Warning: This post contains spoilers for Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion Kingmay end in the way we expect, but it offers a prequel story that adds to the robust lore ofThe Lion King. The Disney film, directed by Barry Jenkins, functions as a prequel and sequel to 2019’s photorealistic animated remake.Mufasa: The Lion King’s reviewshave leaned rotten for the most part, though critics generally agree it’s a major step up from its predecessor.Mufasaends with The Outsiders having been defeated by Mufasa, his team — Sarabi, Rafiki, and Zazu — and the animals of Milele, which Mufasa brought together to defend their home.
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Mufasa is devastated by Taka’s betrayal and decision to work with Kiros, but during Mufasa and Kiros’ fight, Taka briefly changes his mind and jumps in front of Mufasa to take Kiro’s blow, giving him the scar he’s known for in the animatedThe Lion King. Still, Mufasa can’t entirely forgive him and the brothers both agree that Taka will now be known as Scar. Mufasa reunites with his mother, Afia, who tells him she always knew they would meet again, and Mufasa becomes king. In the present, Kiara meets her little brother and begins to tell him a story.
Milele & The Origin Of The Pride Lands Explained
Before Being Known As The Pride Lands, It Was Simply Milele
Mufasa had only heard about Milele from his parents, who talked of a kingdom where they could live in peace, and where water and grass were abundant. This was a far cry from where the family lived, and where rain hadn’t touched down in several long months. Milele was believed to be a myth because it sounded too good to be true.It was an eternal home for various lions (and means “forever” in Swahili), though those who hadn’t been there truly believed in it. It was a dream, a hope for a better future that seemed out of reach.
Milele turned out to bethe Pride Lands as established in 1994’sThe Lion King. Mufasa’s arrival changed things, as Milele didn’t seem to have a king before defeating Kiros and his pride. His ascent to the king of Milele shifted the name. It was no longer a myth and, since Mufasa was now its ruler, the use of Pride Lands over Milele made sense as it applied to Mufasa’s new pride and the new future that had been set.
How Mufasa Became The Lion King
Mufasa’s Journey Involved A Lot Of Loss & Betrayal
Mufasa didn’t come from a royal family and was raised to be Taka’s protector, as he was in line to be king. As such, Mufasa’s arrival in Milele was a relief for him; it was a chance to be one with the other animals and live in peace. He’s hesitant to be king at first because he doesn’t see himself as above any of Milele’s animals. Mufasa believed they were stronger together. But it was their and Rafiki’s encouragement that ultimately changed Mufasa’s mind.
Where To Watch Mufasa: The Lion King - Showtimes & Streaming Status
Disney has brought the Lion King franchise back with a prequel. Here’s where to watch Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters, on streaming, and on digital.
It was Mufasa who ultimately brought all of Milele together, whereas they might have let their fear keep them from fighting back against The Outsiders. It was under Mufasa’s direction that they united, and it was enough to want to make him their king. Mufasa never thought of himself as regal — he simply wanted a place to call home and a family who loved him. Butit was the lion’s courage in the face of danger that elevated him to a leadership position. While he could’ve been happy not leading, Mufasa accepted the responsibility because Milele was now his home.
Scar’s Origin & Backstory Explained
Taka Chose To Change His Name To Scar
Mufasa: The Lion Kingposits that Scar wasn’t Mufasa’s biological brother, asThe Lion Kingindicates, nor did he take on the name Scar until he was a young adult. Scar was Taka long before the events of the original animated movie. His father, Obasi, was the king of his pride and it was the plan for Taka to follow in his footsteps. That was the case, at least until Mufasa and the white lions showed up and changed the trajectory of Taka’s life.
Mufasa was being groomed to be Taka’s protector. But Taka was ultimately not being taught the right things by his father, who valued deceit over loyalty and truth. Taka’s love for Mufasa slowly eroded as he watched the stray lion prove himself over and over while Taka’s role grew less prominent. He was even becoming an embarrassment to his father, who believed being king was something owed and not earned, and his mother, who genuinely adored Mufasa.Mufasa’s Scar origin story showed how love could turn to hate and bitterness, enough for Taka to turn his back on his brother.
