Mufasa: The Lion King explores the story of one of Disney's most iconic brother pairs, Mufasa and Scar. The film is a sequel to the 2019 film Lion King remake, with the prequel's narrative framed as a story Rafiki is telling Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara. While the first film received some criticism for things like its animation style and not differentiating itself from the 1994 original, Mufasa It performed much more positively with critics, largely due to its original narrative.
The plot revolves around Mufasa's rise to power and what soured the duo's brotherly love, giving a new context to the well-known villain. Of course, the plot would be nothing without strong actors behind it. The movie stars OldAaron Pierre and Elvis' Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Mufasa and Taka – Scar's original name – alongside other talented additions such as The Chiis Tiffany Boone as Simba's mother and HannibalMads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a fearsome pride leader, as well as returning actors like comedians Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Timon and Pumbaa.
Screen speech interviewed Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tiffany Boone to discuss filling out the story of beloved characters, working with Lin-Manuel Miranda, and director Barry Jenkins' on-set antics.
Mufasa: The Lion King shows different sides of the two brothers
Exploring Mufasa and Taka's bond as part of a coming-of-age story
Screen Rant: It must be an intimidating role to take on – Mufasa was obviously played by the legendary James Earl Jones, but I love what you bring to this role. I absolutely love it. Aaron, how does Mufasa's journey reflect the film's themes of resilience, found family, and brotherhood?
Aaron Pierre: I think, for me, Mufasa is a very special character, and I think how special he is to me is certainly amplified tenfold because he was originated and first voiced by a hero of mine. I think what's so beautiful about this particular prequel is that we get to see – in the 1994 original, we meet Mufasa and he's the king. He is the pinnacle of his community. He has an abundance of wisdom. He has everything ready and in place, and now we can understand the trajectory from point A to that point.
He didn't start there. He started out as someone who was separated from his family, an orphan, ostracized, dismissed and labeled, and I think that brings out an element of this that is really human – ironically – and I think that's something we can all take inspiration from: he It started here and he got there. It's possible for all of us.
Kelvin, Taka is such an intriguing character – my heart breaks for him, I’m not going to lie. But this is different from the Scar we know. What was your favorite aspect of exploring the bond between Taka and Mufasaand how do their adventures and dynamics foreshadow what we will know in the future between the two?
Kelvin Harrison Jr.: I was excited to have that little brother effect. He kind of follows him and admires him, but at the same time feels entitled to a certain idea of who he should be and how he should be treated.
It's almost like that kid who's super privileged but hasn't stepped foot in the real world yet, and everyone's like, “Hey, brother, we don't work like that out there.” He's growing up, he's maturing and that's always fun. I love a maturing lion.
Aaron Pierre: You love a coming-of-age story.
Kelvin Harrison Jr.: I love a coming-of-age story, but specifically for this moment, a coming-of-age lion. [Laughs] I just wanted to be playful and young and have a big open heart.
Tiffany, can you describe Sarabi's interaction with Mufasa and Taka and how it lays the groundwork for their future relationship, and what challenges Sarabi faces as a young lioness being molded into the queen?
Tiffany Boone: I think in the same way, she's separated from her family and kind of an orphan, but she kind of wants to be lonely. And she comes across them – I think she looks at them at first like two bumbling idiots, and she's like, “What's with these two guys?” [Laughs]
And so I think her relationship with them is slowly moving from a place, at least with Mufasa, of apprehension and being okay to a place of great respect. And then with Taka a little bit, it stays the same. But I think once she joins this community and finds safety in it, then she's able to embrace her femininity and be more vulnerable and a little less difficult, and I think that's a beautiful thing to see happen to her.
Mufasa’s “Elite” Creative Team Helped the Film Shine
Collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barry Jenkins and Aaron Pierre's upcoming role
Every song here is a hit, every song is amazing. Can you talk about working with Lin-Manuel Miranda to get the songs for this film?
Aaron Pierre: It was a blessing. Lin-Manuel Miranda is so elitist in what he does. It's top-notch, first-rate, and as we all know, Lin Manuel Miranda doesn't make an album that consists of jumps. He makes albums that are pure success, and this one was no exception, so it was a wonderful experience.
Switching gears for a second, I'm really excited for you to play Green Lantern. I know you can't talk about Green Lantern, so I'm going to ask you both: what are you excited to see him bring to the role of Green Lantern?
Tiffany Boone: It's going to get us in trouble. [Laughs]
Kelvin Harrison Jr.: We signed NDAs as friends of his. [Laughs]
Tiffany Boone: I'm so excited to see any of these guys take on their next role and do great things. It's just our generation of black actors watching each other grow up and do great things all the time.
Every time I see someone reserve something, I don't feel jealous or rivalry. I'm always like, “Oh, I'm so happy that we're working and people are having the opportunity,” so I'm excited for you.
Last question I have for you: Barry Jenkins, he killed it, absolutely incredible work. He's incredible. What did you learn from working with him on this film? Talk to me about your experience with it.
Tiffany Boone: I learned that Barry is silly. I always thought, “Oh, Barry must be really serious.”
Kelvin Harrison Jr.: He would take the camera out and laugh, and I would say, “Barry, we hear you laughing.” [Laughs]
Tiffany Boone: He would be having a breakdown.
Kelvin Harrison Jr.: He said, “You guys are just funny. We just don’t want to take you away from that.” But we just made up jokes constantly.
Tiffany Boone: Yeah, he's a really fun, really fun director. This was surprising.
Aaron Pierre: He's always dropping gems – so generous with his experience and knowledge.
More about Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. Rafiki tells the legend of Mufasa to the young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature style. Told in flashbacks, the story presents Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a friendly lion named Taka – the heir to a royal lineage. The chance encounter begins an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits in search of their destiny – their bonds will be tested as they work together to escape a threatening and deadly enemy.
Check back soon for our others Mufasa: The Lion King interviews here:
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Billy Eichner
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Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manual Miranda
Source: Screen Rant Plus