Disney has dropped a new teaser of an exciting project, Mufasa: The Lion King, which will delve into a younger version of Mufasa’s life. The upcoming live-action-styled photo-realistic prequel to the 2019’s The Lion King, with Barry Jenkins credited in the director’s chair.
While the surprise has garnered mixed responses among the fans, they are pointing out the crucial plot change that could backfire on the movie’s reception.
Mufasa: The Lion King Trailer Alters Mufasa’s Backstory!
In the newly released trailer, fans are introduced to an African forest where the animal kingdom enjoys harmony and peace. It quickly provides a glimpse of the young Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who will embark on numerous adventures with his friends before the birth of his son, Simba.
John Kani, who portrayed Rafiki in Jon Favreau’s The Lion King remake, returns to reprise his role, serving as a narrator to explain how the movie moves forward, narrating Mufasa’s journey to ascend the throne at Pride Rock.
However, things seemed fishy as Disney significantly changed the character’s lore, as the new trailer introduced the titular character as an orphan. The trailer quoted,
“A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood. A lion that would change our lives forever.”
Changing the titular character’s backstory could have serious implications for the franchise as it damages the original movie’s legacy. Apparently, both Scar and Mufasa were a part of the royal bloodline in the animated classic.
In the original Lion King, Mufasa once told his son, Simba about words of wisdom he got from his father. He revealed that he could look for guidance from “the great kings of the past,” as he added that he would join them one day.
It becomes a powerful sub-plot when Simba draws the strength of generations before him, on following his father’s advice. However, this narrative could turn out to be otherwise with what Disney has implied in the new movie trailer.
Internet Reacts to the Drastic Change in Mufasa: The Lion King
Altering Mufasa’s backstory surely is a drastic change in the franchise that not only made the iconic wisdom scene less impactful but also affected the whole destiny concept that the movie heavily relied on at times. Initially, Simba was hellbent on avoiding taking responsibility for who he truly is but he eventually accepts his fate and mustered courage to fight Scar.
However, turning his father into an orphan not only raises questions about his link with the previous kings but also creates loopholes like why Scar strongly feels about inheriting the kingdom before Simba’s birth.
Even online commentators are wondering about a similar scenario as they expressed their frustration with the movie’s change related to the titular character.
Check out the tweets here.
Simba's whole ass family came from royalty/nobility. What do you mean Mufasa(Simba's dad) was an orphan and wasn't a noble? Mufasa's father Ahadi was LITERALLY KING CANONICALLY. Disney has some explaining to do. Also boycott Disney lol. #boycottdisney #MufasaTheLionKing https://t.co/5ic1UuW0ek pic.twitter.com/mWdCCaZ8Te
— Nat (@Nat58801191793) April 30, 2024
"not a drop of nobility in his blood" i hate to be a lion king purist but ahadi and uru are RIGHT THERE DONT DISRESPECT THEM https://t.co/x7iLN34pye
— milo 🍂🥀 (@tyhplosion) April 30, 2024
Mufasa trailer: "A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood"
So they're completely retconning Ahadi and Uru? And the fact that Mufasa was born as the heir to pride rock? Even outside of the book series I could've sworn that was a major plot point. Good grief pic.twitter.com/bX4bmZxfbt— Laundy (@wolfdetergent) April 30, 2024
So no Ahadi or Uru in the new Lion King movie? pic.twitter.com/xT2zwLVN97
— Nick • 🏳️⚧️ 🐺 Manga Collector (@Berrymuttbb) April 29, 2024
Are they trying to say mufasa isn't royal blood? That was one of the big moral lessons he taught simba when looking at the stars. chill disney….
— Sam Whittaker (@MBaefield) April 29, 2024
“A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood.”
Bro this is so stupid. The plot of the original hinges on the fact that Scar loses the right to the throne because Mufasa had a kid. Now you tell me Mufasa didn’t even have the right to the throne in the first place? https://t.co/YOFITenOmj— Kirby Kirisame (@KirbyKirisame) April 29, 2024
wdym "without a drop of nobility in his blood" i know ur not talking about mufasa son of king ahadi grandson of king mohatu https://t.co/SKGN65kPbX
— 🦇 batmax 🎭 (@D4RKTR1CKZ) April 29, 2024
Like, did they delete Scar from existence? The whole reason Scar killed Mufasa was because he was third in line for the throne. This shit is so goofy.
— Nat (@Nat58801191793) April 30, 2024
Many fans pointed out that the character canonically had a noble bloodline. Whereas, the official logline introduces the character as “an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
The movie features an ensemble cast including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Mads Mikkelsen, and Thandiwe Newton.
It is set to be released in theatres on December 24, 2024.
