---
title: "Mufasa: The Lion King"
year: 2024
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/mufasa-the-lion-king"
fi1m_id: "mufasa-the-lion-king"
imdb_id: "tt13186482"
tmdb_id: 762509
wikidata_id: "Q114242678"
fi1m_score: 57
critics_score: 58
critics_reviews: 16
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:56.493929+00:00"
region: "AE"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Directed by Barry Jenkins · 1h 58m · Adventure, Family, Animation

## Identity

Mufasa: The Lion King

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/mufasa-the-lion-king
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** mufasa-the-lion-king
- **IMDb ID:** tt13186482
- **TMDB ID:** 762509
- **Wikidata ID:** Q114242678
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13186482/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/762509, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114242678

**Fi1m score: 57** · Critics 58 from 16 reviews

*In a sentence:* Two lion brothers walk towards paradise and a warthog interrupts whenever it gets interesting

> Barry Jenkins puts a real film-maker’s eye behind the photoreal lions, and for stretches it shows: a flood, a brotherhood, a villain with Mads Mikkelsen’s voice. But the songs are forgettable and the framing device keeps stopping the story to make jokes.

## Synopsis

Rafiki (John Kani) tells the young cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) the story of her grandfather while her parents are away, with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) interrupting from the sidelines. Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is a cub with no royal blood, separated from his parents by a flood and carried downriver, where he is found by Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a young prince, and taken in by Taka’s mother Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) over the objections of his father Obasi (Lennie James). The two grow up as brothers. When a pride of white lions led by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) arrives, the brothers flee, gathering the lioness Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), the hornbill Zazu (Preston Nyman) and a young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga) as they go.

## Review

Barry Jenkins made *Moonlight* (2016) and *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018), two films about faces held close in coloured light. He has now made a prequel to Jon Favreau’s photoreal [*The Lion King*](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king) (2019), in which everything on screen is computed. The job is to show how Mufasa became king and how his brother Taka became the lion we know from the 1994 film, and everyone in the cinema already knows where that ends. The question is whether Jenkins can make the road there worth 118 minutes. The answer is about half of it.

The half that works comes first. A cub is playing with his parents when the rains arrive, and James Laxton’s camera goes into the flood with him, under the brown water and up again past tumbling trees, for longer than we expected. It is the best sequence in either of these photoreal films, because for once the technology puts us somewhere a real camera could not go instead of imitating one. Mark Friedberg’s landscapes are the other standing asset: a flooded valley, a pride rock lit from below by a low sun, a mountain pass of snow the lions have never seen before. Jenkins keeps the camera at cub height and circles the animals as they talk, so the film moves in a way the 2019 one never did.

Aaron Pierre gives Mufasa a low, careful voice, a lion who never forgets he is a guest. Kelvin Harrison Jr. is better still as Taka, a prince who is generous, spoilt and afraid of his father in roughly equal parts, and the scenes where the two cubs race and squabble and cover for each other have real affection in them. Lennie James’s Obasi never quite looks at the orphan; Thandiwe Newton’s Eshe is the one who does. Then Mads Mikkelsen arrives as Kiros, leader of a pride of white lions, and delivers every threat with the patience of a man ordering dinner. His is the only voice that makes a lion’s face seem to be thinking.

The trouble is everything the film stops for. Jeff Nathanson’s script has Rafiki telling the story to a cub, with Timon and Pumbaa on hand to interrupt, so each time the brothers’ journey gathers weight we cut back to a cave for a joke about how long this is taking. We laughed once. The other dozen times we sat waiting for the film to start again, and by the fourth interruption waiting had become irritation, because the story it kept leaving was the one we had come for.

The songs are the other problem. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote them, the lions stand still while the words happen, and we could not hum one to you on the walk to the car. Hans Zimmer’s themes from 1994 return at intervals, and each time they do the new score around them, by Zimmer, Dave Metzger and Lebo M., sounds smaller. Joi McMillon has cut it all at a steady clip and her joins are clean; the film is simply built so that nothing runs for more than a few minutes before something else has a turn.

The format has not been fixed either. A photoreal lion can widen its eyes and lower its head, and that is roughly the range. When the script asks for grief or shame we get a lion looking at the ground while a voice does the work, and Pierre and Harrison do it well, but it is radio drama with expensive fur. Jenkins, whose gift is for what a face does when it is not speaking, has been given faces that cannot do that.

Against the 2019 film this is plainly the better one: it moves, it has a villain, it has two characters who want different things. Against Jenkins’s own work it barely registers as his. Families with children of the right age will have a fine afternoon, and there is a flood and a brotherhood here that a stronger film could have been built around. It carries a PG and runs 118 minutes, several of which are a warthog.

*Fi1m score 57, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The critics are split, and widely. Most agree that the photoreal animation is an advance on the 2019 remake, with more expressive faces, brighter light and a camera that stays close to the animals, and several credit Barry Jenkins with giving the bond between Mufasa and Taka more feeling than the material had before.

