Mufasa: The Lion King, set to release in April 2025, takes audiences back to the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters—Mufasa. This prequel to the 2019 Lion King adaptation explores the early life of Mufasa, from his humble beginnings as an orphaned cub to his rise as the revered king of the Pride Lands.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his award-winning work on films like Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, the movie promises to delve deeper into the relationships that shaped Mufasa’s path. The film will give viewers a fresh understanding of his character, especially his bond with his brother, Taka (later known as Scar), and the pivotal events that eventually lead to their tragic fallout.

The cast features many returning stars, including Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé as Nala, joined by her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who makes her acting debut as Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. Aaron Pierre takes on the challenging role of portraying young Mufasa, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. brings depth to young Scar’s character. The star-studded cast also includes Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Kani as Rafiki, and new additions like Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros and Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, Scar’s mother​

The film not only aims to tell an epic story of family, loyalty, and legacy but also showcases the rich, visually stunning backdrop of the African savanna. Music, a hallmark of the Lion King franchise, will once again play a significant role, with new tracks by celebrated composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Audiences can expect a visually breathtaking, emotionally resonant journey when Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in theaters on April 15, 2025.