Disney has finally announced the official Mufasa cast members for its upcoming musical prequel to 2019’s blockbuster Lion King remake after releasing its official trailer.
The star-studded voice cast will feature returning cast members Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, and John Kani as Rafiki. They will be joined by franchise newcomers Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as lion prince Taka, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe, Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia, and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego, with Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala.
Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.
When is the release date for Mufasa?
Mufasa: The Lion King is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 20, 2024, just in time for the holidays. The live-action/CG hybrid film is directed by Oscar-winning visionary filmmaker Barry Jenkins from a screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson. Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M. It is produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, with Peter Tobyansen executive producing.
“Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline,” says the synopsis. “The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
