What Happened Before and After The Lion King

Warning: This post contains spoilers for Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King may end the way we hope, but it offers a prequel story that adds to the robust tradition of The Lion King. The Disney film, directed by Barry Jenkins, serves as a prequel and sequel to the 2019 photorealistic animated remake. Mufasa: The Lion KingReviews for it were abysmal for the most part, although critics generally agree that it is a huge improvement over its predecessor. Mufasa ends with The Outsiders being defeated by Mufasa, his team – Sarabi, Rafiki and Zazu – and Milele's animals, which Mufasa has gathered to defend his home.

Mufasa is devastated by Taka's betrayal and decision to work with Kiros, but during Mufasa and Kiros' fight, Taka briefly changes his mind and jumps in front of Mufasa to take Kiro's blow, giving him the scar for which he is known in animation. The Lion King. Still, Mufasa cannot fully forgive him and the brothers agree that Taka will now be known as Scar. Mufasa reunites with his mother, Afia, who tells him that she always knew they would meet again, and Mufasa becomes king. In the present, Kiara meets her younger brother and begins to tell him a story.

Milele and the Origin of the Pride Lands Explained

Before it was known as Pride Lands, it was simply Milele

Mufasa had only heard of Milele from his parents, who spoke of a kingdom where they could live in peace and where water and grass were abundant. It was a long way from where the family lived and where rain hadn't fallen for several months. Milele was believed to be a myth because it seemed too good to be true. It was a forever home for several lions (and means “forever” in Swahili)although those who hadn't been there actually believed it. It was a dream, a hope for a better future that seemed out of reach.

Milele ended up being the Pride Lands established in 1994 The Lion King. Mufasa's arrival changed things, as Milele didn't seem to have a king before defeating Kiros and his pride. His accession to king of Milele changed the name. It was no longer a myth, and since Mufasa was now its ruler, using the Pride Lands instead of Milele made sense as it applied to Mufasa's new pride and the new future that had been established.

How Mufasa became the Lion King

Mufasa's journey involved many losses and betrayals

Mufasa did not come from a royal family and was raised to be Taka's protector as he was in line to be king. As such, Mufasa's arrival at Milele was a relief to him; it was an opportunity to be one with other animals and live in peace. He is hesitant about being king at first because he does not consider himself superior to any of Milele's animals. Mufasa believed that together they were stronger. But IIt was their and Rafiki's encouragement that finally changed Mufasa's mind..

It was Mufasa who finally reunited Milele, though they may have let fear stop them from fighting the Outsiders. It was under Mufasa's direction that they came together and it was enough for them to want to make him their king. Mufasa never considered himself a king – he simply wanted a place to call home and a family that loved him. But it was the lion's courage in the face of danger that elevated him to a position of leadership. Although he might have been happy not to lead, Mufasa accepted the responsibility because Milele was now his home.

Scar's Origin and History Explained

Taka chose to change his name to Scar

Mufasa: The Lion King postulates that Scar was not Mufasa's biological brother, as The Lion King indicates, nor did he take on the name Scar until he was a young adult. Scar was Taka long before the events of the original animated film. His father, Obasi, was the king of his pride and Taka's plan was to follow in his footsteps. It was like that, at least until Mufasa and the white lions showed up and changed the trajectory of Taka's life.

Mufasa was being groomed to be Taka's protector. But Taka ultimately wasn't learning the right things from his father, who valued deception over loyalty and truth. Taka's love for Mufasa slowly diminished as he watched the lost lion continually prove his worth, while Taka's role became less prominent. He was even becoming an embarrassment to his father, who believed that being king was owed rather than deserved, and to his mother, who genuinely adored Mufasa. MufasaScar's origin story showed how love can turn to hate and bitternessenough for Taka to turn his back on his brother.

Taka becoming Scar resulted from Milele's humiliation in front of the animals for his betrayal of the new king. But the name change is more than just betrayal. The brother Mufasa knew had died. He couldn't call Scar Taka because his actions were against the lion he knew. Furthermore, Taka seems to understand the weight of the decisions he made out of bitterness, resentment, and jealousy. Changing his name to Scar indicates he is willing to take responsibility for what he didespecially knowing that Mufasa may never forgive him.

What happens to Simba and Nala after The Lion King

Unlike 2019 The Lion KingSimba and Nala have very small roles in Disney's prequel-sequel. Following the events of The Lion KingSimba and Nala raise Kiara and continue to happily rule the Pride Lands. They seem to be living a contented life with each other, growing their family, and are at peace living in Pride Rock. After The Lion KingSimba and Nala are busy welcoming their children into the world – first Kiara and, shortly after, their newborn son. All in all, the royal lion couple is doing well, especially after facing so much tragedy and loss.

Kiara and her brother are the future of The Lion King

With the focus shifting from Simba and Nala to Mufasa: The Lion KingKiara and her brother are being considered the future of The Lion King franchise – Kiara as the future queen of the Pride Lands and her brother as her protector. This way, Kiara and her brother could mirror Mufasa and Scar's original trajectory before Mufasa became king. Simba's story has ended and he, like Mufasa before him, will likely be more of a guide and teacher to his children as they grow.

With Kiara now learning her grandfather's true story and passing it on to her brother, the future queen will be able to carry on her family's legacy. Mufasa: The Lion King it's all about legacy and how it is built. Kiara and her brother being established as the future of the franchise and the Pride Lands aligns with this theme. Simba had his adventure and now Kiara and her brother are preparing for theirs. Hearing Mufasa's story told by Rafiki grants Kiara, in particular, the ability to hold her ancestors in her heart. as she navigates her future.

How Mufasa creates a Lion King sequel

There are more stories to be told if Disney decides to continue

Mufasa introduced Kiara and highlighted her prominently, insinuating that her story was the center of a Lion King sequence. Even with the birth of his brother, it is Kiara who moves to tell him Mufasa's story, showing a crucial shift away from Simba as the face of the franchise's future. On the other hand, a Lion King the sequel could focus on Scar's story before the events of the original film. Although Mufasa allowed him to stay on Milele, it is unclear whether he immediately befriends the hyenas or whether he will have another separate trip beforehand. The Lion King.

A film centered on Scar would be interesting, as it would better explain his decision to kill his own brother. in The Lion King. Scar's origin story was told in Mufasabut it was still mostly about the titular character. MufasaThe ending leaves room for more about Scar. Could tell the story of how he won the loyalty of the foreign lions featured in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. This would link Scar's story to Kiara's, who crosses paths with said pride in the animated sequence, setting the stage for Kiara's adventures.

The True Meaning of Mufasa: The End of The Lion King

MufasaThe ending calls for unity and love in the midst of division and disdain. Through the story of Kiros and Mufasa's rise to king, the film's ending suggests that a position of leadership must be earned and not taken violently. And although Mufasa and Taka's relationship soured by the film's conclusion, Mufasa reiterates the bonds forged through the families encountered – whether with Mufasa and Rafiki or Mufasa and Eshe. With Rafiki telling Mufasa's origin story to Kiara, Mufasa: The Lion King shows how the past can inform the present and convey crucial lessons.