There is no shortage of fan theories surrounding classic Disney movies, and one of the more bizarre is thatThe Lion King’s Mufasa secretly knew magic. However, after the story ofThe Lion Kingwas expanded upon in a canon comic book miniseries, it seems this ‘bizarre’ fan theory isn’t as far-fetched as one might have thought. In fact, Disney all but confirms that it’s 100% true.
InDisney Villains: Scar#4 by Chuck Brown and Trevor Fraley,Scar is dreaming of his future as king of the Pride Lands, and it’s just as bleak and desolate as fans remember it being from the 1994 animated film. Scar is then approached by Rafiki, who informs Scar that he is in a dream, and that this is only a vision of a potential future that he could very well avoid. Though, of course, Scar ignores his advice, as fans know that this is how the Pride Lands turn out under Scar’s rule following Mufasa’s death.
However, telling Scar that he’s in a dream/prophetic vision isn’t the only thing Rafiki reveals in this issue. During their conversation, Scar accuses Rafiki of using a magical spell on him, saying, “I heard your incantations. I know a spell when I hear one” to which Rafiki replies, “Of course you do. You were taught by the best. Me”. With this exchange, Disney confirms that Scar knew magic, and that Rafiki taught it to him. And, if that’s true, then it stands to reason that Rafiki would also teach magic to Mufasa.
Mufasa’s Iconic Cloud Form is a Result of His Mastery of Magic
Everyone who’s seen 1994’sThe Lion Kingremembers the iconic vision of Mufasa in the clouds, speaking with his son, Simba, guiding him to his destiny as the true king of the Pride Lands. At the time, everyone likely assumed this was a divine one-off, as if Mufasa became Simba’s ‘guardian angel’ when he died, and now he’s watching over his son from heaven. However, after learning that Scar learned magic from Rafiki when he was a young lion, it seems there’s more to Mufasa’s temporary ‘resurrection’ than meets the eye.
Consider that Mufasa’s return in the clouds wasn’t divine intervention or angelic manifestation, but the Lion King flexing his god-tier magical abilities from beyond the grave. If Scar could recognize and control a dream-like reality prophesying his destiny, perhaps the same isn’t much different for a powerful magic-user in death. Did Mufasa’s spirit go to a dream-like afterlife after death, and because of his mastery of magic, he was able to will his spirit back into the physical world for a short time? That’s what this bizarre theory asserts, and this comic issue all but confirms it.
Mufasa and Scar Knowing Magic Teases an Exciting Future for The Lion King
If Rafiki Taught Mufasa and Scar Magic… Why Not Simba?
Other than prequels (like this comic), the stories of Mufasa and Scar have already been told, meaning there’s nowhere forThe Lion Kingfranchise to go but forward. The first movie ended with Simba becoming king, and the second (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) ended with Simba maintaining his position. That means the door is wide open for The Lion King franchise to tell the story of how Simba learns magic from Rafiki. This potential story could flesh out the nature of magic in this world, while providing an interesting new tale inThe Lion Kinguniverse.
Even ifThe Lion Kingdoesn’t expand on this admittedly awesome idea that Rafiki is teaching magic to practically Simba’s entire family, this comic book issue alone is evidence enough that one especially bizarre fan theory is correct: Mufasa knew magic, and that’s how he was able to briefly come back from the dead inThe Lion King.
The Lion King
Cast
The Lion King is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 1994, it tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who faces the responsibilities of adulthood and reclaiming his birthright as king of the Pride Lands. Featuring an iconic voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons, the film explores themes of family, duty, and the circle of life.