Kiros
Mads Mikkelsen
Taka becoming Scar stemmed from humiliation in front of Milele’s animals for his betrayal of the new king. But the name change is more than just about the betrayal. The brother Mufasa knew was gone. He couldn’t bring himself to call Scar Taka because his actions went against the lion he once knew. What’s more, Taka seems to understand the weight of the decisions he made out of bitterness, resentment, and jealousy.Changing his name to Scar indicates he’s willing to take responsibility for what he’s done, especially knowing that Mufasa may never forgive him.
What Happens To Simba & Nala After The Lion King
Unlike in 2019’sThe Lion King, Simba and Nala have very small roles in Disney’s prequel-sequel. Following the events ofThe Lion King, Simba and Nala raise Kiara and continue ruling happily over the Pride Lands. They seem to be living contented lives with each other, growing their family and are at peace living in Pride Rock. AfterThe Lion King, Simba and Nala are busy welcoming their children to the world — first Kiara and, not long after, their newborn son. All told, the royal lion couple is doing alright for themselves, especially after facing so much tragedy and loss.
Kiara & Her Brother Are The Future Of The Lion King
With the focus shifting away from Simba and Nala inMufasa: The Lion King, Kiara and her brother are being set up asthe future ofThe Lion Kingfranchise— Kiara as the future queen of the Pride Lands and her brother as its protector. In that way, Kiara and her brother could mirror Mufasa and Scar’s original trajectory before Mufasa became king.Simba’s story is finished and he, like Mufasa before him, will likely be more of a guide and teacher for his kidsas they grow up.
Kiara’s brother is unnamed at the end ofMufasa: The Lion King, and it’s unclear if he’ll be named after his grandfather or if the studio will opt to name him Kion, after Simba and Nala’s son in the animated seriesThe Lion Guard.
With Kiara now learning the true story of her grandfather and passing it along to her brother, the future queen can carry the legacy of her family.Mufasa: The Lion Kingis all about legacy and how it’s built. Kiara and her brother being established as the future of the franchise, and of the Pride Lands, aligns with that theme. Simba had his adventure and now, Kiara and her brother are getting ready for theirs.Hearing the story of Mufasa from Rafiki grants Kiara, in particular, the ability to hold her ancestors in her heartas she navigates her future.
How Mufasa Sets Up A Lion King Sequel
There’s More Story To Be Told If Disney Chooses To Continue
Mufasaintroduced Kiara and featured her prominently, hinting at her story being the center of aLion Kingsequel. Even with the birth of her brother, it’s Kiara who moves to tell him the story of Mufasa, showing a crucial shift away from Simba as the face of the franchise’s future. Conversely, aLion Kingsequel could focus on Scar’s story in the lead-up to the events of the original film. While Mufasa allowed him to stay in Milele, it’s unclear whether he immediately befriends the hyenas or if he has another, separate journey beforeThe Lion King.
Mufasa’s ending leaves room for more on Scar. It could tell the story of how he came to earn the loyalty of the outsider lions featured inThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.
A film centering on Scar would be interesting as it would further explain his decision to kill his own brotherinThe Lion King.Scar’s origin storywas told inMufasa, but it was still primarily about the titular character.Mufasa’s ending leaves room for more on Scar. It could tell the story of how he came to earn the loyalty of the outsider lions featured inThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. That would tie Scar’s story with Kiara’s, who crosses paths with the aforementioned pride in the animated sequel, setting the stage for Kiara’s adventures.
The Real Meaning Of Mufasa: The Lion King’s Ending
Mufasa’s ending calls for unity and love amid division and disdain. Through Kiros’ story and Mufasa becoming king, the film’s ending suggests that a leadership position should be earned and not violently taken. And though Mufasa and Taka’s relationship soured by the film’s conclusion,Mufasareiterates the bonds forged through found families — be it with Mufasa and Rafiki or Mufasa and Eshe. With Rafiki passing on Mufasa’s origin story to Kiara,Mufasa: The Lion Kingshowcases how the past can inform the present and pass on crucial lessons.
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.
