Barry Jenkins' 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Explores Origins of Beloved Disney Characters

The prequel delves into Mufasa's rise to power while offering deeper insights into Scar's backstory and the Pride Lands' legacy.

The film, directed by Barry Jenkins, tells the origin story of Mufasa, from his humble beginnings as an orphaned cub to his journey toward becoming king of the Pride Lands.
Mufasa's relationship with his adoptive brother Taka, who later becomes Scar, is central to the story, shedding light on their strained bond and Scar's eventual transformation.
The movie utilizes advanced virtual production techniques, including a new quadruped motion-capture system, to create immersive, photorealistic African landscapes and dynamic action sequences.
Lin-Manuel Miranda composed the film's original songs, though critical reception of the music has been mixed, with some finding it less impactful than the 1994 original's soundtrack.
While praised for its visual innovation and Jenkins' artistic touches, the film has faced criticism for its perceived lack of originality and reliance on familiar Disney formulas.