Mufasa: The Lion King
Runtime: 1 Hours 58 Minutes
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Drama and Animation
Rating: PG
Release Date: 20 December 2024
OTT Release Date: 2025-02-18
Original Language: English
Production House: Walt Disney Pictures
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
About:
Review:
Mufasa: The Lion King – A Roaring Adventure About Family and Courage!
If you love stories about brave lions, epic journeys, and songs that make you want to dance, Mufasa: The Lion King is a movie you won’t want to miss! This new Disney film takes us back to the Pride Lands to show how Mufasa—Simba’s wise and kind father—became the greatest king. It’s like a big, exciting puzzle that fits perfectly with the original Lion King story we all know and love!
The Story: A Cub’s Journey to Greatness
The movie starts with Kiara, Simba’s curious daughter, feeling scared during a thunderstorm. To calm her, Rafiki the wise mandrill tells her the story of her grandfather, Mufasa. We learn that Mufasa wasn’t always a king—he was once a tiny cub who got lost in a flood and separated from his parents. Luckily, he’s found by Taka (who later becomes Scar), a lion cub who becomes his adopted brother. Together, they grow up in a new pride, facing dangers like a villainous white lion named Kiros, who wants to rule everything.
The story is full of adventure! Mufasa and Taka travel far to find a magical place called Milele (which means "forever" in Swahili), meet new friends like the brave lioness Sarabi, and learn what it means to be a true leader. But not everything is easy—there are stampedes, scary chases, and even crocodiles! Kids will cheer as Mufasa uses his courage and kindness to unite animals of all kinds to fight for their home.
Characters: Heroes, Villains, and Funny Friends!
- Mufasa: He’s brave but humble, always putting others first. Even when he’s scared, he never gives up!
- Taka/Scar: Mufasa’s brother starts off sweet but grows jealous. His journey shows how choices can change someone’s heart.
- Kiros: The big bad lion with a scary song (“Bye Bye”) and a plan to take over the Pride Lands. His white fur and fierce roar make him super spooky!
- Timon & Pumbaa: These hilarious buddies crack jokes, tell silly stories, and lighten the mood. Their funny lines about pushing Scar off a cliff will make you giggle.
- Rafiki: Still wise and magical, he guides Kiara (and us!) through the story with his stories and wisdom.
Music and Magic: New Songs and Stunning Scenes
The movie’s music, written by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, mixes catchy tunes with African rhythms. While you won’t hear “Hakuna Matata” here, new songs like “Milele” (a powerful anthem about hope) and “I Always Wanted a Brother” (a playful duet between Mufasa and Taka) will stick in your head. Kiros’ villain song, “Bye Bye,” is so intense you might hide behind your popcorn!
The animation is incredible—it looks like real lions talking and singing! The fur, landscapes, and even tiny details like flicking ears or raindrops are so lifelike, you’ll forget it’s not a nature documentary. But some grown-ups think the realistic style makes it harder to see the lions’ emotions—though kids probably won’t mind!
Lessons for Little Lions
- Family Isn’t Just Blood: Mufasa finds love in a new pride, showing that family can be anyone who supports you.
- Teamwork Saves the Day: Elephants, zebras, and even birds team up to defeat Kiros. Just like in sports or school projects, everyone has a role!
- Be Brave, Not Perfect: Mufasa isn’t born a hero—he learns through mistakes and never stops trying.
- Jealousy Hurts: Taka’s envy turns him into Scar, teaching us to appreciate what we have.
Is It Scary?
There are some intense moments: floods, lion fights, and Kiros’ scary growls. A cub gets swept away in a river, and Kiros’ attacks might make younger kids cling to their parents. But there’s no blood, and the good guys always win! Most reviewers say it’s best for ages 8+.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Yes! Mufasa is a thrilling prequel with heart, humor, and stunning visuals. While it doesn’t beat the original Lion King, it adds depth to Mufasa’s legacy and answers questions like: How did Scar get his scar? Why did Rafiki have that staff? And how did Pride Rock become home?
Perfect for: Kids who love animals, adventure, and stories about underdogs becoming heroes. Grown-ups will enjoy the nostalgia and beautiful animation too!
So grab your family, sing along to the new songs, and get ready to meet the lion who started it all. After all, as Rafiki says, “The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” And this movie is definitely a lesson worth learning!
Aaron Pierre
as Mufasa
(Voice)
Kelvin Harrison Jr.
as Taka
(Voice)
Tiffany Boone
as Sarabi
(Voice)
Kagiso Lediga
as Young Rafiki
(Voice)
Preston Nyman
as Zazu
(Voice)
Mads Mikkelsen
as Kiros
(Voice)
Thandiwe Newton
as Eshe
(Voice)
Lennie James
as Obasi
(Voice)
Anika Noni Rose
as Afia
(Voice)
John Kani
as Rafiki
(Voice)
Donald Glover
as Simba
(Voice)
Blue Ivy Carter
as Kiara
(Voice)
Beyoncé
as Nala
(Voice)
Braelyn Rankins
(Voice)
Jeff Nathanson
(Screenwriter)
Peter M. Tobyansen
(Executive Producer)
James Laxton
(Cinematographer)
Joi McMillon
(Film Editing)
Nicholas Britell
(Original Music)
Mark Friedberg
(Production Design)
Gary Warshaw
(Art Director)
