Summary
Disney’s 2019 live-action adaptation ofThe Lion Kingwas a box office sensation, but the upcoming prequelMufasa: The Lion Kingcan outshine it in one specific way. The most successful of Disney’s live-action adaptations,The Lion Kinggrossed $1.6 billion in theaters despite criticism for lacking heart or originality. While some claimed it was a nearly shot-for-shot remake of the original film, there were 30 extra minutes than the original, and a revamped soundtrack that showed deference to the original while still introducing new songs.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill act as an origin storyfor both Mufasa and Scar, but it will be told through flashbacks. That means that many of the original voice cast from the 2019 adaptation will return for the prequel. That presents a unique opportunity for the prequel, as its talented voice cast will have another major player in the mix, andthat exciting combination could helpMufasa: The Lion Kingsurpass 2019’sThe Lion King.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Can Give Mufasa Better Original Music Than 2019’s The Lion King
The 2019 soundtrack was good, but mostly reused songs from the original movie
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill not only feature a talented voice cast,it will feature songwriting extraordinaire Lin-Manuel Miranda. In April 2024 it was announced that Miranda would write all the songs for the movie, which should include mostly originals given that there is no source material to work off of as there was for the 2019 adaptation. In addition to his award-winning career on Broadway, Miranda has a successful history producing music for Disney, as he was responsible for the chart-topping soundtracks for both the animated filmsMoanaandEncanto.
Lin-Manuel Miranda has five Grammy Awards, along with a Pulitzer Prize, three Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations among many other accolades.
The soundtrack for The Lion King featured updated versions of the songs that made the original The Lion King soundtrack so iconic. Unfortunately, the few original songs that were added to the soundtrack were not very memorable, despite coming from legends like Elton John, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Lebo M.Lin-Manuel Miranda should inject new life into the franchisewith original music, which could help elevateMufasa: The Lion Kingabove its predecessor.
Mufasa’s Music Collaborations Are Extremely Exciting
Miranda will be surrounded by talented musicians and singers
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement is exciting on its own, butit’s even more exciting considering the collaborations that are on the tablefor the prequel. Miranda will be accompanied by his co-producer Mark Mancina, a film-scoring icon with more than 40 years' experience. Miranda and Mancina last collaborated onMoanain 2016, and he’s returning to produceMoana 2. Miranda will also have the assistance of Lebo M, the Grammy Award-winning composer who contributed to the success of the originalThe Lion Kingsoundtrack.
One Part Of Mufasa’s Story Debunks The Biggest Criticism Of The Lion King Prequel
One part of Mufasa: The Lion King’s story debunks the prequel’s biggest criticism, proving why the story of Simba’s father will be worth telling.
On top of the incredible production support that Lin-Manuel Miranda will have,he’ll also have talented musicians at his disposal to perform the songs that he writes. Donald Glover will return to voice the adult Simba inMufasa: The Lion King, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will return to voice Nala. Both Glover and Knowles-Carter are Grammy Award-winning vocalists and producers, and will be able to elevate Miranda’s original songs, ensuring thatMufasa: The Lion Kinghas a far superior soundtrack to the 2019 adaptation ofThe Lion King.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
