LOS ANGELES – Aaron Pierre knows he has big shoes to fill.

The star of Disney’s new holiday release “Mufasa: The Lion King” plays a beloved character created by the late James Earl Jones in the classic 1994 animated film “The Lion King.”

Jones took on the role of Mufasa in the 2019 version of The Lion King, which, like this latest film in the series, mixes live-action film techniques with computer animation.

And for his star, it also means doing something he’s never done publicly before: singing!

“I was incredibly nervous. I had never sung confidently outside of my shower before,” Pierre told On The Red Carpet at the film’s world premiere in Hollywood. “That was a big step for me to do a Disney song.”
I’m sure you’ll appreciate it.

Pierre sings three of the film’s songs, written by Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.

These include “I Always Wanted a Brother” with Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka, the lion who later becomes known as Scar, and “Tell Me It’s You” with Tiffany Boone, who plays Sarabi, a lioness who becomes Mufasa and Taka to a love interest.

In a special new episode of “On The Red Carpet,” we spoke with Pierre, Harrison and Boone at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where they expressed their gratitude to be a part of the film.

“It’s a great opportunity to be in this cast,” Boone said. “Work with Lin, work together (Director Barry Jenkins,) It’s one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself and say, ‘Oh, okay.’ You have this great opportunity. What will you make of it? And hopefully be present in it.”

“I think, you know, the 3 or 4-year-old who saw ‘The Lion King’ for the first time,” Pierre added, “he’s overjoyed and still can’t quite believe that this is reality, so So am I.” I’m still pinching myself, and I’m happy to be pinching myself along with other people who are pinching themselves because of this movie.

On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio asked the more affable Harrison if anyone in his life was surprised that he was playing a villain.

“I think they saw the potential,” Harrison laughed. “They knew I liked to have a good time, and I think that’s ultimately what Scar enjoys doing best: having fun. He likes to play with his food.”

You can see more of our interviews with the three leads of Mufasa: The Lion King, as well as their co-stars Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner, who return as Timon and Pumbaa.

Plus, hear more from Jenkins and Miranda in the full episode. It also includes a tour of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and a real “Lion King” named Bo who lives there!

Watch the full episode, “On The Red Carpet Presents: Mufasa: The Lion King,” in the video player above.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” isn’t in theaters until December 20th.

Disney is the parent company of this ABC channel.