|Aaron Pierre, Mads Mikkelsen

Mufasa: The Lion King (2025) dives deep into the origin story of one of Disney’s most beloved characters: Mufasa. The film, set in the stunning and vibrant landscapes of the African savannah, explores how the young lion rose from humble beginnings to become the wise and courageous king of Pride Rock.

The story begins long before Mufasa became king. As a young cub, Mufasa wasn’t born into royalty but was instead an orphan, separated from his pride due to a devastating drought that ravaged the lands. Alone and lost, Mufasa was adopted by a family of nomadic animals who taught him the values of courage, leadership, and compassion. These experiences shaped him into the strong lion we know today.

Throughout the film, Mufasa struggles with self-doubt and questions whether he can ever live up to the legendary lions of the past. The narrative introduces Mufasa’s best friend, Taka—who would later become known as Scar. Taka, full of ambition and jealousy, begins to plot against Mufasa, believing he should be the rightful leader of Pride Rock.