7 questions ‘Mufasa’ answers about the original ‘Lion King’ movie

7 questions 'Mufasa' answers about the original 'Lion King' movie

As a long-time fan of Disney’s “The Lion King,” I must say that this new take on Mufasa’s story is nothing short of extraordinary! The way they’ve woven together the tales of betrayal, redemption, and growth is truly captivating. It’s like they took a classic tale and gave it a fresh coat of paint with a brush dipped in emotion.

This article contains spoilers for the movie “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

As a movie enthusiast, I’d like to share that the upcoming film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” serves as a prequel to both the 1994 animated classic and its 2019 remake. Directed by the talented Barry Jenkins, this production promises captivating songs penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda. This story delves into Mufasa’s journey to become the king of the Pride Lands, shedding light on the reasons behind Scar’s transformation into a bitter and vengeful brother towards his elder sibling.

This place offers plenty of options for play, but be mindful since people are incredibly attached to the original, and responses will likely come from all angles,” said screenwriter Jeff Nathanson. “There were likely ten other choices we overlooked and ten more we could have explored. However, the initial movie held great significance for us, and we made an effort to pay our respects in the best way possible.

Nathanson led The Times on a walk-through of the responses “Mufasa” gave to the questions regarding the original “Lion King” film.

7 questions 'Mufasa' answers about the original 'Lion King' movie

Movies

The prequel to ‘The Lion King’, directed by Barry Jenkins of ‘Moonlight’ fame, lacks the catchy tune ‘Hakuna Matata’, but the music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda is quite impressive instead.

Dec. 19, 2024

How did Mufasa and Scar become brothers?

In the movie, we see how Mufasa was a cub and was on a journey with his parents when unexpectedly, he was carried away by strong river currents during a flood. Later, this lost cub was found by another young lion named Taka, who managed to persuade his mother to adopt him into their pride. (It’s worth noting that Taka was once known as Scar before his downfall.)

Nathanson remarked that Mufasa’s perspective, kindness, and understanding – these traits were quite unexpected from a ruler. He pondered if Mufasa’s upbringing might have been less conventional than assumed. He wondered about the events that shaped him into a wise and strong leader, yet a loving father as well.

However, King Taka’s father, who values royal lineage highly, isn’t satisfied with Mufasa being around, dismissively calling him a “stray.” Consequently, he makes arrangements for Mufasa to be raised by the lionesses. Regardless of this, Taka is overjoyed at gaining a sibling and a new best friend, and endearingly promises to safeguard their bond for eternity.

Nathanson commented, “This tale is deeply rooted in the love shared by these two siblings. Our aim was to portray the unique connection you experience when you’re young and find someone who truly gets you. It’s a mix of sweetness and sadness because you’re aware of what lies ahead, but for now, everything seems perfectly fine.

What did Mufasa’s cliffside climb once mean?

1994 movie enthusiasts will recall the poignant scene: Amidst Scar’s chaotic frenzy, Mufasa struggles to ascend a cliff and shouts for aid from his brother. However, rather than assisting, Scar grips onto Mufasa’s paws and hurls him fatally over the edge.

In “The Lion King,” it’s actually a life-threatening event for Mufasa that turns out to be his salvation in the story “Mufasa.” Taka initially embeds his claws into Mufasa’s paws, using them as a means to rescue him from the river and manage to avoid the lurking crocodiles. Later on, these two cubs share lighthearted moments by joking about stampedes.

In Nathanson’s words, “We aimed to revamp the original’s defining and emotionally intense image. We wanted to approach it gently and communicate that its meaning hasn’t always been what it is now. Our goal is to challenge your recollections and preconceptions, offering a familiar experience yet introducing unexpected elements.

How did Mufasa and Taka fall out?

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: Growing up, my bond with my brother wasn’t strained by a single event. You see, due to unfortunate circumstances, I was raised among the pride’s lionesses, which led me to form a special connection with my brother’s mother. We often hunted together, and one day, I bravely shielded her from an attack by another pride. This selfless act eventually earned the respect of my brother’s father, who had initially been distant towards me. My brother, unfortunately, was too terrified to witness the incident and fled in fear.

