5 The Lion King Sequels That Mufasa Sets Up

Warning: There are spoilers for Mufasa: The Lion King.Mufasa: The Lion King sets up several potential sequels and spin-off films. The new film serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 film The Lion King. Most of the story takes place in the past, which reveals the origins of Mufasa and Scar's complex relationship. However, the film also takes place after the events of The Lion Kingwith Rafiki telling the story of Mufasa's past to Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara, a story that is interrupted at several points by Timon and Pumbaa.

The Lion King franchise had a history of sequels and spinoffs before the 2019 remake. A direct-to-video animated sequel, The Lion King II: Simba's Pridewas released in 1998. In 2004, the franchise continued with direct-to-video animation The Lion King 1 1/2which offers a comedic look at the events of the original film through the perspectives of Timon and Pumbaa. There have also been several spin-off television series. Mufasa: The Lion KingNow's ending offers yet another path for the franchise to continue.

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Simba's Pride

A Kiara-Focused Sequel Could Partially Adapt the 1998 Film

ONE Mufasa: The Lion King the sequel could follow Kiara, along with Simba and Nala's new child. The sequel could follow the next generation of Lion King characters and potentially adapt elements from Simba's Pride. The story of the 1998 sequel finds Kiara falling in love with Kovu, who belongs to a group that was previously loyal to Scar. This love story could be the basis for the next chapter in the franchise, brought to life by stunning photorealistic animation.

That would be provide reward for the decision to have Mufasa: The Lion King partially be a sequence. Kiara is now an established character in The Lion KingWith the "live action" continuity of and with the lessons she learned from Mufasa and Scar's story, she is better prepared to be at the forefront of her own adventure in the next film. Mufasa: The Lion King it also showed his dynamics with his parents, with Rafiki and with Timon and Pumbaa, which could lead to a sequel.

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A Timon and Pumbaa movie

The comedic duo may have their own story

The role of Timon and Pumbaa in Mufasa: The Lion King it's mostly to add comedy, though his interjections prove jarring and ultimately detract from the narrative pacing of Mufasa and Scar's origin story. The iconic duo would be better served if they had their own spin-off film, where their antics would feel more natural. The Lion King 1 1/2 it was essentially a Timon and Pumbaa movie, and they've also had their own television series in the past.

A Timon and Pumbaa movie could borrow stories from The Lion King 1 1/2 and their television series to now give them their own film. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen voiced the characters in the 2019 and 2024 films and would probably be willing to reprise their roles to star in a Timon and Pumbaa film. It could happen before or after the events of 2019 Lion King depending on the narrative direction the creative team behind decides to take.

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A film of scars and hyenas

This could bridge the gap between 2019 and 2024 movies

One aspect of Scar's origin story that isn't explored in the 2024 film is his relationship with hyenas. In addition to being seen briefly among the other animals of the land of Milele at the end of Mufasa: The Lion Kingthe hyenas are not in the latest installment of the franchise and do not play a significant role in the film. A film set between Mufasa becoming king and the start of the 2019 film could explore the hyenas in greater depth, along with their connection to Scar.

Part of this exploitation would be the reason why hyenas are exiled and feared, which is likely related to overhunting and failure to respect the peaceful circle of life under Mufasa's reign. In addition to seeing the hyenas becoming a greater threat, the story could see Scar becoming more resentful, losing the regret he feels for betraying Mufasa and instead becoming fixated on his desire for the throne. This could include making the hyenas part of your plan and fill in the missing gaps between Mufasa: The Lion King and the 2019 film.

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The Lion Guard

A movie sequel could adapt the TV series

The Lion Guard the television series focuses on Simba and Nala's son, Kion. Since Simba and Nala's son is introduced at the end of Mufasa: The Lion Kingthere's a good chance he's Kionand that a sequel could incorporate other characters and elements from The Lion Guard series. Bunga the honey badger, Beshte the hippo, Fuli the cheetah, and Ono the heron are other members of the Lion Guard led by Kion who defend the Pride Lands, all of whom could be featured in a Lion Guard film.

This could be one of the best ways for the franchise to move forward with a largely new cast of characters. Despite the introduction of the villains Kiros and the Outsiders, Mufasa: The Lion KingThe cast is still mostly made up of characters known since the release of the original film in 1994. The Lion Guard it aired from 2015 to 2019, but is not as well-known as the original film, making the adventures of Kion and his friends a new story for most audiences.

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A Rafiki film

He has what it takes to get his own story

The wise and eccentric Rafiki is one of The Lion King the best characters in the franchise and an individual compelling enough to lead his own film. How is he alive before and after the events of The Lion King, a Rafiki movie could take place at a wide variety of points in the timeline. Mufasa: The Lion King briefly shows the baboon community Rafiki came from, with a film of Rafiki possibly showing more of his time with them before he was exiled for being too different.

The story could take place after Mufasa becomes king, with Rafiki being his advisor, and the two having adventures in the early days of Mufasa's reign. It could also be a Mufasa: The Lion King sequence focusing on what Rafiki does as Kiara, Simba and Nala's son ages. Rafiki's wisdom, curiosity, and experience are sure to spark new ideas that can help the Pride Lands further prosper and further honor the circle of life.