This is what is known about the prequel to “The Lion King” – Publinews – 2024-04-15 15:06:50

Anticipation for the “Lion King” prequel is at an all-time high after Disney debuted a stunning trailer for “Mufasa: The Lion King” at the annual CinemaCon event in Las Vegas.

The trailer, which is not yet available to the general public, transports us to the dazzling and realistic African savannah, like its predecessor, and begins with the iconic overture from “The Lion King.”

In the trailer, we see a young Mufasa jumping over rhinos and various jungle creatures while a voice-over by Rafiki sets the story of “a lion who was born without a hint of nobility in his blood… a lion who would change our lives forever… a lion that will shape our destiny.”

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Importantly, this prequel takes place before the events of the 2019 photorealistic version, rather than the 1994 animated film.

Synopsis

According to the official synopsis, “Mufasa” returns to the African savannah as Rafiki tells the story to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter, about her grandfather.

Although the trailer didn’t show Timon and Pumbaa, who stole scenes in the remake, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen will lend their voices to these beloved characters in the prequel.

Direction and production

Barry Jenkins, known for his acclaimed films “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” takes on the direction of “Mufasa” after working with much smaller budgets on his previous projects.

At CinemaCon, Jenkins joked about his transition from independent films to a massive production like the “Lion King” prequel, but said it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

In addition to “Mufasa,” Disney presented exciting trailers for other highly anticipated projects at CinemaCon, including Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Moana 2.”

Release date

The premiere date is scheduled for December 20 and could become the main event of the Christmas holidays.