Years before Simba learned what “Hakuna Matata” meant, his father Mufasa went on an epic journey of his own. That journey is the subject of Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney’s latest live-action reimagining of their animated properties.
Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, The Underground Railroad) directs this prequel, which tells the story of young Mufasa’s (voiced by Aaron Pierre, Genius: MLK/X) rise to power. The film’s first teaser reveals that Mufasa wasn’t actually born in the Pride Lands. An orphan, he wanders alone until meeting a friendly lion named Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr., Chevalier). Not only is Taka heir to a royal bloodline, he’s also a young Scar. How will these two lions become close as brothers, then draw apart?
The trailer also teases loads of sprawling wildlife — including an elephant stampede that echoes The Lion King‘s traumatic wildebeest stampede — and the film’s voice cast, which includes Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, and Blue Ivy Carter.
Many members of The Lion King‘s (2019) voice cast also return to reprise their roles, with John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Lin-Manuel Miranda will also be crafting new original songs for the film.
Mufasa: The Lion King hits theaters Dec. 20.
