It may have taken three months, but a new trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King is finally here! Believe it or not, Disney may have learned some lessons from the first film!
Is this trailer an improvement over the previous one released in April? That depends on how much you loved the emotionless CGI remake from 2019.
In short, it’s more of the same in terms of realistic computer-generated critters with human voices. This time around, we get more details on the origins of Mufasa and Scar’s relationship as brothers.
“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 quickly tells us that the two royal cats are not biologically related. That’s an odd choice to make. Going for the whole adoptive brothers falling out angle, I see. The story of Taka and the adoptive Mufasa could be interesting.
However, the most intriguing thing is the character models. It’s clear that Disney is trying to correct some of the biggest mistakes from the previous film, such as the emotionless faces of the animals.
Animation, namely the hand-drawn variety, can capture expressions that real animals cannot. This is what made several scenes in 1994’s Lion King iconic. The CGI remake failed at this, but you can see the improvements in the new trailer. 3
The artists behind the photo-realistic animals are trying to bend reality and give the cubs and other creatures of Tanzania more life. Disney realized the creatures need to be more anthropomorphic. Good on them.
Mufasa: The Lion King will roar into theatres on December 20 and probably dominate the holiday box office.
[Source: Walt Disney Studios]
Pirates & Princesses (TM) (Stylized as PNP) is an independent, opinionated News and Information site focused on Travel, Entertainment, Fashion, the “Geek Girl” Lifestyle, and more. We focus heavily on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, and other themed entertainment and travel destinations. Our news staff includes former theme park and entertainment industry employees, journalists and dedicated pop culture and theme park enthusiasts. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of this site, our affiliates or our sponsors.