Pride Rock is set to echo with the majestic roar of Mufasa once more. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait a little longer to hear it again. The much-awaited prequel to the 2019 live-action remake, Mufasa: The Lion King, has shifted its release to December 20, 2024.
Originally slated for a summer debut, this delay might just be a blessing in disguise. How, you might ask? Well, picture this: the holiday season, a time when families gather and theaters become a wonderland for blockbuster hits. Making sense yet?
Disney, with what is looking like a strategic rescheduling, seems to be eyeing a slice of that lucrative holiday pie that most corporations fight for. Remember how Puss in Boots: The Last Wish captivated audiences last year? Well, Mufasa’s tale could be the next big hit to light up the holiday box office.
So, what do we know about this upcoming prequel? Mufasa: The Lion King will be delving into the past of the revered lion king. How did Mufasa ascend to the throne of Pride Rock? What devious lions did he have to fight to get there? These are the burning questions the film will be looking to answer.
Sadly, the talented James Earl Jones will not be lending his voice to the iconic role. Instead, English actor Aaron Pierre will voice the young Mufasa, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. will bring to life Scar, the younger and more ambitious brother. However, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and John Kani will return as Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki, respectively.
Disney’s decision to delay the film might have likely stemmed from the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, which, after a historic 118 days, has reshuffled the entire film slate for next year. Well, you know what? That’s perfectly alright. We can wait. In fact, this pause might just infuse some extra magic into the film.
Barry Jenkins, the filmmaker behind Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, has been brought on to direct the film. His understanding of what fans crave in a story gives us hope that Mufasa: The Lion King will be worth waiting for.
Jeff Nathanson, who penned the script for the 2019 remake, will be returning to write the screenplay, while Hans Zimmer will be lending his musical talents once again. Having grossed over $1.6 billion at the box office, Disney will be hoping to recreate the same magic and crossing its fingers that audiences will not get wise to its elaborate plan of remaking every single animation it owns.
