Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa Movie Has James Earl Jones’ ‘Blessing,’ Says Lin-Manuel Miranda

Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa Movie Has James Earl Jones’ ‘Blessing,’ Says Lin-Manuel Miranda

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the magical world of Disney and its iconic characters, I am beyond excited about the upcoming release of Mufasa: The Lion King! Growing up, I remember being captivated by James Earl Jones’ powerful voice as Mufasa in the 1994 animated classic. To know that this prequel is not only directed by Barry Jenkins, the genius behind Moonlight, but also has Lin-Manuel Miranda writing original songs and Aaron Pierre voicing a young Mufasa, is simply mind-blowing!


According to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa film earned the approval of the late James Earl Jones.

In December, the prequel to “The Lion King” from 2019, titled “Mufasa,” will hit US theaters. This film is directed by the talented director of “Moonlight.” The story focuses on Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who transforms into Scar later in life. Lin-Manuel Miranda has penned six fresh tunes for this movie.

In 1994’s The Lion King, the Mufasa character was brilliantly brought to life by Jones. Regrettably, Jones, who recently passed away at the age of 93, had also lent his voice to the character in The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride in 1998, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar in 2015, and the 2019 remake of The Lion King.

What did Lin-Manuel Miranda say about Mufasa: The Lion King?

According to Miranda’s interview with The Hollywood Reporter, there’s some uncertainty about whether Jones watched the finished version of the movie before his passing. However, Miranda is confident that Jenkins had discussions with Jones regarding the film earlier on.

“I know we had his blessing,” Miranda said.

The movie, ‘The Lion King’, recounts the unforeseen ascension of Mufasa, cherished ruler of the Pride Lands. To share this legend with young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, Rafiki is enlisted. Meanwhile, comical duo Timon and Pumbaa add their unique flair to the story. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, starting with Mufasa as a lost orphaned cub, who ultimately meets Taka, a kind-hearted lion from a royal lineage. This encounter initiates an adventurous quest for a motley crew of underdogs, whose friendships will be put to the test as they unite to outwit a dangerous and lethal adversary.

In the movie, Jeff Nathanson penned the screenplay. The star-studded voice cast features John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen lending his voice to Pumbaa, Billy Eichner voicing Timon, Donald Glover portraying Simba, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, Tiffany Boone playing Sarabi, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Blue Ivy Carter as young Kiara, and Keith David as Masego.

Mufasa: The Lion King releases in United States theaters on December 20, 2024.

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2024-09-18 21:40