7 questions that “Mufasa” answers about the original “The Lion King”.

This article contains spoilers for the film Mufasa: The Lion King.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a prequel to Animated film from 1994 And its 2019 remake. Directed by Barry Jenkins And with songs by Lin-Manuel MirandaThe film traces how Mufasa became King of the Pride Lands and why Scar became so bitter and vindictive towards his older brother.

“There are so many things to play with here, but you have to be careful because people react so emotionally to the original and the reactions will come from all directions,” said screenwriter Jeff Nathanson. “There were probably ten other things that were left out and ten other things we could have done. But the original film was really important to all of us and we tried to honor it as best we could.”

Nathanson walked the Times through the questions “Mufasa” answers about the original “Lion King” film:

Taka and Mufasa as young cubs in Mufasa: The Lion King.

(Disney/Disney Enterprises)

How did Mufasa and Scar become brothers?

The film tells how Mufasa was a young boy traveling with his parents when he was suddenly swept away by a flash flood. The orphan is then discovered by another young lion, Taka, who convinces his mother to accept him into her pride. (As explained in more detail below, Taka was Scar’s name before he fell from grace.)

“Mufasa’s worldview, his compassion and his empathy – all of those things felt very different from what you would expect from a king,” Nathanson said. “I thought that maybe his upbringing wasn’t as traditional as one might think. What happened to him and how did he become a wise and powerful leader, but also such a great father?”

But Taka’s father, a king who prioritizes royal lineage, is not pleased, labeling Mufasa a “stray” and forcing him to be raised by the lionesses. Still, Taka is overjoyed to have a sibling and a new best friend, and vows to protect their bond forever.

“It’s a love story between these two brothers,” Nathanson added. “We really wanted to capture what it’s like when you’re young and have someone who understands you more than anyone else. It’s bittersweet because you know what’s going to happen and where it’s going, but at least for that moment, everything was okay.”

Mufasa and Simba in the 1994 film The Lion King.

(Disney)

What did Mufasa’s climb up the cliff once mean?

Fans of the 1994 film Know the moment well: Amidst a chaotic stampede unleashed by Scar, Mufasa attempts to climb a cliff and calls his brother to help pull him up. Instead, Scar digs his claws into his paws and hurls him to his death.

The interaction that ends Mufasa’s life in The Lion King is actually what saves him in Mufasa. Taka first places his claws in Mufasa’s paws to pull him up out of the river and narrowly avoid some hungry crocodiles. (Later, the two boys even joke about mass panic.)

“It’s a distinctive and very traumatic reminder of the original, and we wanted to lean into that and say that this didn’t always have the same connotation,” Nathanson said of redefining the visual. “We try to play with your memories and your expectations, to give people enough of what you know and what you came for, but also to surprise you with new things.”

Sarabi, Mufasa, Rafiki and Taka in Mufasa: The Lion King.

(Disney/Disney Enterprises)

How did the fight between Mufasa and Taka come about?

“Mufasa” describes how their brotherly bond was broken in more than one way. Because Mufasa was an unwelcome “stray” forced to be raised by the lionesses of the pride, he became closer to Taka’s mother and accompanied her on hunts. At one point, he saves them from an attack by another pack – a gesture that eventually wins Taka’s father’s favor. (Taka, who was nearby when his mother was attacked, fled in fear.)

Under threat from this violent competing pride, Taka’s father orders him to flee for his safety, with Mufasa as his protector. They meet a wandering lioness, Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), and although both cubs fall in love with her, she ultimately prefers Mufasa. Taka – who has been passed over by his mother, father and his crush on Mufasa – feels too betrayed by the brother he took in all those years ago who now has everything he thinks should be his.

“It was important to Barry that it wasn’t abrupt, but rather evolved and layered,” Nathanson said. “Barry is very conscious about his images, and there are great shots of Taka just watching Mufasa with his mother, and then you can see the wheel turning. We hoped it would become interesting for the audience as the film progressed.”

Young Rafiki in Mufasa: The Lion King.

(Disney)

Where did Rafiki come from?

“Mufasa” also shows that wise mandrill Rafiki (John Kani), who was born with a limp, was previously ostracized by a group of baboons because his visions predicted that their home would be repeatedly attacked by a cheetah. Although Rafiki often helps his fellow primates by healing them and leading them to water in the dry season, they believe his powers are nefarious and vote to banish him.

Rafiki then crosses paths with Mufasa, Taka, Sarabi and their trusted flying protector Zazu (Preston Nyman), and the five form a motley crew of wanderers. “They all only have a few scenes together, but they’re nice moments because you see how connected they all are once they find each other,” Nathanson said. As they travel, Rafiki finds his legendary walking stick and carries it to their destination.

Scar and Simba in the 1994 film The Lion King.

(Disney)

How did Taka get this scar?

In a malicious move against Mufasa, Taka reveals his group’s location to the leader of the violent pack, who mistakenly believes that Mufasa killed his son. The leader follows them into the peaceful Pride Lands and stands at eye level with Mufasa, but just as the leader is about to strike, Taka remembers the time when he failed to save his mother and, in a moment of courage, jumps in front of Mufasa, to transfer the leader’s attack to his face. The blow creates a massive scar.

“He betrayed his brother, but at this moment he’s trying to redeem himself in some way,” Nathanson said. “A lot of thought went into it and we wanted it to fit organically into the story. There were other versions we played around with, but when we came to this one we all agreed it felt right.”

Mufasa, Sarabi and Zazu in Mufasa: The Lion King.

(Disney)

How did Mufasa become King of the Pride Lands?

When the violent pack is defeated, the Pride Lands’ resident animals are grateful to Mufasa for uniting them against the invaders and call on him to serve as their king. Mufasa initially rejects her offer because he is not of royal blood, but Rafiki explains: “It is not what you were, it is what you have become.”

As for Taka, who led the enemy to his refuge, Zazu demands his banishment, but Mufasa vows to always give him a place in the kingdom, even if he is never allowed to say his name again. “Then call me Scar so I never forget what I did,” Taka tells him.

“If you watch the films back to back, you can understand why Scar is in that cage with such psychotic rage,” Nathanson said. “He truly is of royal blood and still holds on to that notion after all these years. And certainly as filmmakers we say: the blood isn’t enough, but the figure is.”

Simba stands on Pride Rock in the 1994 film The Lion King.

(Disney)

How did Pride Rock come about?

In the midst of this crucial battle, an earthquake shakes the Pride Lands and a mountain shatters. What remains is what fans of the original film know as Pride Rock, the landing where the Lion Kings from the 1994 film address their issues.

“In the script, Pride Rock was already there when they arrived,” Nathanson said, “and our production designer said, ‘What if it just fell down like that during the earthquake?’ It was just a beautiful image and definitely a beautiful idea. And now it’s one of my favorite little parts of the movie.”