What doThe Fox and the Hound,Fantasia, andThe Manchurian Candidateall have in common? They’re all movies the cast and crew ofMufasa: The Lion Kingwould place next to the Disney prequel’s physical release on their shelves.Barry Jenkins’s box-office-busting photorealistic animated musical drama is coming to store shelveson 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on April 1, and to celebrate, Collider can share an exclusive video with the stars involved talking through what films deserve to sit with their creation. Whether for sentimental reasons, a Disney connection, or because they prefer to be neat and alphabetized, each person featured has a different answer for how they’re displaying the new release with the movies they own.
The video opens with one of the film’s two stars,Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka/Scar. ConsideringMufasais all about brothers, he thinksThe Fox and the Houndis a fitting partner for it on a shelf, especially because he also loves that Disney classic. Timon and Pumba actorsBilly EichnerandSeth Rogen, meanwhile, laugh about the unfitting films that would be placed next to theLion Kingprequel alphabetically, like the psychological political thrillerThe Manchurian CandidatestarringFrank SinatraandAngela Lansbury. Thinking more personally,Tiffany Boone, who voices Sarabi, would place the film next toAladdinandThe Princess and the Frogbecause she identified with them both growing up. Finally, the director Jenkins and composerLin-Manuel Mirandalean on the Disney relationship and nostalgia, listing a mix of Golden Age and Renaissance films includingMufasa’s animated predecessor. Of course, it would also be set directly next to Miranda’s vintage VHS cases.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingbuilds on the 1994 Disney classicand its 2019 remake, exploring the history of Simba’s father Mufasa andevil Uncle Scarbefore either became King of the Pride Lands. It’s framed as a story told to Simba’s young daughter Kiara, telling of how Mufasa, separated from his parents by a flood, was saved by the young prince then named Taka andembarked on a journey with his newfound brotherto find his destiny. Although their bond grows strong, and they gather other misfits along the way, their loyalties are tested as they encounter a dire threat to their pride.Aaron Pierrejoins Harrison Jr. as Mufasa, withJohn Kani,Donald Glover,Mads Mikkelsen,Thandiwe Newton,Lennie James,Beyoncé, andBlue Ivy Carterall rounding out the cast.
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Was the Product of a Long Journey for Jenkins
Jenkins andThe Lion Kingremake writerJeff Nathansonwere first confirmed to be working onMufasaback in 2020 after the 2019 film raked in a staggering $1.65 billion globally. Despite the five-year wait and the lukewarm reviews forJon Favreau’s remake, the prequel was yet another triumph for Disney at the box office with$717 million earned worldwide, passingDune: Part Twoand landing amongthe top 40 children’s movies ever. It also became a hit with audiences, scoring an 89% onRotten Tomatoesagainst a 58% from critics. In an interview with Collider’sPerri Nemiroff, Jenkinscredited his own found familyfor getting him to this point and sticking with him on the projects he loves most:
“I’m still working with all my friends from film school —James Laxton, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Joi McMillon, our cinematographer, editor, producers. I’m still working with all these people. And honestly,Moonlightwouldn’t have happened without Adele Romanski calling me up and saying, ‘I want to work with people I love on things they care about.’ And that was it. ‘Let’s find the film that does that.’ So, I candeeplyrelate to the themes of found family in this film. I think it’s the only reason why I’m sitting here talking to you right now.”
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill be available physically on April 1. Check out the exclusive video in the player above to see what’s on the team’s shelves.
Mufasa: The Lion King
