Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King set for December release with fresh voices and iconic music

As Disney gears up for the highly anticipated December 20 release of Mufasa: The Lion King, key cast and crew members have shared insights into their journey bringing the beloved story and characters to life.

Aaron Pierre, who voices a young Mufasa, spoke about the camaraderie he shares with Kelvin Harrison Jr., the voice of Scar. “The foundation of our friendship and brotherhood developed outside of work. We love, lean on, and elevate each other, and I’m deeply grateful for that,” Pierre said.

This marks their second collaboration, having previously worked together on the series Genius: MLK/X, where they portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Reflecting on the legacy of Mufasa, previously voiced by James Earl Jones, Pierre said, “I tried to honor him and serve this cherished character while breathing new life into Mufasa.”

Renowned composer Lebo M, whose iconic chant opened the original Lion King, expressed gratitude for the franchise’s lasting impact. “Thirty years ago, I was here when we opened The Lion King. None of us imagined the impact it would have, but the warm reception over the years has been heartwarming,” he said.

The soundtrack, set to release on December 13, features seven new songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda emphasized the importance of cultural authenticity in his contributions, saying, “I approach every project with research and empathy to ensure the culture feels proud and accurately represented.” He also credited Lebo M’s arrangements as the “secret sauce” of the Lion King music.

The film also marks the feature debut of Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé, as Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. Director Barry Jenkins praised her performance, calling it “awesome.” He added, “She brought wells of understanding and emotional knowledge to the character.”

Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the iconic lion. With a fresh take on the story, iconic music, and a star-studded cast, the film is set to captivate audiences when it hits U.S. theaters on December 20.