Last night, Hollywood Boulevard was roaring with excitement—literally—as Disney shut it down for the world premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King. And let’s be clear, when Disney shuts down a street, they shut it down. There were stars, lights, golden carpets (of course), and enough lion puns floating around to make even Simba roll his eyes. But the real star of the night was Barry Jenkins’ much-anticipated prequel to the beloved The Lion King. And let me tell you, this isn’t just your typical origin story—it’s a deep dive into sibling rivalry so intense; it makes Succession look like a family game night.
We all know Mufasa as the wise, majestic king who gave us unforgettable advice like, “Remember who you are.” But who was he before all that gravitas? And Scar—was he just born evil? Spoiler: He wasn’t. Jenkins takes these iconic characters and cracks them wide open, showing us their flaws, vulnerabilities, and all the messy, complicated feelings that come with being, well, family. It’s the cinematic equivalent of flipping through your parents’ old yearbooks and realizing they were once awkward teenagers just trying to figure it all out.
Let’s talk about Scar for a moment. For 30 years, Scar has been the Disney villain, the lion we love to hate. But here’s the thing: Barry Jenkins has somehow made him… relatable? Scar’s backstory is tragic in a way that hits uncomfortably close to home. Life wasn’t exactly kind to him, and while it doesn’t excuse his actions, it does make you understand him. By the end of the movie, you’re left thinking, “Okay, Scar, I see why you’re angry. But seriously, you’ve got to work on your coping mechanisms.”
It’s like therapy in the form of a Disney movie.
And speaking of therapy, let’s talk about Mufasa. Turns out, becoming a king wasn’t a straightforward path of wisdom and nobility. He wasn’t born with that iconic deep voice and all the answers. No, young Mufasa was just trying to survive, figure out who he was, and navigate a complicated relationship with his brother. The journey to becoming the king we all know and love is full of mistakes, doubts, and a lot of sibling drama. Think of it as Lion King: The Teenage Years.
The Casting: Disney’s Genius Move
Now, let’s get to one of the film’s best-kept secrets: the casting. Disney didn’t just pull any names out of a hat for this one—they carefully chose actors who are impossible not to love. And that’s what makes this movie so brilliant.
Take Christian Slater, for example. He’s the charming, charismatic star of the 80s and 90s who could make even reading a phone book sound delightful. Then there’s Haley Joel Osment, who will forever be remembered as the sweet, haunted kid from The Sixth Sense. Add Kyle MacLachlan, whose turn as the virtuous Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks cemented his status as America’s moral compass, and Channing Tatum, a.k.a. Hollywood’s favorite heartthrob-turned-funny-guy. These are actors we’ve come to trust, root for, and maybe even have a crush on. So when their characters turn out to have darker sides, it feels like a betrayal.
And that’s the point. These actors are the human equivalent of Scar’s golden voice—they make it so easy to let your guard down. Just like in real life, the people who seem the most charming are often the ones who can surprise you in the worst ways. This casting choice plays right into the film’s message: never judge a lion by its mane.
The Humor That Keeps It Light
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Disney movie without some laughs, and that’s where Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner come in. Returning as Timon and Pumbaa, they bring their signature comedic energy to balance out the film’s heavier themes. These two improv masters were given free rein by Barry Jenkins, and the result is comedy gold. According to Eichner, their main goal was to make each other laugh—and trust me, it shows. Their banter feels natural, hilarious, and just the right amount of irreverent for a story that’s otherwise loaded with drama.
Think of them as your emotionally exhausted friends who crack jokes to lighten the mood after your third therapy session of the week. Yes, the film dives into some heavy stuff, but Timon and Pumbaa make sure you’re still laughing as you process it all
Music to Roar About
Let’s not forget the music! Enter Lin-Manuel Miranda, the man who gave us Hamilton, Encanto, and approximately one million reasons to love him. Miranda delivers a brand-new song called “Gumo” to kick off the movie, and it’s every bit as magical as you’d expect. It’s the kind of song that will have kids humming it in the car and adults tearing up at its emotional resonance. One cast member even called working with Miranda “a gift,” and honestly, I believe it. When has Lin-Manuel Miranda ever missed? Never. That’s when.
A Story with Layers
Now, let’s get to the heart of Mufasa: The Lion King: its themes. This movie isn’t just about lions—it’s about life. It explores the messy, complicated realities of sibling rivalry, the cycles of trauma, and the choices that define us. Scar isn’t just a villain—he’s a product of pain. Mufasa isn’t just a hero—he’s someone who had to become a hero. And the beauty of the film is that it doesn’t give you easy answers. Instead, it forces you to sit with the gray areas, the moments where right and wrong blur together.
One of the film’s most powerful moments comes when Scar reflects on his own childhood trauma. It’s both heartbreaking and deeply uncomfortable, especially as you start to realize how that pain turned into the toxic choices he makes as an adult. Jenkins doesn’t excuse Scar’s behavior, but he does ask us to consider where it comes from—and what that means for all of us.
Visuals, Drama, and the Perfect Ending
And then there are the visuals. If you thought The Lion King looked stunning in 2019, get ready to be blown away. Every frame of this movie feels like a painting, from the lush savannas to the intimate close-ups of its characters. Combined with Jenkins’ storytelling and Miranda’s music, it creates a film that feels larger than life yet deeply personal.
As the movie builds to its climactic ending, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the relationships in your own life. It’s a story about grace, forgiveness, and the choices that shape us—but it’s also a reminder that even the strongest bonds can break if we let them.
Final Thoughts
Mufasa: The Lion King isn’t just another Disney prequel—it’s a masterclass in storytelling. It takes characters we thought we knew and makes us see them in a whole new light. It’s funny, emotional, visually stunning, and packed with enough heart to make even the most cynical viewer shed a tear.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Lion King fan or just someone looking for a movie that makes you laugh, cry, and think, this one’s for you. And after you watch it, maybe call your sibling and let them know you love them. Just, you know, don’t plot against them. Lions or not, that never ends well.
