See the Cast of "Mufasa: The Lion King" Side-by-Side with the Characters They Voice

12/20/2024 08:30 AM

The Disney film starring Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Blue Ivy Carter, Seth Rogen and more, hits theaters Dec. 20

Barry Jenkins is bringing The Lion King prequel to the big screen with Mufasa: The Lion King.

The film chronicles the origins of Mufasa and Taka, two friends whose bond grows so tight they grow up as brothers. Things take a turn as the two cubs are forced to leave their pride behind as outside forces threaten their clan.

Mufasa and Taka then go on a life-altering journey, making friends and creating enemies along the way.

The Disney film, which hits theaters Dec. 20, stars Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani and more.

Aaron Pierre as Mufasa

Aaron Pierre's alluring features had the internet drawing comparisons and saying he'd make for the perfect Scar. However, the English actor had already nabbed the role of Mufasa for the Jenkins-directed film.

Pierre plays young Mufasa, a courageous and confident cub, who gets separated from his family and is taken in by his friend Taka.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka

Harrison Jr. reunites with his Genius: MLK/X costar, Pierre, in Mufasa: The Lion King.

He plays Taka, a cub who comes from a royal bloodline and is being groomed to become the next king of his pride. Having always longed for a brother, he brings Mufasa home after he finds him lonely and destitute.

John Kani as Rafiki

John Kani reprises his role as Rafiki, the long-term primate shaman and royal advisor to Mufasa. Kani is coming back to the franchise after having played Rafiki in 2019's The Lion King.

Donald Glover as Simba

Also reprising his role is Donald Glover who once again voices Simba. Like Kani, the actor first played his character in the 2019 live-action adaptation of the film.

Beyoncé as Nala

Queen Bey once again plays Queen Nala. Though her role is small, her absence becomes the catalyst for the events of the film.

Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara

Blue Ivy Carter makes her feature film debut playing curious cub Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. In the film, Simba goes searching for Nala, who is missing, and young Kiara is left in the care of an older Rafiki who entertains her with the story of how Mufasa became king.

Seth Rogen as Pumbaa

Also by Kiara's side is Pumbaa, a long-term family friend who adds hilarious commentary to Rafiki's tales. The wise-cracking and wobbly warthog is played by Seth Rogen.

Billy Eichner as Timon

Billy Eichner brings the laughs alongside Rogen as he plays the role of Timon.

Tiffany Boone as Sarabi

Another loner, Sarabi, played by Tiffany Boone, finds herself in the company of Mufasa, Taka, Rafiki and Zazu in Rafiki's story. She joins the gang after her pride is attacked. Tensions within the group begin to grow as unrequited romantic feelings begin bubbling up.

Preston Nyman as Zazu

Sure, he's chatty, but Preston Nyman's Zazu proves to be of much utility as he not only makes for an insightful companion to Mufasa and Taka, but he helps them get out of some sticky situations.

Keith David as Masego

Keith David brings his regal baritone to the role of Masego. The veteran actor plays Mufasa's loving, encouraging and overall devoted father.

Anika Noni Rose as Afia

Where Masego regales Mufasa with games that foster his adventurous and curious nature, the cub's mother, Afia, played by Anika Noni Rose, fosters his mind and intellect with stories about dreams and foreign lands such as Milele — a place beyond the last cloud in the sky.

Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros

Playing the villain in Mufasa: The Lion King is Mads Mikkelsen, who voices Kiros. Unlike other kings, Kiros is overtly ambitious, fiercely ruthless and will show no mercy when he feels his role in the pride is threatened.

Thandiwe Newton as Eshe

Thandiwe Newton plays Eshe, a homely matriarch who nurtures and humors Mufasa after her son Taka brings him home.

Lennie James as Obasi

Lennie James plays Obasi, Eshe's husband and Taka's father. A protective king, Obasi is vehemently against welcoming Mufasa to his pride and though he eventually allows the stray cub to stay, he keeps a watchful eye.