The first trailer for Mufasa, the prequel to 2019’s The Lion King, has been released, confirming that Beyoncé and Donald Glover will be back.
The new Disney film, which was confirmed a few years ago following the success of the remake, tells the origin story of King Mufasa, and is directed by Moonlight‘s Barry Jenkins, while 2019 film scribe Jeff Nathanson returns as a screenwriter.
“This story begins far beyond the mountains and the shadows, on the other side of the light,” Rafiki (John Kani) narrates in the clip, which showcases the photorealistic style used in the 2019 film.
“A lion was born without a drop of nobility in his blood. A lion who would change our lives forever. The earth will shake, destiny awaits you.”
The clip then confirms the cast, which includes Glover and Beyoncé returning as Simba and Nala, while Beyoncé’s real-life daughter Blue Ivy Carter will play their child Kiara.
Foe‘s Aaron Pierre will play the young Mufasa and Elvis‘ Kelvin Harrison Jr. will star as the young Scar. Mads Mikkelsen, Thandwide Newton, Lennie James, Keith David and Anika Noni Rose are also set to star, while Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as Timon and Pumbaa.
It has also been confirmed that Hamilton‘s Lin-Manuel Miranda will write songs for the film.
Following the release of 2019’s The Lion King, a photorealistic version of the 1994 animated Disney film, Beyoncé released an album inspired by the film called ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, which featured contributions from African artists.
Speaking back in 2020 about Mufasa, Jenkins told Deadline: “Helping my sister raise two young boys during the ’90s, I grew up with these characters.
“Having the opportunity to work with Disney on expanding this magnificent tale of friendship, love and legacy while furthering my work chronicling the lives and souls of folk within the African diaspora is a dream come true.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ will be released in cinemas on December 20.