When I took my six-year-old nephew Leo (aka “The Lion”) to the premiere of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, the nostalgia was real. For those of us who grew up with the 1994 classic – a film that taught us about loss, love, and the Circle of Life (Jonathon Taylor Thomas style) – there’s a deep emotional connection to the Pride Lands. For Leo, however, this was just another movie, albeit one with a lot of wildlife. And, a very excited aunty.
Sure, Leo’s learned the lyrics of “I just can’t wait to be king.” And, had a giggle at the antics of Timon, Pumbaa and Zazou. But, he doesn’t immediately understand the echo of James Earl Jones’ voice. Or, Jason Weaver’s hum-worthy take on Hakuna Matata (jokingly removed from this version, due to issues surrounding royalties!). And so, while I came armed with childhood memories and expectations, Leo simply tagged along for an adventure. And, to find out which generation’s version is truly pawsome …
Nostalgia makes a roaring return
For old-school fans like myself, Mufasa is a love letter to The Lion King’s legacy. The familiar sweeping landscapes of Pride Rock, the emotional orchestral swells of Hans Zimmer’s score, and the warm comfort of Rafiki’s narration (voiced once again by John Kani) are enough to transport you back to an era when you would hope that your well-worn DVD didn’t end up with a huge scratch that would render it obsolete.
There’s no denying the power of seeing the Pride Lands come alive again on the big screen, this time with even more stunning visuals thanks to Disney’s cutting-edge CGI. It’s hard not to marvel at how far technology has come – from hand-drawn animation in 1994 to hyper-realistic lions that look like they could leap out of the screen.
While the 2019 Lion King remake was criticised for its lack of emotional expression, Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa finds the sweet spot between realism and heart. Every blade of grass sways with intention, the animals move with grace, and the vast African savannah feels alive with possibility. It’s a visual spectacle that had Leo whispering, “It looks so real, aunty!”
The mane event
The beauty of Mufasa is that it honours the nostalgia of its predecessor without leaning too heavily on it. While The Lion King was about Simba’s journey, Mufasa focuses on the lion who started it all. Told through Rafiki’s retelling to a new generation of cubs, we meet Mufasa not as the stoic king but as a scrappy, orphaned cub who must navigate an unforgiving world. Voiced beautifully by Aaron Pierre, Mufasa’s story is one of resilience and growth – he isn’t born into greatness; he earns it.
The dynamic between Mufasa and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is where the film finds some of its emotional weight. Taka – the lion who will eventually become Scar – is Mufasa’s brother, and their relationship teeters between brotherly camaraderie and simmering rivalry – which comes to a head with the addition of a love triangle involving Princess Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter – whose mother Beyonce, voices Queen Nala in the same movie).
It adds layers to Scar’s character without excusing his eventual villainy, and it’s fascinating to see the roots of their fractured bond. Jenkins’ direction here is masterful, capturing the slow burn of envy and insecurity that will ultimately shape both lions.
Leo, of course, didn’t care much for these nuances. “Who’s the bad guy?” he whispered during one particularly tense scene. But for adults, this added depth is a welcome touch, elevating Mufasa from a simple prequel to something more thoughtful.
Music and majesty
What is The Lion King without its music? Hans Zimmer returns to score Mufasa, and his work is nothing short of magical. The familiar notes of The Circle of Life are woven throughout, but Zimmer introduces new themes that feel fresh and triumphant. The addition of African vocal ensembles gives the score an extra richness, especially during moments of tension and triumph. It’s not just the music that stands out but also the sound design – the roar of lions, the rustle of grass, and the distant calls of animals create an immersive experience that transports you straight to the Pride Lands.
Then there’s the voice cast. Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. shine as Mufasa and Taka, their performances brimming with emotion and gravitas. Pierre captures young Mufasa’s vulnerability and growing strength, while Harrison Jr. expertly balances Taka’s charm and bitterness. Familiar voices like John Kani’s Rafiki, Seth Rogan (who humorously voices the role of Pumbaa), Billy Eichner as cheeky Timon, and even James Earl Jones (whose narration is used sparingly but effectively) tie the film back to its roots, offering a comforting bridge between the past and present.
The Real Lion King
By the time the credits rolled, Leo’s verdict was clear: “That was awesome!” For him, Mufasa stood on its own as a thrilling story of adventure and courage. For me, it was a reminder of how powerful this world remains decades later. While the 1994 Lion King will always hold a sacred place in my heart, Mufasa proves there’s room for new stories to breathe within its legacy.
Yes, it leans into nostalgia, but Barry Jenkins ensures the film earns its place in the Pride Lands. With its stunning visuals, soulful story, and music that soars, Mufasa: The Lion King is more than just a prequel – it’s a celebration of leadership, legacy, and the enduring power of the Circle of Life.
