Summary
Some may be surprised to learn thatThe Lion Kingfranchise is returning with the new prequel movie,Mufasa: The Lion King, but this upcoming release will actually usher in even moreThe Lion Kingmovies in the future. Set to premiere on July 13, 2025,Mufasa: The Lion Kingis a prequel to Disney’s 1994 animated classic,The Lion King.The musical movie will tell the story of how Mufasa became the kingof the Pride Lands.Mufasa: The Lion King’sstoryis highly anticipated and may summon a new era for Disney.
These days, Disney is putting quite a bit of effort into making live-action adaptations, sequels, and prequels. Though the company is still putting out new material, a major chunk of their output each year is dedicated to turning their animated classics intoDisney live-action films. These movies have been received with varying levels of success. However,a prequel likeMufasa: The Lion Kingdoes something different than a live-action adaptation. It not only bringsThe Lion Kingfranchise back to the forefront, but it also kickstarts a new series ofThe Lion Kingmovies.
10 Most Exciting Things To Expect From Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King’s release is getting ever closer, and the trailer and teased details from Disney have shown there’s a lot to get excited about.
Mufasa Hints At More The Lion King Movies Disney Can Make
Timon & Pumbaa Are Central To The Lion King’s Future
Mufasa: The Lion Kingis an example of how Disney can continue a franchise beyond just regular sequels.The Lion Kingalready received a pair of sequels following Simba’s children, butMufasa: The Lion Kingis choosing to go back in time instead. By doing this, the movie is opening up a whole new world of story opportunities centered on new characters and different areas of the Pride Lands. A big hint at this expansion comes in theMufasa: The Lion Kingtrailerwhen Timon and Pumbaa note that they have been part of countless stories over the years.
In this way,The Lion Kingcould sustain itself on stories about other Pride Lands animals.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingmay be about Mufasa and Scar, but it seems thatTimon and Pumbaa are the core ofThe Lion King’sexpansion. This comedic duo have appeared in every installment ofThe Lion Kingover the years, and they could continue to play this pivotal role.Mufasa’sLion Kingstorycan only go so far, but Timon and Pumbaa could have endless tales to tell. Simba was not the first animal they helped, and likely wasn’t the last either. In this way,The Lion Kingcould sustain itself on stories about other Pride Lands animals.
Mufasa’s New Characters Set Up A Simba’s Pride Sequel Too
Kiara’s Return Makes Live-Action Sequel More Likely
Mufasa: The Lion Kingdoes not just open the door to moreThe Lion Kingmovies either. According toMufasa: The Lion King’strailer,Mufasa’s origin story is being told by Rafiki to Mufasa’s granddaughter, Kiara. Notably, Kiara is Simba and Nala’s daughter, and was the lead ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.This will be the first time that Kiara will appear in live-action, and her first appearance since 1998.Mufasa: The Lion Kingdid not have to bring back Kiara, but the fact that it did is meaningful.
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pridewas followed by 2004’sThe Lion King 1 1/2which retoldThe Lion Kingfrom Timon and Pumbaa’s perspective.
Kiara’s return hints that a live-action remake ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pridecould happen. 2019’s live-actionThe Lion Kingwas incredibly successful, earning Disney $1.6 billion at the box office. Understandably,Disney likely wants to try its luck at adaptingThe Lion Kingsequelwith the hopes of garnering the same success. Therefore, Disney has inserted Kiara intoMufasa: The Lion Kingto remind audiences of her story. Hopefully, interest in the live-actionThe Lion King IIwill then be stoked, and the movie will enter production.
Disney Won’t Resist More Prequels & Sequels If Mufasa’s Box Office Matches The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King’s Predicted Box Office
The key to making theseLion Kingsequels and adaptations will be the box office.IfMufasa: The Lion Kingdoes well at the box office, Disney will most definitely dive right into expandingThe Lion Kingfranchise. Once again, the success of 2019’sThe Lion Kingis a hint at the franchise’s potential popularity. On the other hand, ifMufasa: The Lion Kingunderperforms, Disney may have to put all its ideas back in the closet and pursue other more lucrative projects. Disney’sLion Kingfuture won’t be entirely clear untilMufasa: The Lion King’srelease.
At this time, it seems likely thatMufasa: The Lion Kingwill do well at the box office. Though the movie likely has a large budget due to its use of CGI and its star-studded cast,Disney has broken even on significant budgets before. Furthermore,The Lion King’ssuccess throughout the years only bolstersMufasa: The Lion King.This is one of Disney’s most beloved franchises, so hopefully, it can meet the expectations of its predecessors.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
