Disney Debuts First Trailer For Mufasa: The Lion King

The original Lion King wasn’t designed to be the start of an animated franchise, but that’s never stopped Disney from making sequels and and spin-off TV shows before. However, the upcoming film, Mufasa: The Lion King, is the first true prequel in the franchise, as the focus shifts to Simba’s father, Mufasa. The first trailer for Mufasa has arrived, and you can watch it below.

Although the trailer doesn’t make it clear, this is both a sequel and a prequel to the 2019 remake of The Lion King, and both Donald Glover and Beyoncé will reprise their respective roles as Simba and Nala, the proud parents of a daughter named Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter). The other returning characters, Rafiki (John Kani), Timon (Billy Eichner), and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), will be relating the legend of Kiara’s grandfather, Mufasa, to the young lioness.

Aaron Pierre is taking over the role of young Mufasa, who was previously portrayed by James Earl Jones in both versions of The Lion King. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice a younger version of Scar, who is called Taka in this film because he doesn’t yet have his signature scar on his face. In this version of the story, Mufasa and Taka aren’t brothers, but their fates are linked together. And perhaps we’ll learn why Taka felt so much enmity towards Mufasa later in life.

Thandiwe Newton and Lennie James co-star as Taka’s parents, Eshe and Obasi. Keith David and Anika Noni Rose also lend their voices to Mufasa’s parents, Masego and Afia. The film was directed by Moonlight’s Barry Jenkins and will feature new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Mufasa: The Lion King will hit theaters on Friday, December 20.