The Lion King is one of Disney’s most popular film franchises. The original 1994 animated film, its sequels, the spin-off TV shows, and the 2019 live-action remake all garnered widespread attention. This is the reason Mufasa: The Lion King comes to life and tells the story of Aaron Pierre’s Mufasa before he fathered Simba.

Interestingly, in the age of remakes and adaptations, there is a tendency to change the source material. In the case of Barry Jenkins MufasaFans were excited to see how it tied into the continuity of the film, which starred Donald Glover as Simba. The Lion King The prequel meticulously fills the gap, laying a nuanced foundation for the landscape and characters that fans will identify with.

Mufasa explains the origin of the Pride Lands

The original heroes of The Lion King are given detailed backstories

The Pride Land is known as Milele, which means “forever” in Swahili. Mufasa’s parents, Masego and Afia, told him about it when he was a cub. It was a place with rain, no drought, food and a place where animals could live in unity. After they die and Mufasa and his adopted brother Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) lose their pride, both brothers travel to this region.

They hope it’s true. Along the way, they meet Sarabi, Zazu and Rafiki – all looking for refuge and a new home after losing their respective tribes. Rafiki has visions of the location, the Tree of Life and Pride Rock – the franchise’s iconic locations since the 1990s. They come in there Mufasa In the end I realize that it is actually real. Fans see how the Pride Lands came to be as a refuge for other animals.

Mufasa associates Scar’s name with his heart

Scar is rejected by Sarabi and betrays Mufasa

Taka’s family adopted Mufasa after a great flood wiped out his relatives. Mufasa works hard to show that he is more than a stray. After Kiros, the White Lion, and his pride kill the family, Mufasa and Taka hope they can revive the bloodline in Milele. Unfortunately, Taka becomes jealous of Mufasa and Sarabi’s bond. Mufasa tries to lie and make Taka seem like he saved Sarabi during an elephant stampede.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. Actor Details

Taka believes it is his duty to Mufasa to find him a wife. But after Mufasa and Sarabi fall in love, Taka works with Kiros to get revenge on Mufasa. In the finale, Taka actually breaks a deal he made with Kiros to help kill the villain. But Taka is considered an outcast and is robbed of his name. In his “redemption” he takes the name Scar. It is not just a physical mark that Kiros left on him during the war, but a mark that Mufasa inadvertently leaves on his frail and selfish heart.

Mufasa confirms the origin of the king’s gentle nature

Mufasa learned from caring parents

Mufasa was a very gentle king. It’s the opposite of Disney films that star strict, aggressive men. The reason for this is explained when Mufasa is adopted. Taka’s father Obasi hates the idea of ​​his wife Eshe taking in an outsider. He banishes Mufasa to train and hunt with the lionesses.

Mufasa adopts a caring demeanor. He’s not a toxic man like the others, it’s just because of Eshe’s care and how much he misses his parents. Taka sees this and wants to learn from it, but envy and a certain level of cowardice within him prevent him from being a brave, kind giant like his brother. This explains why Sarabi falls in love with Mufasa and why he would give Simba warmth and affection. Masego was like that, as were Afia and Eshe. Obasi, Kiros and Scar, on the other hand, all had poor attitudes towards life and succession.

Mufasa declares Rafiki as a spiritual leader

Rafiki helps unite the Pride Lands amid turmoil

Rafiki’s visions lead Mufasa’s team to Milele, but he is more than just a guide. He convinces Mufasa to take over, even though Mufasa doesn’t want the crown. He reminds him that he doesn’t need noble blood; His selfless acts have earned them all respect. Because of this wisdom, everyone admires Rafiki. They trust his judgment, especially when he admits that he always dreamed of them being together.

With his “brother” at the helm, Mufasa knows like everyone else that they must listen to Rafiki. He has clairvoyant abilities and is connected to the mysticism of the Pride Lands. He also had that with his package of mandrills. This gives context as to why he is seen as the shaman everyone listens to when Simba’s time comes.

Mufasa explains why Sarabi is a beloved queen

Sarabi unites an army against the White Lions

In The Lion KingSarabi plays second fiddle after Mufasa’s death. Simba went into exile and returned to reclaim his birthright. Aside from avenging his father, he wants the throne back to honor Mufasa’s dynasty. After the coup, Sarabi is only there as an object of Scar’s affection. The Lion King The prequel doesn’t just show why Scar wanted her and Mufasa dead.

It shines a spotlight on why everyone else saw her as a warm soul. Sarabi eventually begs other lions and animals to unite when Kiros’ Legion arrives Mufasa End. She gives a speech about how they must stick together, even if it means sacrificing their lives for the sake of their offspring. It makes it clear why Mufasa sees her as his foundation and everyone else sees her as a strong queen.

Mufasa brings Simba’s sixth sense into the spotlight

Like his son, Mufasa has a magical third eye

In the original Lion KingSimba seemed to have a sixth sense. He was aware of things and connected to nature. This prequel shows that Mufasa has this ability. As soon as he closes his eyes, he can see, hear and feel things from miles away – from invading enemies, to targets to hunt, to smelling the flowers that leave a scent on Sarabi’s coat. This makes him an even better apex predator, as well as a great scout, a strategist with cunning, and a proactive leader.

Simba demonstrates these talents when, in the flashback, he senses a pregnant Nala who is about to give birth to her second child. Nala also shows this talent, but fans can now see that Mufasa passed it on. Notably, other lions have the potential to learn it, as the younger Mufasa teaches it to Sarabi. As Rafiki says, this is what makes the lion protagonists of this franchise the chosen ones. Fate chose them and explained their role as heroes and messiahs.

Mufasa: The Lion King is now in cinemas.