Mufasa has done much more positively with critics, in large part due to its original narrative.

The plot centers around Mufasa's rise to power and what soured the duo's brotherly love for one another, giving new context to the well-known villain. Of course, the storyline would be nothing without strong actors behind it. The movie stars Old’s Aaron Pierre and Elvis’ Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Mufasa and Taka - Scar’s original name - alongside other talented additions like The Chi’s Tiffany Boone as Simba’s mother and Hannibal’s Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a fearsome pride leader, as well as returning actors like comedians Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Timon and Pumbaa.

Screen Rant interviewed Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tiffany Boone to discuss filling out the backstory of beloved characters, working with Lin-Manuel Miranda, and director Barry Jenkins’ on-set antics.

Mufasa: The Lion King Shows Different Sides Of The Two Siblings

Exploring Mufasa & Taka’s Bond As Part Of A Coming Of Age Story

Screen Rant: This has to be an intimidating role to step into - Mufasa obviously was played by the legendary James Earl Jones, but I love what you bring to this role. I absolutely love it. Aaron, in what ways does Mufasa's journey reflect the themes of resilience, found family, and brotherhood in the film?

Aaron Pierre: I think, for me, Mufasa is such a special character, and I think how special it is to me is certainly amplified tenfold because it was first originated and voiced by a hero of mine. I think what's so beautiful about this particular prequel is that we get to see - in the 1994 original, we meet Mufasa and he is king. He is the pinnacle of his community. He has an abundance of wisdom. He's got everything set and in place, and now we get to understand the trajectory from his point A to that point.

He didn't start there. He started as someone who was separated from his family, an orphan, ostracized, dismissed and labeled, and I think that brings an element of this that is really human - ironically - and I think that's something that we can all be inspired by: he started here and he got there. It's possible for all of us.

Kelvin, Taka is such an intriguing character - my heart breaks for him, not going to lie. But this is different than the Scar that we know. What was your favorite aspect of exploring the bond between Taka and Mufasa, and how their adventures and dynamic foreshadow what we know in the future between the two?

Kelvin Harrison Jr.: I was excited to have this little brother effect. He's kind of following him around and looking up to him, but at the same time, feeling entitled to a certain idea of who he's supposed to be and how he's supposed to be treated.

It's almost like that kid who's super privileged, but he hasn't stepped foot in the real world, and everyone's like, "Hey brother, we don't work like this outside." He's growing up, he's coming of age, and that's always fun. I love a coming of age lion.

Aaron Pierre: You love a coming of age story.

Kelvin Harrison Jr.: I love a coming of age story, but specifically for this moment, a coming of age lion. [Laughs] I just wanted to be playful and young and a big open heart.

Tiffany, can you describe Sarabi's interaction with Mufasa and Taka and how that lays the groundwork for their future relationship, and what challenges Sarabi faces as a young lioness that's getting molded into the queen?

Tiffany Boone: I think similarly, she's separated from family and she's kind of orphaned, but she kind of wants to be a loner. And she stumbles upon these - I think she kind of looks at them at first like two bumbling idiots, and she's like, "What is with these two guys?" [Laughs]

And so I think her relationship with them slowly is going from a place, at least with Mufasa, a place of apprehension and being okay to great respect. And then with Taka a little bit, it just stays the same. But I think once she s this community and finds safety in it, then she's able to step into her womanhood and be more vulnerable and a little less hard, and I think that's a beautiful thing to watch happen for her.

Mufasa’s “Elite” Creative Team Helped The Movie Shine

Collaborating With Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barry Jenkins, & Aaron Pierre’s Role

Every song in this is a banger, every single song is incredible. Can you talk about working with Lin-Manuel Miranda to get the songs in this film?

Aaron Pierre: It was such a blessing. Lin-Manuel Miranda is just so elite at what he does. He's so top level, top tier, and as we all know, Lin Manuel Miranda does not make an album that consists of any skips. He makes albums that are straight bangers, and this was no exception, so it was a wonderful experience.

Switching gears for a second, I'm really excited for you to play the Green Lantern. I know that you can't talk about the Green Lantern, so I'm going to ask the two of you: what are you excited to see him bring to the role as the Green Lantern?

Tiffany Boone: Gonna get us in trouble. [Laughs]

Kelvin Harrison Jr.: We sign NDAs as his friend. [Laughs]

Tiffany Boone: I'm just excited to see either one of these guys step into their next role and do great things. It's just our generation of black actors seeing each other grow up and do great things every time.

Every time I see someone book something, I don't feel any jealousy or any rivalry. I'm just always like, "Oh, I'm just so happy that we're working and people are getting the opportunity," so, I'm excited for you.

Last question I have for you guys - Barry Jenkins, he knocked it out of the park, absolutely incredible job. He's incredible. What did you guys learn from working with him on this film? Talk to me about your experience with him.

Tiffany Boone: I learned that Barry is silly. I always thought, "Oh, Barry must be so serious."

Kelvin Harrison Jr.: He would take the camera off and be giggling, and I'd be like, "Barry, we hear you in there laughing." [Laughs]

Tiffany Boone: He'd be cracking up.

Kelvin Harrison Jr.: He was like, "Y'all are just funny. We just don't want to take y'all out of it." But we would just come up with jokes constantly.

Tiffany Boone: Yeah, he's really fun really fun director. That was surprising.

Aaron Pierre: He's always just always dropping gems - so generous with his experience and his knowledge.

More About Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands. Rafiki relays the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa 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.

Check back soon for our other Mufasa: The Lion King interviews here:

• Billy Eichner
• Barry Jenkins & Lin-Manuel Miranda

Mufasa: The Lion King arrives in theaters on December 20.

Source: Screen Rant Plus