Movies

New Lion King movie opens with James Earl Jones tribute

BBG News

As a child of the ’90s, Mufasa: The Lion King holds a special place in my heart. The original film was not only a staple of my childhood, but also served as an emotional anchor for many who grew up without a father figure. So when I heard that the new prequel would open with the voice of the legendary James Earl Jones, I knew it was more than just a tribute – it was a poignant reminder of the impact Mufasa had on our lives.

Mufasa: The Lion King opens with a tribute to the late James Earl Jones.

In September of this year, the renowned actor who lent his voice to Mufasa in both the original 1994 Lion King movie and its 2019 live-action remake, passed away at the age of 93 at his home located in Dutchess County, New York.

Although Jones didn’t take on the role again in Disney’s latest prequel movie featuring this character, the film initiates with the actor’s voiceover. Subsequently, a tribute title appears, reading: “In Memory of…

Barry Jenkins, the director of ‘Mufasa’, chose to commence the movie with Jones’s voice because these characters, including Mufasa, often serve as beloved father figures for audiences who have grown accustomed to them since their childhood.

He explained, “I was raised without a male role model, and when I see this artwork or these movies, often the fathers in these productions serve as substitutes for that missing figure. They take on the role of father figures.

The filmmaker remarked that it was as if we’d all lost a respected elder when Jones passed away, stating: “We had all known a man who held immense value for us. It seemed impossible to watch this movie without paying tribute to him in some manner.

He continued: “You would be thinking about the ways in which you wanted to honour him, so it felt like we had to do it at the very front. The studio agreed right away, and we tried to find something that was very simple, but also very clear and very powerful.”

In this narrative, Mufasa is introduced as the backstory for the character. The story unfolds as the wise old baboon, Rafiki, recounts the tale of Mufasa’s journey from being an orphaned cub to becoming the King of the Pride Lands, sharing this epic tale during a heartfelt conversation with Mufasa’s granddaughter, Kiara.

As a devoted Disney enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Aaron Pierre lends his voice to the iconic character Mufasa in this latest adaptation. John Kani, who previously brought Rafiki to life in the 2019 remake, returns to continue enchanting us with his portrayal of this beloved role. And let’s not forget the young and talented Blue Ivy Carter stepping into the spotlight as Kiara!

Mufasa: The Lion King is released on December 20.

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2024-12-10 18:18

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