Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Origin story is well-acted but predictable; peril, violence.
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Mufasa: The Lion King
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say the film offers a mixed experience, showcasing Mufasa's origin and Scar's transition to villainy while featuring impressive animation and themes of family and leadership. However, many reviews criticize the weak story, underwhelming songs, and perceived unnecessary nature of the movie, reflecting disappointment among long-time fans of the franchise.
- mixed opinions
- stunning animation
- weak story
- disappointment in music
- unnecessary remake
- themes of family
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MUFASA: THE LION KING, Simba (voiced by Donald Glover) rushes to Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), who's about to give birth, leaving their daughter Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) in the care of old friends Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner). To comfort the anxious Kiara, Rafiki (John Kani) shares the story of Kiara's grandfather Mufasa's journey from a frightened, orphaned cub to the adoptive brother of Taka, another cub who once saved his life. As they grow, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) learns to hunt from Taka's mother, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), while Taka struggles to protect the pride under his isolationist father, Obasi (Lennie James). When their pride is attacked by a ruthless group of lions led by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), Mufasa and Taka escape, eventually crossing paths with a young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga) and Sarabi (Tiffany Boone).
Is It Any Good?
Visually stunning and well-cast, this prequel delivers enjoyable moments but lacks the timeless magic of the 1994 original. Thanks to the enduring appeal of The Lion King, Mufasa could have been a huge success, yet it feels uneven. While it may be captivating for younger audiences, it's likely to leave adults questioning whether it's a heartfelt origin story or a calculated cash grab. A touching nod to James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa, opens the film, accompanied by a dedication that resonates deeply. Though viewers know Mufasa's ultimate fate, the film offers an emotionally rich backstory of his path to kinghood, one that was shaped by the love and guidance of a nurturing adoptive mother.
That said, the plot's pacing occasionally drags, making the two-hour run time feel longer than necessary. Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical numbers are a mixed bag, ranging from the heartfelt romantic ballad "Tell Me It's You" and the charmingly comedic "I Always Wanted a Brother" to the unsettling yet undeniably catchy "Bye Bye." Fortunately, Hans Zimmer's iconic themes from the original are woven into the score, adding a nostalgic touch (as do Easter egg references to Rafiki's wooden staff, Zazu's tradition of a morning report, and Scar's facial difference). And the cast delivers strong vocal performances, with Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy shining as young Kiara. But Rogen and Eichner have worn out the humor in Pumbaa and Timon's "Hakuna Matata" antics and hygiene jokes. Ultimately, while Disney's penchant for reboots and remakes shows no sign of slowing, this chapter of The Lion King feels done.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Mufasa: The Lion King. Does the photorealistic violence impact viewers differently than traditionally animated movies?
Which characters do you consider role models? How do the characters in the movie demonstrate courage, perseverance, humility, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Were you surprised by the story between Mufasa and Taka? What did you learn about their relationship?
What do you think about the "story within a story" format?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2025
- Cast : Aaron Pierre , Kelvin Harrison Jr , Tiffany Boone
- Director : Barry Jenkins
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/violence, peril and some thematic elements
- Awards : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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