Mufasa: The Lion King roars into theaters with first trailer, cast list, more

The Lion King series has already released a number of animated sequels and prequels. But Mufasa: The Lion King might be the boldest swing Disney has taken yet since The Lion King 1 ½. The prequel to the “live-action” remake features an all-star cast, new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and now we have our first look at footage thanks to the new trailer and poster. Oh, and Blue Ivy Carter is playing Beyoncé's lion daughter. So there's that.

 “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years,” Miranda said via press release provided to The Parent Watch. “‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I'm humbled and proud to be a part of it. It's been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa's story to life, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters."

The new movie, per the title, explores the rise of the lion who at some point in the future will be absolutely flattened by a bunch of wildebeests. But it also includes plenty of characters you know and love, as Rafiki tells the story of Mufasa to Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. And yes, Timon and Pumbaa are back, too.

Here’s the full list of cast members for the film, which is directed by Barry Jenkins and will hit theaters on December 20, 2024. Scroll down for the trailer, as well.

• Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
• Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
• Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
• Preston Nyman as Zazu
• Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride 
• Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
• Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi 
• Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
• Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
• John Kani as Rafiki
• Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
• Billy Eichner as Timon
• Donald Glover as Simba
• Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
• And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala

Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.

Mufasa: The Lion King trailer: watch it here

Check out the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King below.