Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins collaborates with Walt Disney Pictures to present a live-action prequel to one of its most beloved animated features, "Mufasa: The Lion King." Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the script for the 2019 live-action "The Lion King," returns to handle the scripting duties for this prequel.
Opening shortly after the previous film ended, "Mufasa: The Lion King." brings us back to the Pride Lands of Tanzania. Rafiki (John Kani), the mandrill, tells the origin story of two lions, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), to Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter)—the granddaughter of Mufasa and the daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter).
Rafiki's story centers on the orphaned cub Mufasa, befriended by the young prince Taka and adopted by Taka's family. The two become as close as brothers. Timon (Billy Eichner), the meerkat, and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), the warthog, provide comedic commentary throughout the film. Additional new cast members to the franchise include Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, a lioness who befriends Mufasa, aka Rafiki and Zazu, and grows up to become the Pride Lands' future queen and Simba's mother.
Mads Mikkelsen, as Kiros, the formidable leader of a pride of white lions known as "The Outsiders," with impactful plans. Thandie Newton as Eshe, Taka's mother, Mufasa's adoptive mother, and Obasi's mate; Lennie James as Obasi, Taka's father, Mufasa's adoptive father, Eshe's mate and the leader of his pride; Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Mufasa's biological mother and Keith David as Masego, Mufasa's biological father.
I'm a small minority of cinephiles who never liked the original "Lion King." That said, I did go into the prequel with minimal expectations with the hope that directly Barry Jenkins would get things not only for the "culture" but for the die-hard fans of "The Lion King" franchise. Jenkins starts the film with a tribute to the late James Earl Jones. The setup to get the prequel story is natural, and I commend the script for not wasting too much time on Simba and Nala.
Blue Ivy Carter is a natural in her role and gives the right amount of childlike wonder in her voice work. Once we get to the actual prequel story, we spend about twenty minutes on the cub versions of Mufasa and Taka before we get to them as young men, the real meat of the story.
As Mufasa and Take, Aaron Piere and Kelvin Harrison Jr have a natural chemistry. Both men have numerous moments to shine; this film is another excellent addition to their resumes. Tiffany Boone also alludes to Black Girl magic as Sarabi. The seasoned actors also did their voice work well.
Online pundits have expressed concerns about the changes to the backstory of our lead characters. However, the new angle is effective without revealing too many spoilers. Overall, I have positive feelings about "Mufasa: The Lion King," but the film does have a significant flaw. Aside from one or two exceptions, the songs are not memorable, as Lin-Manuel Miranda put in little effort.
While "Mufasa: The Lion King" doesn't change my feelings towards the original film, I will credit Barry Jenkins for crafting an engaging prequel that entertained me.
Final Grade: B
"Mufasa: The Lion King" opens in theaters this Thursday.
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