Warning: This article includes MAJOR SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King!
The Lion Kingprequel, Mufasa: The Lion KingIt massively changes the story of how Mufasa became king of the Pride Lands, retelling the story that audiences have loved for three decades. When Disney announced Mufasa: The Lion King, fans of the franchise were excited at the idea of hearing Mufasa's story. Between the voice acting and writing by the late James Earl Jones, the film presented Mufasa as lovable, warm, and strong.
However, concern grew when the preview for Mufasa: The Lion King made it known that Mufasa was “Born without a drop of nobility in his blood”, recounting scenes in The Lion King. As expected from the trailer, the film changes everything fans know about the original story. The prequel details how Mufasa met Scar, how they arrived in the Pride Lands, and how he became king. The backstory is much more complex, explaining the motivations of Lion King villain Scar.
The Lion King made people believe that Mufasa was chosen as king over Scar
The dialogue configures Scar and Mufasa as blood brothers
The dialogue in the original 1994 film, The Lion Kinggave a very different impression of Scar and Mufasa's origin story than what is revealed in Mufasa: The Lion King. Scar's introduction scene heavily implies that Mufasa and Scar are blood brothers, with one line:
“Well, as far as the brain goes, I got most of it. But when it comes to brute strength, I'm afraid it's in the shallow end of the gene pool.”
Because it is said in the context of Scar's refusal to fight Mufasa, it alludes to the idea that the pair are part of the same gene pool, which they would be if they shared the same biological parents. This is furthered in the scene where Simba and Mufasa talk about the great kings of the sky. Mufasa says that one day he will be up there, looking down on Simba.
By connecting to ancestors in the sky, the lion makes it seem like he was born with royal blood like Simba. If Mufasa and Scar were born with royal blood, then someone, probably their parents, must have chosen Mufasa as king over Scar. Despite this, the trailer wasn't fake, with the iconic character being born to ordinary parents before being separated from them during a flood.
How Mufasa Really Became King of the Pride Lands
Mufasa was chosen for the throne by the animals
How Mufasa was born to an ordinary pair of lions in Mufasa: The Lion KingThe question naturally arises as to how he became king of the Pride Lands instead of Scar – whose real name is Taka. In the previous live-action film, Mufasa is separated from his parents during a flood and Taka saves him from a crocodile. Although Taka's father has a rule against getting involved with strangers, Mufasa's pride adopts him. This allows them to develop a close and fraternal bond, despite coming from different parents.
After a rival band arrives, King Obasi sends Taka away to keep the bloodline alive and sends Mufasa with him as protection. They decide to go to the mythical land of Milele. Along the way, they meet Sarabi, Zazu, and Rafiki, who join them on their search. The five continue their journey while being pursued by the enemy group.
Unfortunately, Taka decides to secretly team up with the villains when he discovers that Mufasa and Sarabi have developed feelings for each other. The enemies follow them to Milele, and Mufasa gives a rousing speech, convincing the animals of the land to unite to save their home. The action of bringing everyone together is why the animals decide to name him king at the end of Mufasa: The Lion King, despite him not having royal blood.
Scar's ambition and desire to be king makes sense after the Mufasa prequel film
Scar seems belittled because Mufasa doesn't have royal blood
The Lion King first presents Scar as a bitter lion who is upset about not being king, leaning heavily on his feelings of betrayal towards Mufasa. His motivation never makes complete sense in that film, as he's a very black and white villain. He wants the throne because he thinks Mufasa stole it. Without the live-action prequel, there isn't a deeper layer or explanation as to why he believes this. Scar has a great personality, but his antagonistic ways exist simply to further the narrative, which is fine for a fairy tale story.
However, Mufasa: The Lion King adds nuance to the character, showing exactly why he feels he deserves to be king instead of Mufasa. Of the two brothers, Scar is the one born with royal blood. He's the one who should have ruled under normal circumstances, so the animals' decision to give Mufasa the crown probably feels like a betrayal, even though he forfeited the crown by working with the story's villains.
Furthermore, King Obasi prepared him throughout his childhood to see himself above others. No matter how much Scar talks about Mufasa being his brother, he never considers the adopted lion an equal, recognizing that he is innately special in a way that Mufasa is not. Ultimately, this belief is strong enough to motivate their scheme to take control of the Pride Lands.
Does Mufasa make the Lion King's brotherly rivalry better or worse?
Mufasa: The Lion King doesn't improve the relationship between Taka and Mufasa
When it comes to prequels, they can improve the original story, not change it, or make it worse. Mufasa: The Lion King falls into the intermediate category. The narrative is much deeper and clearer after the prequel's backstory, adding new details that explain the characters' motivations. However, it didn't seem necessary, which is one of the main complaints in the mixed reviews of Mufasa: The Lion King.
In the original film, Mufasa is noble and strong, while Scar is intelligent and power-hungry. In Mufasa: The Lion KingMufasa is noble and strong, while Taka is intelligent and power-hungry. The only time they behave differently is when they are children. However, this part of the film lasts so little time that it doesn't change the general characterizations.
Ultimately, The Lion King: Mufasa not necessary for fans of The Lion King to watch the prequel. It's a great addition for those who want to know how Mufasa became king of the Pride Lands, but it doesn't change the rivalry between the brothers.