The reservations cluster in two places. The songs are found flat or forgettable in most reviews, though The Times and the Los Angeles Times count them among the film’s strengths. And a good many critics say the photoreal style still holds the emotion at arm’s length, and that the prequel never quite makes the case for its own existence. The spread runs from a five-star notice in The Times at one end to The Telegraph and Time Out at the other, both of which find little reason for it to have been made. The middle is soft: handsome, watchable and hard to remember afterwards.

## Straight answers

**Is Mufasa: The Lion King worth watching?**

*Mufasa: The Lion King* is a mixed recommendation, and we scored it 57. Barry Jenkins gives it a flood sequence, a brotherhood between Mufasa and Taka, and a villain in Mads Mikkelsen's Kiros that the 2019 film never had, but the Timon and Pumbaa interruptions and the forgettable songs keep stopping it. Families with children of the right age will have a fine afternoon; anyone hoping for a Jenkins film will not find one.

**How long is Mufasa: The Lion King, and what is it rated?**

*Mufasa: The Lion King* runs 1h 58m. It is an adventure and family film.

**Where can I watch Mufasa: The Lion King in the UAE?**

*Mufasa: The Lion King* is available to rent from Apple TV from AED 17.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Mufasa: The Lion King compare to The Lion King?**

*Mufasa: The Lion King* is a photoreal prequel to the hand-drawn 1994 [*The Lion King*](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king), and the original is the better film by a clear margin. Its animated faces can grieve and its songs stay with you, where Mufasa's lions can only widen their eyes while the voices do the work. Watch the 1994 film first; the prequel is for those who want more of these characters.

**What should I watch after Mufasa: The Lion King?**

After *Mufasa: The Lion King*, try [*The Lion King*](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king) (1994, Fi1m 84): The hand-drawn original, where the faces can actually grieve and the songs stay with you. Then [*The Bear*](https://film.one/film/the-bear) (1988, Fi1m 78): Annaud’s orphaned cub in the Alps, real animals, almost no words, and far more feeling; and [*Wolfwalkers*](https://film.one/film/wolfwalkers) (2020, Fi1m 84): Irish animation about two children and a pack, drawn by hand and unafraid of the dark.

