On December 20, 2024, Disney fans roared with excitement as The Lion King prequel Mufasa came to life in theaters. For many longtime fans, this new movie was a trip down memory lane to the Pride Lands and did not disappoint. Packed with heartfelt moments, a thrilling adventure, and a catchy new soundtrack written by Lin Manuel Miranda, this movie gave audiences a fresh look at the origins of the Lion King, Mufasa–the lion we all know and love.
The story begins with a young Mufasa who loses his parents in a flood. After being lost for days, he comes across another cub named Taka. Taka and his mother save young Mufasa from a crocodile and bring him to their pride. There, he is forced to race Taka to live. During their race, Taka reveals that he has always wanted a brother and lets Mufasa win the race. They then sing the famous song, “I’ve Always Wanted a Brother.” Maddie Baez (9) affirms, “Most of the songs are really good and super catchy. They perfectly embody the theme and emotion of the film.” Then, there is a time skip to when they are older. They must escape an evil lion that is out to rule their pride and everything else in Africa. There, they meet characters Lion King fanatics know and love, like Sirabi, Rafiki, and even the little bird, Zazu. There is so much excitement, thrill, and even betrayal.
Both The Lion King and Mufasa: The Lion King share profound themes of betrayal, leadership, and the struggle to preserve the Circle of Life. In The Lion King, betrayal is central when Scar’s jealousy leads to Mufasa’s death and Simba’s exile, and his reckless reign disrupts the Pride Lands by overhunting, leaving the savanna barren and unable to sustain life. Similarly, in Mufasa, betrayal emerges when Mufasa inadvertently takes someone Taka loves, planting the seeds of their rivalry, and when an antagonist declares the Circle of Life broken, threatening the balance of their world. Both films also utilize stunning symbolic imagery—lions on cliffs embody leadership and resilience, starry skies connect the living to their ancestors, and Pride Rock is a timeless symbol of legacy and responsibility. These parallels not only enrich the narrative but also emphasize the enduring values of balance, unity, and the weight of leadership.
After everything is said and done, it’s safe to say this movie was a hit. Many old and new fans enjoyed this movie because of the breathtaking visuals, playful atmosphere, and overall vibe of the film.
