Mufasa: The Lion King Review: A Contrived and Unnecessary Prequel
Disney’s commitment to sequels and franchises continues with Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to the 2019 remake of the 1994 animated classic. Unfortunately, this prequel feels more like a "contrived cash-in" than a meaningful addition to the beloved Lion King saga.
While Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) directs and Lin-Manuel Miranda contributes to the soundtrack, the film struggles to justify its existence. It dedicates considerable effort to answering questions no one asked—such as how Rafiki got his walking stick or how Zazu became Mufasa’s right-hand bird.
A Story That Contradicts the Original Lore
The central plot revolves around a young Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and his journey from humble beginnings to the Pride Lands. Along the way, he bonds with his future nemesis, Taka (later Scar). While attempting to provide a "democratic" origin story, the narrative undermines the original Lion King's premise of a royal lineage.
Fans of the 1994 classic may find the new backstory perplexing. The idea that Mufasa wasn’t born into royalty contradicts the original’s core themes and raises questions about the necessity of this reimagined history.
Visually Monotonous and Emotionally Hollow
Unlike the 2019 remake, which featured a mix of species interacting, Mufasa: The Lion King focuses almost entirely on lions. This decision results in a visually repetitive and uninspiring experience, compounded by the limitations of photorealistic animation. The lions’ faces lack expressiveness, making it difficult to distinguish between characters or connect emotionally.
Despite some breathtaking scenery during Mufasa and Taka’s odyssey, the animation quality feels like a step down from its predecessor. The camera work, with its excessive whirling and swinging, adds unnecessary chaos without building momentum.
Disappointing Performances and Music
The voice cast also fails to live up to expectations. Aaron Pierre, while competent, struggles to fill the iconic shoes of James Earl Jones. Kelvin Harrison Jr's portrayal of Taka/Scar lacks consistency, and Preston Nyman’s Zazu pales in comparison to his predecessors, Rowan Atkinson and John Oliver.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs showcase his lyrical brilliance but lack the timeless appeal of Elton John and Tim Rice’s classics. None of the new tracks come close to matching the karaoke-worthy melodies of "Circle of Life" or "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
A Tedious Screenplay with Forced Humor
Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay drags as Mufasa trudges through Africa, engaging in dull soul-searching conversations. The film frequently cuts back to Rafiki narrating the tale to Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), Simba’s daughter, while Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) provide sporadic comic relief.
However, these interludes only emphasize the lack of humor in the main narrative. Pumbaa’s quip, "This story is killing me," feels painfully relatable for viewers enduring the film’s plodding pace.
A Lackluster Addition to the Franchise
At its core, Mufasa: The Lion King is an unnecessary prequel that adds little value to the Lion King universe. Its convoluted narrative, visually monotonous execution, and lack of emotional resonance make it difficult to recommend, even for die-hard fans.
While Disney’s focus on sequels and franchises may be a lucrative strategy, Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a reminder that not every story needs to be told—and certainly not like this.