Behind the Scenes of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King: New Characters, Music, and a Legendary Origin Story

The feature film explores the unlikely rise of the majestic king of the Pride Lands, enlisting Rafiki—voiced by Kagiso Lediga as the younger Rafiki and John Kani as the elder version—to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (voiced by Donald Glover) and Nala (voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter). Along the way, Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogen) lend their signature schtick. The film offers deeper takes on equally beloved characters, including Taka aka Scar (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Sarabi (voiced by Tiffany Boone).

Members of the cast—joined by Oscar®-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and celebrated songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda (Encanto, Moana), who wrote original music for the film—spoke about making legacy characters their own during a press event earlier this week.

Mufasa
The character of Mufasa has long been revered by audiences around the world. Originally brought to life by Disney Legend James Earl Jones in 1994’s animated classic and again for the 2019 version directed by Disney Legend Jon Favreau—Mufasa represented the perfect father figure, role model, advisor, and leader. “[James’] voice was so warm. It was so comforting. It was full of strength and clarity. That’s what I connected to the first time I ever engaged with [the film],” says Pierre, who voices Mufasa in the new prequel. As a cub, Mufasa shows hints of the confident and courageous king he will one day become, but he’s faced with unimaginable tragedy early in his life that leaves him all alone—far away from his family and everything he’s ever known. Befriended by another lion cub, Mufasa finds brotherhood and, eventually, purpose when he’s once again ousted from his home and forced on a life-changing journey.

“When we meet Mufasa [in the original film], he is king. He’s really unshakable,” Pierre says. “What we learn [in the new film] is that there was a journey to that point—and the beginning of that journey involved being separated from his family, becoming an orphan, being ostracized, being degraded, dismissed. And despite all those circumstances, [Mufasa] embraces everything that is and channels it into something that elevates himself and elevates the people around him.”

Taka
Taka—well known to fans by his later incarnation as Uncle Scar—is a lion from an esteemed royal bloodline. As a cub, he’s eager to please with an eye for those in need, particularly a lone lion cub named Mufasa who’s caught in a flash flood. The pair form a tight bond, joining forces when a band of powerful lions threatens Taka’s family and future. Their ultimate cross-country adventure reveals truths about both lions that will follow them into adulthood. For Harrison, bringing to life his favorite Disney Villain was irresistible. However, to do the part justice, he says he adopted an open-minded approach.

“The biggest thing was just not to judge him. I enjoyed him so much in the original version. I was like, ‘He’s so playful, so lively.’  All those characteristics remain true in this,” the actor shares. “My first conversation with Barry [Jenkins] was to just stay present, stay in the moment with Taka and allow his instincts and his natural tendencies and his love of life and people in the community to shine through.”

Sarabi
Sarabi is confident and courageous—the ideal future queen. But as a young lioness, she finds herself without her pride after a rogue group of lions shows up. She may be perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she also recognizes that there is strength in numbers. Fans of the animated film have long appreciated the strength and self-assuredness in Sarabi. “In the original, you see her as a wife and a mother in this really graceful, wise, loving woman. You get to see what brought her to that place of wisdom. She’s lost everything when we find her in this film,” Boone explains.

She continues, “I connected with her right away.  A lot of times when we were recording, [I’d be asked to] put in that sassiness, that fire. And I think that’s just naturally in me. I related to her looking for her tribe and looking for a place, trying to be tough while at the same time, right below the surface, there’s a lot of vulnerability. I think that’s how I am. It was fun to play a character that I connected with so much.”

Pumbaa & Timon
It would be impossible to describe one without referencing the other. As Simba’s friends and confidants, wisecracking meerkat Timon and gassy warthog Pumbaa are an integral part of the kingdom under their friend’s reign. That bond extends to Simba’s family, particularly daughter Kiara , who relies on their good humor, especially when her parents are away. Like the young lioness, Timon and Pumbaa are riveted by Rafiki’s tale—but that doesn’t mean they don’t interrupt every chance they can to infuse it with a little fun. Eichner and Rogen both say they felt a “little more confident” taking on the roles of Timon and Pumbaa this time around.

“I think they’re kind of outcasts. They have a strong bond. They have a good friendship. I think they are very relatable in many ways. When I was a kid and I saw the original, I always really gravitated to Timon and Pumbaa. I for sure related more to the loser who farts more than anyone,” Rogen says, drawing laughs from his castmates. “I also just thought they were really funny. There are very heavy themes in this film, and it’s amazing how well Barry modulated the heaviness and the lightness. It was really fun to get to participate in that.”

Adds Eichner, “We were given a shocking, dangerous, amount of freedom to improv considering the epic scale of this film. The fact that they brought Seth and me in and the fact that we got to riff so much and, even more surprisingly, the amount of it that ends up in this Disney family spectacular is really stunning.”