- Home
- Mufasa: the Lion King
Page
Mufasa: the Lion King
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch trailer
01:32
Mufasa: the Lion King
Save
- 2024
- Barry Jenkins
- 119 mins
- PG
Summary
Animated fantasy prequel featuring the voices of Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Lion cub Taka and his family adopt the young Mufasa, who has been separated from his parents. The two cubs grow up as brothers, but when they fall foul of a vengeful pride known as the "Outsiders", the stage is set for jealousy, violence and a terrible betrayal.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
Kevin Harley
Director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) brings flashes of personality to this intermittently rousing CG Disney prequel. Orphaned when young, future lion-king Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) here befriends fellow cub Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr), aka Scar-to-be. They grow up as siblings, until resentment, jealousy and the machinations of a tyrannical tiger (Mads Mikkelsen) splinter their bond. Whether or not Scar's origins needed exploring, Jenkins's punchy tale of brotherhood and betrayal is more immersive than 2019's initial remake of The Lion King. The photorealistic cats are textured and expressive, imparting a sense of character that's amplified by strong voice work from, especially, Pierre and an imposing Mikkelsen. Jenkins proves a forceful and graceful director of action and romance, while Lin-Manuel Miranda's winning songs propel the story fluently. A framing device involving Mufasa's granddaughter sometimes stalls that momentum, and the comedic touches can feel forced, but Jenkins's grip on the material otherwise holds firm. Between its dazzling landscapes and dreamy close-ups, Mufasa is a fitfully stylish, stirring addition to the legacy of one of Disney's crowning glories.
imdb-square
6.6/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameMufasaAaron PierreTakaKelvin Harrison JrRafikiJohn KaniPumbaaSeth RogenTimonBilly EichnerSarabiTiffany BooneSimbaDonald GloverKirosMads MikkelsenEsheThandiwe NewtonObasiLennie JamesAfiaAnika Noni RoseKiaraBlue Ivy CarterNalaBeyonce Knowles
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorBarry Jenkins
Details
Theatrical distributor
Disney
Released on
2024-12-20
Languages
English | Swahili
Guidance
Violence
Formats
Colour
News & features about Mufasa: the Lion King
-
How to watch Mufasa: The Lion King – is it streaming?
The Lion King prequel arrived in UK cinemas just before Christmas.
-
Mufasa: The Lion King – release date, cast and trailer for prequel
Everything we know about the upcoming live-action prequel.
Ad
-
Mufasa: The Lion King review – A flawed but fitfully powerful CG prequel
Moonlight director Barry Jenkins adds currents of personality and style, but there's still a weird cognitive disconnect seeing photoreal big cats talking.
-
Mufasa: The Lion King soundtrack – Lin-Manuel Miranda on inspiration behind new songs
Miranda, who previously composed music for Moana and Encanto, is creating the soundtrack for the new Lion King film.
-
Mufasa star Mads Mikkelsen was more nervous than excited about singing
The Hannibal star plays villain Kiros in Barry Jenkins's new prequel.
-
Oscars 2025 shortlists confirmed for 10 categories – Emilia Pérez and Wicked lead
It's that time of year!
-
Best films released in the UK this month: December 2024
Highlights include Nightbitch, Queer and Better Man.
Ad
-
Who left Strictly 2025? Second celebrity to be voted out revealed
Another famous face bids farewell to the dancefloor.
-
Full list of winners from Olivia Dean to Stephen Graham
It was a big night of musical celebration.
-
Lanterns cast: Who stars in the DC series?
Your essential guide to the cast of Lanterns.
-
Hugh Laurie to lead Apple TV+ thriller alongside Westworld and Dunkirk stars
The former House star will play a vicious British crime boss behind bars.
-
The Morning Show season 4 release date confirmed – first look at Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston
Some big stars have joined the network for season 4.
-
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx's Back in Action gets dire Rotten Tomatoes rating
Not everyone agrees with the negative reviews.
-
Joe Lycett: 'If you want diverse voices, you’ve got to put some money into finding them'
Baby cinema screenings, BAFTAs and bin bags – the comedian’s "normal” life.
-
EastEnders fan-favourite nominated beside Adolescence and Sinners stars at MOBO Awards 2026
The awards will take place in March in Manchester.
-
How to watch Disney's live-action Snow White – is it streaming?
The latest reimagining of an animation classic has just arrived in UK cinemas.
-
Task cast: Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey star in HBO crime drama
The show's sizeable cast also includes Emilia Jones, Fabien Frankel and Alison Oliver.
-
Man of Tomorrow cast: Who joins David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult for Superman sequel?
James Gunn's new DCU film is taking shape.
-
Sky Glass Air UK release date: How to buy Sky's new affordable TV
The more affordable alternative to Sky Glass, Sky Glass Air, finally has a UK release date. Here's everything you need to know.
-
Strictly Come Dancing songs and dances confirmed for 2025 final
It's time to dance!
-
Frauds cast: Full list of actors in ITV's darkly comic heist thriller
Jodie Whittaker and Suranne Jones are joined by a number of other familiar faces in the ensemble.
-
Best new films of 2024: 24 movies to look forward to
There are all sorts of cinematic treats to look forward to in 2024 – here are just some of the highlights.
See more about Mufasa: the Lion King
Ad
Ad
Ad