Mufasa: The Lion King, Barry Jenkins’ upcoming CGI/live-action hybrid origin story, served as the closing act of D23’s big Friday night presentation, showing off some new footage and an original song.
The footage shown to attendees at the Disney convention in Anaheim, California, focuses on the early days of the relationship between Mufasa and Scar, known then as Taka. Mufasa is shown playing with Taka, although it’s made clear he’s not supposed to be doing that. Even still, the two are shown running and playing through the Pridelands as an original song by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “I Always Wanted a Brother,” plays.
The two grow up as the song continues, similar to the growing-up montage in the original’s “Hakuna Matata.” The footage ends as they challenge each other to race to the other side.
D23 attendees also got a look at a new trailer (above), which was released online shortly after. It shows Mufasa and Scar/Taka’s first meeting, with the latter wanting to bring Mufasa in. Taka is viewed as the future king at that point, and wants Mufasa to have a home. It, too, shows a softer glimpse at the two’s early friendship before they become enemies.
Disney also released a new poster of Taka/Scar, which you can see below.
Jenkins and Miranda were on hand to present the footage and trailer, along with cast members Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Theo Somolu, Braelyn Rankins, and Anika Noni Rose. The presentation closed with a performance of “Nants’ Ingonyama” and new song “Ngomso” by Lebo M., who contributes to the film’s music.
In addition to the actors who attended D23, the cast also includes John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Keith David, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Read the official synopsis below:
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.
Mufasa: The Lion King hits theaters on December 20. For more out of D23 2024, check out our roundup of everything announced at the massive Disney Entertainment Showcase.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.