The Lion King has been a classic in Disney’s record. It was a spectacle for audiences, following the story of the nobility of the animal kingdom. Fans have a very emotional connection with the movie, and it has also become an important part of the entertainment company’s history. When a piece of art becomes timeless and iconic, it is only inevitable that there will be remakes.
In 2019, the same was done with the animated film, which was translated into live-action. While the film got some mixed reviews, it was extremely successful at the box office. So much so, that the once stand-alone film is getting a sequel in the same medium.
The trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King was recently released, and fans are extremely impressed at how good it looks. Despite this, many are hesitant to watch the film for one reason; James Earl Jones is missing from it.
Mufasa: The Lion King’s Trailer Leaves Fans Wanting More
The trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King has recently been released, and it has immediately gotten quite a lot of attention. The movie acts as a prequel to Simba’s original story, following his father and how he rose to the throne of the animal kingdom. The approach seems like an excellent way to continue the story, however, many fans cannot help but focus on other matters.
On top of its exceptional cast, the film was also directed by Barry Jenkins, who has two Oscar nominations and one Best Adapted Screenplay award to his name. Despite all this, it would seem that not all of the conversations about the film are positive.
Many fans are upset with a very controversial decision taken by the studio and the creators of the movie. There is one actor who is missing, and fans cannot help but get upset about it.
Hail to the King
Many fans cannot help but be upset at the fact that James Earl Jones was not a part of the movie. The voice of Mufasa in the film is to be Aaron Pierre, and fans are quite upset about this. Not because they have something against him, but because the exclusion of Jones from the movie does not make sense to them.
The actor has been telling the character’s story since 1994, having played the role in both, the animated film and the remake. With the history he has with the character, it is almost cruel that he does not get to be a part of his origin story.
They didn’t get the GOAT James Earl Jones to reprise his role so this is an automatic pass for me probably https://t.co/5kzjEUBhCM
— BasedSpaceGoji (@Based_SpaceGoji) April 30, 2024
A Mufasa movie without James Earl Jones should be illegal https://t.co/qmvic8cYac
— Hans Huiras (@hamms_solo) April 29, 2024
Don’t care unless James Earl Jones is voicing him
— Dexter St-Jacques (@JacquesDexter) April 29, 2024
#MufasaTheLionKing No freaking way they Recast James Earl Jones because he's the legend and always voice Mufasa.
— Zachgaffney (@Zachgor02932584) April 29, 2024
Y’all talking about the wrong shit. Why is JAMES EARL JONES not part of the cast in some way?!?
— Jigga (@jaixo__) April 29, 2024
THEY FUCKING DROPPED JAMES EARL JONES?? https://t.co/IF4WrRPUVY
— Hell ✨️ | tbb spoilers (@hellikait) April 29, 2024
Many are upset at the decision to not even include him in a small role. The film being made without him simply does not feel right to them; the movie would feel incomplete. While some fans were focused on the CGI and how the project was animated, others simply could not look past the speed bump.
This is also not the first time something like this has happened with Jones, as his departure from the Star Wars franchise as Darth Vader’s voice was also met with a lot of resistance.
Mufasa: The Lion King is set to release in theaters on 20th December.