### Reviews we read (26)

- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★★): This is a dazzling animated musical that matches photorealistic spectacle with hummable earworms and a mythic sense of story. Mads Mikkelsen delivers a magnificent villain and Lin-Manuel Miranda provides excellent songs. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-disney-prequel-xfksllzbq)
- **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark (3/4): The prequel is praised as a captivating children’s fable with worthwhile themes of empathy and breaking cycles, though it inherits flaws like discordant songs and comedy from its predecessor. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-barry-jenkins/)
- **Total Film**, Kelechi Ehenulo (75/100, inferred): This Disney origin story is no Hakuna Matata but stands a class above the 2019 movie as a solid family adventure. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/family-movies/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)
- **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (5/3/3): The critic calls it a noble effort lacking originality and a human touch, a rousing noble misstep where the filmmaker's signature is too light to make out. Main issues lie in the weak script and songs plus the inherent limits of the photoreal CGI form. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king)
- **Radio Times**, Kevin Harley (3/5): The critic finds it a flawed but fitfully powerful and absorbing CG prequel that gives the tale of brotherhood and betrayal currents of personality and style through visual detail and intimacy. Motivations for the central conflict feel slight and some comic distractions dilute the drama. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mufasa-lion-king-review/)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (60/100, inferred): The film is a palatable and entertaining family story with hyper-realistic visuals and classical themes, though the songs fall flat and it may not inspire the same nostalgia as the original. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/mufasa-review-not-a-patch-on-the-lion-king-3436579)
- **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (C): The critic sees it as an improvement over the prior remake—brighter and livelier—but still limited by photorealism and studio formulas, not the best showcase for Jenkins' talents. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-review)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (55/100, inferred): The critic finds Barry Jenkins' verve only faintly shines through in this mildly entertaining origin story. It touches on found-family themes but feels bloodless and impersonal overall. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king/)
- **Screen Daily** (50/100, inferred): The critic sees Jenkins' most mainstream and impersonal work; the CG images impress with gripping moments in the second half as Mufasa embraces his destiny, but like too many origin stories it often rehashes what was once stirring about the material. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/5199968.article)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (30/100, inferred): The film is deemed lifeless and bland despite impressive technology, a wasted opportunity lacking imagination, emotional depth, and cinematic experience. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-disneys-lifeless-bland-mufasa-the-lion-king.html)
- **Time Out**, Olly Richards (20/100, inferred): The critic finds the prequel soulless and without good reason for existing despite clear effort; Jenkins assembles beautiful shots but the photoreal CGI remains cold and characterless while the songs are lacklustre. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-2025)
- **IndieWire**, Alison Foreman: The review criticizes the prequel for messy visuals and shaggy storytelling, calling it bland and busy despite Jenkins' involvement. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-barry-jenkins-1235077385/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Amy Nicholson: The critic calls the prequel unnecessary and a sign the franchise is running out of lives, faulting flat characters, repetitive backstories and a flawless protagonist. She singles out Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs as terrific and the dynamic performance of the Taka/Scar character as the most compelling element. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-12-19/review-mufasa-barry-jenkins-beyonce-lin-manuel-miranda-donald-glover)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: The film is a punchy, heartfelt and ingenious drama with strong storytelling energy from its writer and director. It offers an origin myth for several characters but is let down by a forgettable musical score. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/dec/17/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-storytelling-takes-pride-of-place-in-punchy-origin-tale)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye: The critic finds the film strained between Jenkins' vision and corporate demands, with a confused narrative despite enterprising direction and strong voice work. Praises the intimate style and some chemistry but notes it chafes against the story. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-barry-jenkins-1236087876/)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The critic finds the photorealistic prequel pretty and occasionally diverting but ultimately wan, dull and overly familiar despite some sharp moments. She singles out the lush visuals and the occasional departure from Disney formula while noting the story's repetitive focus on royal destiny and weak comedy. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/movies/mufasa-the-lion-king-review.html)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin: The prequel is largely hopeless and works hard to undermine what made the original great through a craven approach. New songs feel like off-brand substitutes and the exercise feels pointless. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge: The critic finds the origin story impressive, emotionally satisfying and thoughtful, praising how it deepens familiar characters and adds fresh context through Jenkins’ vision. He singles out the modest, heroic take on young Mufasa, the sibling dynamic and the ensemble songs while noting the technical animation achievements. [Read](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-1236250945/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Linda Marric (4/5): Barry Jenkins brings signature storytelling to a visually stunning and emotionally charged prequel that succeeds as an engaging addition offering fresh layers. It stands as a major course correction for Disney’s live-action slate with a powerful tale about the making of a king. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)
- **Film Stories**, Maria Lattila (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it a pleasant surprise despite prequel issues, praising Jenkins' direction for bringing life and spirit, especially in visuals and character focus, but notes pacing problems from storytime framing and uneven balance between hero and villain arcs. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-a-fascinating-if-uneven-prequel/)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (5.5/10): While an improvement over the 2019 remake with better facial expressions and some good songs, it suffers from horrid pacing, visual homogeneity, and feels ultimately useless as a prequel. The story rushes through details without pausing for grandeur. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1740391/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)
- **Polygon**, Petrana Radulovic (40/100, inferred): The critic notes that while the relationship between Mufasa and Taka has potential, the photorealistic animation flattens emotions, songs are unmemorable, and the prequel feels like a DTV knockoff on the big screen due to being constrained by the original. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/disney/498183/mufasa-review-lion-king-live-action-prequel/)
- **Collider**, Aidan Kelley (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a moderate visual improvement over the 2019 remake with solid performances, but criticizes the predictable and unengaging origin story and lack of memorability in the songs; it struggles to justify its existence. [Read](https://collider.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond: Pete Hammond views the film as a rousing action-adventure buddy movie that emphasizes characters through closeups and romantic moments, high production values, and serviceable songs, though it prioritizes nonstop action over the regal magic of prior versions. [Read](https://deadline.com/2024/12/mufasa-the-lion-king-review-barry-jenkins-turns-origin-story-into-rousing-action-adventure-buddy-movie-1236205310/)
- **Paste**, Jesse Hassenger (4.4): The review criticizes the lifeless CGI animation and how even talented director Barry Jenkins can't overcome the format's limitations, resulting in a dull prequel that wastes resources on unnecessary remakes. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/barry-jenkins/mufasa-the-lion-king-2024-movie-review-barry-jenkins-disney)
- **The Wrap**: The critic finds it a satisfying, enjoyable prequel that improves on the 2019 remake with more expressive characters, energetic camerawork, vibrant lighting, and serviceable songs, praising Jenkins for making it his own with genuine emotion. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Barry Jenkins
- **Director:** Barry Jenkins
- **Screenplay:** Jeff Nathanson
- **Cinematography:** James Laxton
- **Editor:** Joi McMillon
- **Music:** David Metzger, Lebo M., Hans Zimmer
- **Production design:** Mark Friedberg
- **Producer:** Mark Ceryak, Adele Romanski
- **Cast:** Aaron Pierre as Mufasa (voice); Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka (voice); Tiffany Boone as Sarabi (voice); Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki (voice); Preston Nyman as Zazu (voice); Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara (voice); John Kani as Rafiki (voice); Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 58m
- **Release (the UAE):** 26 March 2025
- **Genres:** Adventure, Family, Animation
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $723 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMXh6vjiZrI

## Where to watch in the UAE

- Apple TV: rent AED 17.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy AED 49.99, sd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2025: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Lion King* (1994), Fi1m 84: The hand-drawn original, where the faces can actually grieve and the songs stay with you. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-lion-king.md)
- *The Bear* (1988), Fi1m 78: Annaud’s orphaned cub in the Alps, real animals, almost no words, and far more feeling. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-bear.md)
- *Kirikou and the Sorceress* (1998): A West African folk tale animated in flat, bright colour, told straight through without a warthog.
- *Wolfwalkers* (2020), Fi1m 84: Irish animation about two children and a pack, drawn by hand and unafraid of the dark. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wolfwalkers.md)
- *Moonlight* (2016), Fi1m 89: Jenkins with human faces and Laxton’s light, doing what the lions could not. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/moonlight.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/mufasa-the-lion-king