Warning: There are mild spoilers ahead for Mufasa: The Lion King.
Mufasa: The Lion KingThe film's connection to a major Disney princess fits its themes and makes the film even better. Directed by award-winning Barry Jenkins, the Lion King prequel explains Mufasa's origin story before he became king of the Pride Lands and father to Simba. Presenting him as a non-real cub who gets separated from his parents during a flood, the film rewrites the events of the 1994 version, with Mufasa being saved by Taka (or Scar) and adopted by his mother, Eshe.
Mufasa: The Lion KingReviews praise its emotional visuals and talented cast, especially actors Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr., who work to tell the tragic brotherly story between Mufasa and Scar. The other actors and actresses are also great, marking the return of new and familiar voices that round out the prequel and successfully inform the events that follow. Notably, the film expands Mufasa's family tree by introducing Simba's grandparents, and in doing so, establishes a perfect connection with the hardest working of Disney princesses.
The Princess and the Frog's Anika Noni Rose voices Simba's grandmother in Mufasa
Anika Noni Rose is Disney's most underrated princess
Zoom in Mufasa: The Lion KingAt the end of, Aaron Pierre's character reunites with his biological mother as he, Taka, Sarabi, and Zazu reach Milele, the bountiful kingdom that later becomes the Pride Lands. Actress Anika Noni Rose voices Simba's grandmother, Afiawho, after losing Mufasa and his father in a flood at the beginning of the film, continues the journey they were supposed to take together, hoping that Mufasa would do the same. So the orphaned cub remembers his parents' stories of forever home and takes his friends there as they try to escape the villain Kiros.
The 2009 film harkens back to the studio's rich 2D animation style and is said to have redefined Disney princesses.
Although it may be difficult to tell from her performance as Afia, actress Anika Noni Rose is the voice of Princess Tiana of The Princess and the Frog. Despite the character's strong resilience to open her restaurant in New Orleans in the 1920s, and her independence and intelligence, Tiana belongs in one of Disney's most underrated films. Their similarities with Afia are strong, as they have a caring and generous nature and are incredibly resourceful. Notably, Mufasa's mother had to fend for herself after the flood, and Tiana took care of her mother and her business after her father's death.
Anika Noni Rose's return to Disney in Mufasa is a great reminder to watch The Princess and the Frog
Tiana and Mufasa's humble beginnings make them parallels
Anika Noni Rose has acted in several projects since playing Princess Tianahowever, its role Mufasa: The Lion King stands out as yet another powerful and undoubtedly memorable performance in one of Disney's most anticipated releases. After witnessing the actress' subtle portrayal of Simba's loving grandmother, she will continue to showcase her talent in bringing powerful, kind-hearted characters to the big screen. For now, fans old and new might enjoy watching The Princess and the Frog and fall in love with Tiana's relatable dreams and struggles.
As she transforms into a frog, a hard-working waitress and spoiled prince Naveen embark on an immersive journey toward magic and destiny, featuring great music, an immersive world, and poignant themes of hard work and connection. The 2009 film harkens back to the studio's rich 2D animation style and is said to have redefined Disney princesses. Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in time for Tiana's return to The Princess and the Frog spin off, connecting Anika Noni Rose to Mufasa's transformation from commoner to beloved kingbefore taking charge to continue the story of the humble princess.