Barry Jenkins' newest movie,Mufasa: The Lion King, serves as an origin story for the popularThe Lion Kingcharacter Mufasa which explains how he came to be king of the Pride Lands. The movie centers on Mufasa’s relationship with his adoptive brotherTaka, who later becomes Scar, as the two grow up and ultimately become enemies.Mufasa: The Lion King’s voice castfeatures many of the same stars as the previous film along with several talented additions, making it fun to watch and sing along with.
Along with the original set of animated movies and the 2019 “live-action” style remake,The Lion Kingfranchise has explored the lives of multiple generations of leaders of Pride Rock. Now, withthe box office success ofMufasa, it could be time for the series to return to its older animation style to continue telling Simba and his family’s story. WhileMufasa: The Lion Kingmakes use of a similar “live-action” style animation as its 2019 predecessor, the next movie inThe Lion Kingfranchise should make use of the animation style of the original because of one big box office trend.
It’s Been 21 Years Since Disney Has Made An Animated The Lion King Movie
The Series Is Due For A New Addition To Simba’s Story
The last traditionally animatedLion Kingmovie was the 2004 direct-to-video movieThe Lion King 1½, which served as a deeper look into Timon and Pumbaa’s lives before they met Simba in the events of the originalThe Lion King. The movie explains how the two meet, how their lives run parallel to Simba’s during his childhood, and finally, how they come to take care of him. Beyond elaborating on the events that happened in the first film, the movie also makes use of Timon and Pumbaa’s external commentary as they sit in a movie theater watching the events unfold, creating a funny additional layer.
Mufasa: The Lion King Has An Odd Plot Hole Thanks To Mufasa’s New Power
Mufasa: The Lion King gives its hero super senses, creating an interesting plot hole that makes his story and actions even more tragic.
Despite not being released in theaters,The Lion King 1½was well received by critics, who highlighted the movie’s humor and the additional information about the world ofThe Lion King. The success ofThe Lion King 1½could have been followed up with another movie at the time, but the movie series was sadly not continued until 2019. Even then,The Lion King(2019) was simply a remake of the 1994 movie andMufasa: The Lion Kingserves as a prequel, so a new animated movie could instead be a sequel.
If Disney decided to go ahead with a new animated sequel toThe Lion King, it would be able to incorporate both the financial success of the new versions and the lovable emotional aspects of the originals.
Additionally, while the newLion Kingmovies have been financially successful, some critics have argued that the “live action” photorealistic animation style actually takes away from the emotional moments because the more realistic-looking animals can’t convey emotions as well. If Disney decided to go ahead with a new animated sequel toThe Lion King, it would be able to incorporate both the financial success of the new versions and the lovable emotional aspects of the originals.
The Lion King 3 Holds Great Potential From A Story Standpoint
There Are Several Characters Another Lion King Movie Could Explore Further
Given the success of the previousLion Kingmovies and the variety in some of their stories, there is still a lot of potential forThe Lion King 3to have a fascinating story as well. Just asMufasa: The Lion Kingis focused on telling the story of Mufasa’s rise to power, a newLion Kingcould similarly detail an origin story for another character. Alternatively, the movie could take an approach more like that ofThe Lion King 1½which presents the tale in a new and creative way. Either of these types of prequel stories would still feel new and exciting but feature a character the audience already loves.
Mufasa Creates 1 Strange Inconsistency With His Kingdom In The Lion King
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King features a strange inconsistency with the movie it follows, in the name of the place its main character comes to rule.
However, since the prequel and different perspectives have already been made,a newLion Kingmovie could find success simply by making a great sequel.The Lion King II: Simba’s Pridetells the story of his and Nala’s daughter Kiara and her growing love for a member of the Outsiders, Kovu. Though Simba and Nala do not approve of Kovu because of his connection to Scar and his legacy, through Kiara’s love, they eventually come to reconcile the Pride and the Outsiders.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingcurrently holds a 58% critical approval rating and an 89% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Lion King 3would be able to expand on what happens to Kiara and Kovu and even their descendants as the Pride’s story is passed down.This type of story would bringThe Lion Kingfranchise into new territory as it would require an exciting new villainand could highlight Kiara’s time as queen and changes to the Pride.
Disney’s Last 4 Animated Sequels Have Made Over $1 Billion
A New Animated Lion King Could Be Just As Successful
AnotherLion Kingmovie could not come at a better time for Disney, considering how well their recent animated movies have performed at the box office. Disney’s most recent animated sequels,Moana 2, Inside Out 2, Frozen 2, andToy Story 4all grossed over $1 billion. This success definitively proves that audiences love animated sequels.There is certainly a draw when it comes to watching new stories for familiar characters, especially given the great animation styles that Disney has employed over the years.
The Lion King’s New Prequel Confirms A Major Difference Between Simba & Mufasa As Kings
Mufasa: The Lion King confirms a key difference between the original ruler of the Pride Lands and Simba, who would come to succeed his father as king.
Not only have Disney’s recent animated films been incredibly financially successful,they have also been largely positively reviewed. BothInside Out 2andToy Story 4hold over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The success and critical acclaim of Disney’s animated films also points to the fact that when there is a unique story to be told, it can create an emotional connection with the audience in a way that can surpass the usual limits of a children’s film. Thus, a new animatedLion Kingcould have the ability to use its great story to rocket it to financial success as well.
Disney’s Live-Action Lion King Movies Prove The Lion King 3 Would Be A Huge Box Office Hit
Audiences Still Love The Characters
Beyond all the markers for success Disney’s other recent animated films have surpassed, Disney’s “live action"Lion Kingmovies also prove thatThe Lion King 3could be massively successful. The 2019The Lion Kinggrossed over $1 billion, andMufasa: The Lion Kingis currently dominating the box office. Since its December release,Mufasahas already grossed $595.8 million, and it will continue to make more(viaBox Office Mojo). Additionally, the new story of the 2024 movie has already been praised in comparison to the former’s adaptation.
With the promise of a new story and a return to the beloved animation style, a newLion Kingcould even surpass its live action counterparts as the success of Disney’s recent animated films has shown.
Given the box office success of bothThe Lion King(2019) andMufasa: The Lion King, The Lion King 3would likely draw just as much audience attention. With the promise of a new story and a return to the beloved animation style, a newLion Kingcould even surpass its live action counterparts as the success of Disney’s recent animated films has shown. Overall, with the potential for an entertaining new story and further box office success,The Lion King 3could be a great way for Disney to follow-upMufasa: The Lion King’s success with something even critically acclaimed.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
