AGI – Who isn’t still moved by the images of The Lion King? How many children and parents of children have been literally struck by a beautiful, colorful story, made of African sunsets and taken by the hand by Timon and Pumbaa? Those stories are about to return to the big screen: Disney has unveiled the first trailer, the poster and the first images of Mufasa: The Lion King, arriving in Italian cinemas on December 19th. The story tells of the rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. And once again, there will be an exceptional cast voicing the characters in the original version of the film with Beyonce as “Nala” and Aaron Pierre as Mufasa speaking. Additionally, award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda pens the songs, produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyonce’, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible musical team of The Lion Guard and so many other musical collaborators over the years. The Lion King – says Miranda – has an incredible musical legacy, with songs by some of the greatest composers around, and I am honored and proud to be part of it. It was a joy to work alongside Barry Jenkins to bring it to life story of Mufasa and we can’t wait for audiences to see this film in theaters.” Rafiki will tell the legend of Mufasa to Leone’s young puppy Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala. Timon and Pumbaa will not be missing and will offer their characteristic show. Through flashbacks, we will learn the story of Mufasa, an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic Lion named Taka, heir to a royal lineage. The chance meeting kicks off 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 the original version of the film, the following lend their voices: – Aaron Pierre in the role of Mufasa – Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the role of Taka, a Leo prince with a bright future who welcomes Mufasa into his family like a brother – Tiffany Boone in the role of 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 his father Taka, 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 – Beyonce’ 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. Combining 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.
