Mufasa, father of The Lion King‘s Simba, had a colorful and challenging life before becoming the distinguished king of the African savannah. His journey will be explored in lush detail in prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, and as the new trailer for Barry Jenkins‘ holiday release promises, there’ll be plenty of danger, daring, and humor along the way.
Here’s the official synopsis: “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 has an enormous ensemble cast, led by Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, John Kani as Rafiki, and Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as the riffing Pumbaa and Timon. Blue Ivy Carter voices Kiara, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Other voices in the cast include Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, and Donald Glover.
Mufasa: The Lion King roars into theaters December 20.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
