Disney’s minute and a half Mufasa: The Lion King teaser trailer opens with Rafiki announcing, “A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood. A lion who would change our lives forever – Mufasa.” After dozens of stunning clips of action scenes, the teaser ends with Rafiki telling Mufasa that destiny awaits him.
Three-time Tony winner and two-time Oscar nominee Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana, Encanto) is writing new songs for the film, produced by Miranda and Mark Mancina. Lebo M is providing additional music and performing.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it,” said Manuel. “It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.
The teaser arrived along with a gorgeous poster and new stills from the December 20, 2024 theatrical release. Disney also confirmed the cast and characters they’re voicing.
Mufasa: The Lion King Cast and Characters
• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, 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, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
• Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
• Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
• Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
• Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
• John Kani as Rafiki
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• Donald Glover as Simba
• Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
• And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
The film also features Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.
Oscar winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) directs the new installment of The Lion King franchise which is brought to life by blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak produce, and Peter Tobyansen serves as executive producer.
“Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline,” reads Disney’s synopsis. “The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
