Mufasa The Lion King First Teaser Trailer

Disney unveiled a first look at Mufasa: The Lion King, the new film coming to theaters December 20 that explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.

Announced this morning is an all-star roster of expertise bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life — plus, celebrated award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the movie’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with further music and performances by Lebo M.

“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music workforce on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over time. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from a few of the biggest songwriters round, and I’m humbled and proud to be part of it. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Barry Jenkins to convey Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters,” Miranda said.

Mufasa The Lion King First Teaser Trailer

Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to younger lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Advised in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, misplaced and alone till he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the inheritor to a royal bloodline. The prospect assembly units in movement an expansive journey of a rare group of misfits looking for their future — their bonds shall be examined as they work collectively to evade a threatening and lethal foe.

Mufasa The Lion King First Teaser Trailer

A lion who would change our lives forever.#Mufasa: The Lion King, in theaters December 20. pic.twitter.com/3YowFEnzok

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 29, 2024

New and returning cast members were called on to lend their voices to the film:

Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
Preston Nyman as Zazu
Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mom, Afia
Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
John Kani as Rafiki
Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
Billy Eichner as Timon
Donald Glover as Simba
Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
And Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala

Mufasa The Lion King First Teaser Trailer

Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis and Dominique Jennings.

Mixing live-action filmmaking strategies with photoreal computer-generated imagery, Mufasa: The Lion King is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.