Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay 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.

The cast includes  Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Blue Ivy Carter, Billy Eichner, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Aaron Pierre, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, John Kani, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.

Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, and original score by Dave Metzger, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.