Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King is slated for a year-end release. The upcoming prequel to 2019’s adventure musical The Lion King is helmed by filmmaker Barry Jenkins who has made Oscar-winning films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. The Moonlight director also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King will 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 about Dwayne Johnson showing his epic dance moves to introduce Moana 2 at the event. Big industry personalities like Kevin Feige attended the event. The Marvel boss also sang 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 director Barry Jenkins also appeared on stage at the event to discuss his new Disney venture. 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 @ CinemaCon 🍉 The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) April 11, 2024
The Mandalorian director Jon Favreau‘s The Lion King also 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) April 12, 2019
However, Jenkins had a heartwarming statement for those criticizing his upcoming film. The filmmaker talked about his connection with 1994’s animated The 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 for Mufasa: The Lion King came 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.”
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 King chronicles Mufasa’s rise to power and strained relationship with brother Scar. Deadline notes 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 per Variety, the Aftersun director 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 than Mufasa: The Lion King.
He said,
“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.”
The upcoming film uses the same photo-realistic technology used in 2019’s The Lion King and 2016’s The Jungle Book. The film’s cast includes Aaron Pierre who plays Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr who portrays Scar, Seth Rogen who plays Pumbaa, and John Kani as Scar.
Mufasa: The Lion King will be released in theatres on December 20.
