July 2025 | Animation
The savannah roars again. Following the emotional impact of The Lion King prequel, Disney expands the saga with Mufasa: Rise of the Pride — a sweeping tale of brotherhood, rebellion, and the burdens of leadership.
Plot: Before Scar, There Was Taka
Set in the years after Mufasa ascends to kinghood, this sequel (and spiritual prequel to the 1994 classic) dives into the fractured pride lands, where rival lion clans struggle to unite.
At the heart of it: Taka, the lion who would become Scar. Once Mufasa’s younger brother and closest confidant, Taka’s growing resentment is stoked by rejection, rivalry, and the arrival of Amoa, a fierce lioness from a distant kingdom who questions Mufasa’s leadership.
As tensions simmer and loyalties shift, Mufasa must choose between ruling with might or risking everything to unify the prides through trust and tradition.
New & Returning Cast
Kingsley Ben-Adir lends gravitas to Mufasa, portraying him not just as a noble leader, but as a lion burdened by legacy and torn by family.
Brian Tyree Henry voices Taka, capturing the complexity of a character slipping from hopeful brother to bitter outcast. It’s a tragic, emotionally layered performance.
Zazie Beetz joins the pride as Amoa, a confident, independent lioness who challenges Mufasa’s authority while unknowingly triggering Taka’s transformation.
What to Expect
- Shakespearean Drama: Echoing the emotional weight of Hamlet, this film dives into betrayal, identity, and destiny.
- New Kingdoms: Explore the wider lion world beyond the Pride Lands—lush territories, rival cultures, and new animal politics.
- Musical Legacy: Expect sweeping orchestral moments with echoes of the original Lion King score, plus new songs that capture the soul of rising tensions and fading brotherhood.
Final Roar
Mufasa: Rise of the Pride deepens the mythos of The Lion King, bringing nuance and tragedy to one of Disney’s most iconic villains—and reminding us that even kings are shaped by the choices they make and the brothers they lose.
This isn’t just a prequel. It’s a legacy.