Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) is an upcoming animated prequel to the iconic Disney classic The Lion King. Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his sensitive storytelling in Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, this film takes us back to the origins of one of the most beloved characters in Disney’s history: Mufasa, the king of the Pride Lands.

While The Lion King (1994) gave us a glimpse of Mufasa’s legacy, Mufasa: The Lion King explores his early life, his relationship with his brother Scar, and the events that led to his rise as the ruler of the Pride Lands.

The film tells the untold story of Mufasa’s journey from a humble cub in the wild to the noble king we all know. The trailer reveals a younger Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), who begins his adventure with a sense of adventure, curiosity, and a growing awareness of his destiny. As a cub, Mufasa is confronted with the challenges of survival and the complicated dynamics with his brother Scar, whose jealousy and insecurities threaten to tear their relationship apart.

As Mufasa grows, he learns the responsibilities of leadership, the weight of duty, and the significance of the Circle of Life. Through intense personal challenges and moments of self-discovery, Mufasa evolves into the wise and courageous lion who will ultimately become the king of the Pride Lands. Along the way, he finds guidance from Rafiki (voiced by John Kani), a spiritual mentor who helps Mufasa understand the greater role he must play in the Circle of Life.