How do you call this? Lionverse? Kingverse? Lion-Kingverse?
Logline
Disney drops the official trailer for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel to its live-action remake, directed by Barry Jenkins, set for theatrical release on December 20, 2024.
Breakdown
- Event: Disney’s D23 Exposition
- Content: Trailer release for “Mufasa: The Lion King”
- Directorial Team: Barry Jenkins directing, Jeff Nathanson writing
- Release Date: December 20, 2024
- Platform: Exclusively in theaters
Plot Beats
- Narrative Device: Rafiki tells the tale of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara
- Characters: Timon and Pumbaa provide comic relief
- Storyline: Mufasa’s journey from orphaned cub to meeting Taka, heir to a royal bloodline
- Themes: Friendship, survival, destiny
- Conflict: Evading a threatening foe while forming strong bonds
Cast and Crew
- Voice Cast:
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros
- Thandiwe Newton as Eshe
- Lennie James as Obasi
- Anika Noni Rose as Afia
- Keith David as Masego
- John Kani as Rafiki
- Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
- Billy Eichner as Timon
- Donald Glover as Simba
- Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
- Music Team:
- Songwriters: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina
- Contributors: Elton John, Tim Rice, Hans Zimmer, Lebo M., Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Beau Black, Ford Riley
Buzz and Highlights
- Why It Matters:
- Cultural Impact: Expands on a beloved classic
- Star-Studded Team: Iconic musicians and actors involved
- Director’s Note: Barry Jenkins aiming to bring depth to Mufasa’s origin story
- Pop Culture: Anticipation around Disney’s next big holiday release
Production Notes
- Director: Barry Jenkins, known for “Moonlight”
- Scriptwriter: Jeff Nathanson
- Music Continuity: Featuring returning talent from previous Lion King projects
Closing Credits
Prepare to witness Mufasa’s legend unfold on December 20, 2024, exclusively in theaters. Don’t miss the trailer below:
