‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Is Coming To Disney+ On March 26
Fans will have the chance to re-watch the magical Pride Lands on their screens! ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024) will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting March 26. The film was directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, with a screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson.
Walt Disney Pictures produced the film, which is a prequel to the 2019 movie 'The Lion King,' which was also written by Jeff Nathanson and directed by Jon Favreau.
The 2024 prequel tells the story of Mufasa’s rise to leader of the Pride Lands. After a flood washes him away from his parents, Mufasa finds himself lost and alone in the wilderness, facing much danger and uncertainty until an unexpected friendship with Taka (Scar) sets him on a different path. Forming a new brotherhood, they face rivals together until a searing jealous spirit threatens their bond, causing a rift between the two before Mufasa rises as leader of the Pride Lands.
The film features a star-studded voice cast including Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Taka), Blue Ivy Carter (Kiara), Beyoncé (Nala), John Kani (Rafiki), Tiffany Boone (Sarabi), Donald Glover (Simba), Thandiwe Newton (Eshe), Lennie James (Obasi), Anika Noni Rose (Afia), Keith David (Masego), Thuso Mbedu (Junia), Folake Olowofoyeku (Amara), Sheila Atim (Ajarry), Dominique Jennings (Sarafina), and Seth Rogen (Pumbaa). This prequel also honors the late James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa from the 1994 classic, with recordings of his voice in the beginning of the film.
Additional star cast members include Braelyn Rankins (young Mufasa), Theo Somolu (young Taka), Abdul Salis (Chigaru), Derrick L. McMillon (Mosi), Maestro Harrell (Azibo), Kagiso Lediga (young Rafiki), A.J. Beckles (Inaki), Billy Eichner (Timon), Mads Mikkelsen (Kiros), Preston Nyman (Zazu), and David S. Lee (Mobo).
In February, Blue Ivy Carter took home the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Character Voice Performance (Motion Picture) for her performance as Kiara. Her win reflects her beautiful talent for storytelling and ability to capture the essence of an animated character. This win is also a nod to the incredible legacy of ‘The Lion King’ franchise, which champions Black storytelling conventions and characters across decades.
Fans are excited to reunite with the animated cast when the movie hits Disney+ this month.
–Dominique Young
