Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
- and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominic Jennings.
Photoreal, blending live-action filmmaking techniques with computer-generated imagery. Mufasa: The Lion King Directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Seryak and executive produced by Peter Tobynsen.
