Today, Walt Disney revealed the first teaser trailer for their upcoming prequel Mufasa: The Lion King. The film is going to be directed by Oscar award-winning director Barry Jenkins. Before tackling the prequel, Jenkins worked on several serious dramas, including Best Picture winner Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. While the original 2019 remake made over $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office, many fans were disappointed that it was more or less a shot-for-shot remake of the classic 1990s animated film. However, it looks like Jenkins will take those criticisms seriously as he tackles his first animated/live-action film.
Now, the film’s full cast has been announced, including Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka (aka Scar), a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother. Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego. The returning cast includes John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Finally, the film will introduce Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
Mufasa: The Lion King hits theaters on December 20th