The original “The Lion King” released in 1994 is a traumatic moment for many who grew up with the film. However, Disney has now told Mufasa’s story from cub to grown lion through a new prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King.” The film explores the brotherly relationship between Mufasa and Scar, played by James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons in the original.
In this new story, Mufasa is an orphaned cub who finds a brother in Taka, later known as Scar. Both characters want family closeness in a sometimes ruthless animal kingdom. The film follows their journey to build a pride of their own under the guidance of Rafiki, a wise mandrill who represents the voice of the continent.
Directed by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins, “Mufasa” brings not only a new tale but also adheres to the world-famous stage musical and its significance in Western culture. The film’s release comes after the events of the original “The Lion King,” which led back in time for a story that contains the voice of Africa.
Rafiki is central to the narrative, played by South African actor Kagiso Lediga, who sees his character as drawing wisdom from across Africa. Rafiki draws on multiple languages and traditions, including Swahili and Zulu, to tell the stories that have been passed down through generations.
The film showcases Jenkins’ recognition of creative spirits, particularly those from the African continent. He gave actors like John Kani and Kagiso Lediga “license” to speak freely and improvise, leading to unique scenes and a deeper understanding of Africa’s culture.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/style/mufasa-barry-jenkins-voice-of-africa-spc/index.html