The new Disney film, arriving in Italian cinemas on December 19, explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands
Disney has revealed the first trailer, poster and first images of Mufasa: The Lion King, the new film arriving in Italian cinemas on December 19th, which explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Branco Lands. The stellar cast that will give voice to the new characters and the most beloved ones in the original version of the film was also announced. Furthermore, the famous award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda signs the film’s songs, produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.
The musical legacy of the Lion King
Miranda stated: “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible musical team of The Lion Guard and many other musical collaborators over the years. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy, with songs by some of the greatest composers around, and I’m honored and proud to be a part of it. It was a joy to work alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life and we can’t wait for audiences to see this film in theaters.”
in-depth analysis
The Lion King: the prequel will be called Mufasa (and will apparently be released in 2024)
Musafa: The Lion King, the plot of the film
Mufasa: The Lion King tells, through Rafiki, the legend of Mufasa to the young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa offering their characteristic show. Told through flashbacks, the story features Mufasa, an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, heir to a royal line. The chance meeting begins the journey of an extraordinary group of unfortunates in search of their destiny: their bonds will be tested as they work together to escape a menacing and deadly enemy.
in-depth analysis
Mufasa: The Lion King, the first images of the Disney live-action film
A stellar cast for the dubbing
In the original version of the film they lend their voices:
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who welcomes Mufasa into his family like a brother
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, an extraordinary 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
- Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala
The original voice cast also includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.
Blending live-action cinematic techniques with photorealistic computer-generated imagery, Mufasa: The Lion King is directed by Barry Jenkins and produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, with Peter Tobyansen serving as executive producer.
