Hollywood went wild tonight as stars and filmmakers from Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” joined special guests at the world premiere of the film at the Dolby Theater. Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, the all-new big-screen adventure opens in theaters Dec. 20.
The star-studded event welcomed cast members Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Taka), Tiffany Boone (Sarabi), Kagiso Lediga (Young Rafiki), Preston Nyman (Zazu), Blue Ivy Carter (Kiara), John Kani (Rafiki), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), Anika Noni Rose (Afia), Keith David (Masego), Braelyn Rankins (Mufasa Cub), Theo Somolu (Taka Cub), Beyoncé Knowles Carter (Nala), Folake Olowofoyeku (Amara) and Thuso Mbedu (Junia). Joining them for the celebration were filmmakers Barry Jenkins (directed by), Jeff Nathanson (screenplay by), Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak (produced by), Joi McMillon (editor), Lin-Manuel Miranda (original songs by), Lebo M (additional music and vocal performances by) and Dave Metzger (original score by), among a host of special guests.
Tickets are on sale now for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which calls on 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. The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.
Featuring original songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, original score by Dave Metzger and additional music and vocal performances by Lebo M, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.
(photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
