Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins provides key information expanding the tragedy of Mufasa's death by adding layers to the strained relationship between Mufasa played by Aaron Pierre and Taka played by Kelvin Harrison Jr. who would later become Scar. The film details the complex events from how Mufasa took power in Pride Lands along with how and why his brother became bitter and vengeful culminating in the murder of the beloved king by his brother Scar.
'Mufasa: The Lion King' reveals history Between the Two Brothers before 'Lion King' Original Events
The new prequel Mufasa: The Lion King starts by showcasing the beginning of the sibling rivalry of Mufasa and Taka that directly contrasts with the original movie in a manner that is much more impactful. A major plot point explains how a young Taka was always meant to be a leader in a separate pride before he met Mufasa who also lost his family in a flood. These details in prequel show how the relationship formed and the events which led Taka to turn evil and murder his brother during the main events of the first Lion King Movie.
Prequel Details Show How a Saved Life Darkly Mirrors Mufasa's End in The Lion King's Gorge
The scene when Taka saved a young Mufasa from crocodiles provides direct parallels to the tragic end for Mufasa at the gorge of Lion King’s death scene. The image of Taka pulling Mufasa to safety while using his claws foreshadows the horrific actions of Taka who dug his claws into Mufasa's paws at the gorge and let Mufasa fall from the cliff. Mufasa's integration into Taka's pride despite clear objections by Taka’s father further highlights that there was no reason for these close family members to turn on each other, but as history shows in Lion King’s main events things ended differently for the two brothers.
The white lion outsiders led by King Kiros who was voiced by Mads Mikkelsen caused immense pain by killing many in Taka’s pride causing Taka and Mufasa to attempt escape during the massacre. They escape and meet Sarabi Zazu and Rafiki on journey. When Sarabi chose Mufasa over Taka it caused the resentment and rage of the new Scar leading the white lion back to have Mufasa murdered. However, Taka feels regret for these actions eventually and stands with Mufasa after he defeats Kiros and Taka now sports his infamous Scar.
Scar's Acts of Deception Lead to Deeper Tragedy in Lion King Following Multiple Acts of Loyalty From Both Brothers
The actions from the movie by Mufasa and Taka who save each other repeatedly further highlights the tragic irony in the brothers later turning against each other. The brothers have always gone above and beyond for each other until the Pride Lands selected Mufasa as the official king causing Taka's inner resentment and a lust for power and position. After Taka is shamed from banishment instead named Scar to show the weight of dishonor. Taka shows clear remorse at the end of the conflict from previous events leading Mufasa and audience to trust him.
Mufasa's Unwavering Trust and History of Shared Brotherhood Sets Up Deeper Betrayal
Mufasa completely trusted that Taka would help him because they had mutually saved each other before which is a stark contrast to later events from the original Lion King movie. Taka used similar claw gestures as when rescuing him while actually pulling Mufasa to the edge of the gorge for his final betrayal solidifying that Mufasa believed this would be the end of an incredible conflict where he would emerge from with his brother’s support instead of what actually occurred. Scar effectively took advantage of his brothers trust for the betrayal during the gorge and claim the throne. Scar had played a part for many months with an almost low profile act like a brother full of regret before taking the opportunity to murder Mufasa.
Scar’s Twisted Sense of Justice Drives Deeper Conflict Resulting in Both Brothers Downfall in Lion King
Mufasa’s death was more tragic given the deeper history now available in the prequel highlighting the brothers who frequently saved each other's lives. Scar’s actions appear as a personal form of justice in Scar’s mind where Scar thought Mufasa had betrayed him first by stealing both the chance to become king of the Pride Lands and the love of Sarabi. Mufasa's trust coupled with Taka/Scar’s plan amplifies the dark impact the animated moments from the original Lion King movie. Mufasa: The Lion King is now currently playing in theaters with these new details adding layers to existing storylines of the popular movie franchise.
Mufasa: The Lion King a prequel for 2019 Lion King remake explores the relationships among Mufasa and Scar providing needed context. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as the characters Timon and Pumba in this new prequel title. This further extends context of The Lion King with expanded background info of these beloved charecters. Mufasa: The Lion King continues in theaters with these elements adding additional depths for those viewers with knowledge of both properties.