Roaring origins: Mufasa: The Lion King prequel set to pounce onto the big screen.

Disney has just dropped the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, the highly anticipated prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of The Lion King. Directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his Oscar-winning work on Moonlight, the film delves into the backstory of Mufasa, one of Disney's most iconic characters.

Mufasa explores the lion's origin story, focusing on his childhood with his brother Taka, who would later become known as Scar, the notorious villain from the original Lion King. Jenkins remarked that the film is about understanding Mufasa's journey and discovering "what made him that way" into the wise and noble leader fans have loved for over 30 years. He noted that the movie's theme centres on "how someone can build a family out of these very disparate parts" and explores "how people who may be alone can find strength by coming together."

The cast of Mufasa: The Lion King features several returning actors from the 2019 live-action remake, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Joining them is Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé's daughter, who will play Kiara, the child of Simba and Nala.

The original 1994 Lion King remains one of Disney's most successful films, grossing $960 million worldwide. The 2019 remake surpassed that with a global box office of $1.6 billion, earning a spot among Variety's Critic's Picks in 2019. Given this legacy, the prequel promises to draw both nostalgic fans and new audiences eager to learn more about the majestic Mufasa and the bond between him and his brother that shaped the Pride Lands' history.

With Jenkins at the helm and a star-studded cast, Mufasa: The Lion King is poised to continue the enduring legacy of the original film, offering fans a deeper glimpse into the story behind the beloved king of the Pride Lands.

Mufasa: The Lion King will roar into cinemas on December 19.