EntertainmentMoviesMufasa: The Lion KingMufasa director Barry Jenkins ends Lion King debate on whether its animation or live actionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentMoviesMufasa: The Lion KingMufasa director Barry Jenkins ends Lion King debate on whether its animation or live actionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures)
Mufasadirector Barry Jenkins has addressed a long-standing debate surrounding 2019’s remake ofThe Lion King, which now affects the upcoming prequel too. Should they be classified as animated movies or live action?
In anexclusive interviewwith GamesRadar+ and Total Film, Jenkins gives a very definitive answer about Mufasa. “Absolutely, yeah, it’s an animated film,” he asserts.
“I am communicating constantly with these animators who are trying to manipulate these somewhat photorealistic sort of models in a way that is expressive. And so because of that, I don’t think of it as live action. I do think of it as animation… It’s just a very different tool.”
Back in 2019, the remake of The Lion King was marketed as a live action movie, sparking some controversy over the accuracy of that classification. After all, and even with its photorealistic style, the film was almost completely made with a computer.
The prequel was made using the same techniques, but it seems like this time Jenkins and his team are acknowledging it is, indeed, an animated movie.
Arriving in theaters just before Christmas, Mufasa centers on the life and legacy of Simba’s dad, exploring his early life as an orphaned cub and his formative years that led him to become king.
The film brings back part of the cast from the 2019 film, including Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, Seth Rogen as Pumba, Billy Eichner as Timon, and John Kani as Rafiki, whileRebel Ridgestar Aaron Pierre joins the group as Mufasa.
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Other newcomers include Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nymon as Zazu, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Lennie James as Taka’s father, Ankia Noni Rose as Mufasa’s father, and Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of Nala and Simba.
Mufasa: The Lion King arrives on December 20, 2024. While you wait, check out our guide to all theupcoming Disney movies.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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2
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3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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2
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
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4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”