Due to danger posed by a rival pride, Taka’s father advises him to escape for safety, with Mufasa acting as his guardian. While wandering, they encounter Sarabi (played by Tiffany Boone), and both boys develop feelings for her. However, Sarabi eventually prefers Mufasa. Since Mufasa was chosen over Taka by his mother, father, and romantic interest, Taka feels profoundly betrayed by the brother he had taken in, who now possesses what Taka believes should have been his.

According to Nathanson, what mattered to Barry was ensuring that whatever it was didn’t happen suddenly but developed gradually and had depth. Barry is meticulous with his visuals, and there are some beautiful shots showing Taka observing Mufasa with his mother. Our aim was for the audience to notice the gears turning from the very beginning, and for this understanding to grow throughout the movie.

Where did Rafiki come from?

In addition to Mufasa, the wise mandrill named Rafiki who was born with a limp is also depicted. Before joining this current group of baboons, he was shunned due to his prophecies predicting their habitat would be repeatedly raided by a cheetah. Despite assisting other primates by healing them and guiding them to water during dry spells, they view his abilities as sinister, leading to a vote for his expulsion from the troop.

In my own words, I happened to meet Mufasa, Taka, Sarabi, and our feathered friend Zazu (Preston Nyman) along the way, forming an eclectic group of travelers. As we journeyed together, there were brief yet heartwarming instances where you could see the strong bond that developed among us once we were reunited. According to Nathanson, these moments were delightful. As for me, Rafiki, I discovered my distinctive staff during our travels and carried it with me until we reached our destination.

How did Taka get that scar?

In a treacherous act against Mufasa, Taka informs the vicious leader of the pride about their group’s location, falsely accusing Mufasa of killing his son. Believing this misinformation, the leader marches towards the peaceful Pride Lands and confronts Mufasa in a fierce battle. However, at the crucial moment before the leader could strike, Taka is struck by a sudden memory of neglecting his mother during a difficult time. Summoning great courage, he jumps in front of Mufasa to protect him, taking the leader’s blow on his own face instead. This act leaves Taka with a deep scar as a constant reminder of his actions.

Nathanson remarked, ‘He’s been untrue to his brother, yet he’s currently making amends in a manner,’ he said. ‘The concept was carefully considered, and it had to fit seamlessly into the narrative. We experimented with various alternatives, but when we arrived at this one, everyone concurred that it felt authentic.’

How did Mufasa become king of the Pride Lands?

When the fierce aggression among the Pride Lands’ inhabitants is vanquished, thanks to Mufasa, they appreciate his efforts in uniting them against outsiders and propose him as their ruler. At first, Mufasa refuses, thinking he’s not eligible due to not being born a king, but Rafiki wisely says: “It doesn’t matter what you were before; it matters who you have become.

Regarding Taka, who guided the foes to their hideout: Zazu advocates for his exile, yet Mufasa swears to always provide him a spot within the kingdom, even if he can no longer utter his name. “Then address me as Scar,” Taka says, “so I will forever remember my actions.

As a movie connoisseur, I can’t help but note the intense, psychotic anger emanating from Scar in his cage, and it becomes crystal clear why this is so if you watch the films one after another. This lion, despite his tarnished royal lineage, refuses to let go of his regal past, clinging to it even after all these years. In essence, we, as filmmakers, are conveying that blood may be a factor, but it’s the depth and complexity of the character that truly matters.

How did Pride Rock come to be?

During the intense fight, an earthquake struck the Pride Lands, causing a mountain to splinter. The remnants of this shattered mountain are recognized by fans of the original movie as Pride Rock, the platform where the lions from the 1994 film would address their subjects.

According to Nathanson, Pride Rock was already in place when they got there, but our production designer proposed an intriguing question: “What if, during the earthquake, it simply collapsed and reappeared like that?” It turned out to be a stunning visual and a brilliant concept. Now, it’s one of my favorite details in the film.

In “Mufasa: The Lion King,” the acclaimed lyricist weaves uplifting verses amidst the narrative threads of deceit.

Dec. 18, 2024

2024-12-22 14:31