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Disney’sMufasa: The Lion Kingis slated for a year-end release. The upcoming prequel to 2019’s adventure musicalThe Lion Kingis helmed by filmmaker Barry Jenkins who has made Oscar-winning films likeIf Beale Street Could TalkandMoonlight.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. TheMoonlightdirector also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’sMufasa: The Lion Kingwill also walk down the same path as director Jon Favreau’s film.
Barry Jenkins “Addresses” The Biggest Criticism For Mufasa: The Lion King
2024’s CinemaCon is creating a lot of buzz lately. Fans have been talking aboutDwayne Johnson showing his epic dance movesto introduceMoana 2at the event. Big industry personalities likeKevin Feigeattended the event. The Marvel boss alsosang praises of the upcoming Deadpool 3.
But, despite the many grand trailer releases at the event,Mufasa: The Lion King‘s trailer caught many fans’ attention. The movie’s directorBarry Jenkinsalso appeared on stage at the event to discuss his newDisneyventure.The Movie Podcast‘s host Shahbaz who was at the event, said on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Jenkins seemingly addressed the criticism that the animals in his film looked “emotionless.”
It looks like they’re addressing the “emotionless” look of the animals in MUFASA THE LION KING.
I really hope this movie kicks ass!#CinemaCon
— Shahbaz @ #TIFF24 (@shayhbaz)June 07, 2025
The MandaloriandirectorJon Favreau‘sThe Lion Kingalso faced the same criticism. Many fans criticized the 2019 film’s CGI stating it made the animals look “empty and emotionless.”
Even though I don’t like talking about these remakes anymore, I’ve got to say that I have no emotional connection with the CGI animation in The Lion King remake. I think it has to do with the eyes. Compared to the original, the eyes of the remake are just empty and emotionless.pic.twitter.com/kdTUGPeFJk
— Animated Antic (@Animated_Antic)June 12, 2025
However, Jenkins had a heartwarming statement for those criticizing his upcoming film. The filmmaker talked about his connection with 1994’s animatedThe Lion King. He recalled playing the movie to capture the attention of his young nephews when he was living with his sister at ages 14 and 15. He notes how they had watched that movie over 200 times.
Hence, when the script forMufasa: The Lion Kingcame to his desk, the director immediately remembered the original film’s impact on his young nephews.
“When the script for Mufasa: The Lion King came across my desk, I was reminded of watching these two very young people deal with very complex emotions, in a way that I felt that they were very cared for, they were very respected and they were very safe.”
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He further explains how his upcoming movie also deals with the story in the same way as the 1994 one. The director also notes that the film is “so full of heart” and will help kids understand complex topics.
“It explores Mufasa’s rise to become the iconic king that we all know and yet what I love about it, is that it’s so full of heart and it helps all these young kids.”
Mufasa: The Lion Kingchronicles Mufasa’s rise to power and strained relationship with brother Scar.Deadlinenotes that the fan-favorite characters Zazu and Rifiki, also return to the prequel.
Director Calls Helming Mufasa: The Lion King One of his “Best Decisions”
As perVariety, theAftersundirector also addressed how his directing a multi-million dollar Disney film can seem strange to many. The 44-year-old’s previous films had a smaller budget thanMufasa: The Lion King.
“You are probably wondering… what is the director of ‘Moonlight’ doing talking to me about an eight-quadrant tentpole legacy IP massive film?”
The director who also found it strange at first, now calls it the “one of the best decisions” of his life.
“And I gotta say, the thought was very strange to me at first, as well. But oh my god. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life, and I’m so glad I made this picture.”
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The upcoming film uses the same photo-realistic technology used in 2019’sThe Lion Kingand 2016’sThe Jungle Book. The film’s cast includes Aaron Pierre who plays Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr who portrays Scar,Seth Rogenwho plays Pumbaa, and John Kani as Scar.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill be released in theatres on December 20.
Disha Kandpal
Content Lead
Articles Published :28
With four years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Disha Kandpal has written over 5000 articles for websites like HITC, Reality TitBit, The Focus, Celebrity Tidbit, Republic World, and more. When she isn’t chasing after the latest entertainment news, Disha can be found at the theatre, getting hyped over the latest superhero/action release or laying in her bed watching Star Wars.
