New Mufasa: The Lion King trailer explores Mufasa's backstory with Scar

Disney unveiled an extended preview of "Mufasa: The Lion King" during D23 on Friday night, reports Variety. The event started with performers who teased a portion of the movie's opening song. Director Barry Jenkins then took the stage and shared his feelings about the original film. "Like all of you, ‘The Lion King’ made an indelible mark on me," Jenkins stated. He expressed the remembrance of the music and emotions in the story of a father passing on a legacy to his son, leading a pride afresh and a young lion reaching his destiny.

Jenkins also revealed that Lin-Manuel Miranda will compose original songs for the movie. Miranda received a warm ovation while joining Jenkins to present a preview of "I Always Wanted a Brother."

The prequel, "Mufasa," is set before the events of the 2019 live-action remake. The story centers on the early life of Mufasa, who becomes the ruler of Pride Rock, and his threatening younger brother, Scar. Aaron Pierre voices a younger Mufasa, in contrast to James Earl Jones in the 1994 and 2019 versions. Kelvin Harrison Jr. voices Scar, alongside Jeremy Irons and Chiwetel Ejiofor in earlier films. Notably, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter returns to voice Nala, and her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, will portray Kiara, King Simba and Queen Nala's child.

The latest trailer depicts a young Mufasa and Scar, highlighting their evolving relationship from brotherhood to hostility.

New cast additions include Tiffany Boone as Sarabi; Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki; Preston Nyman as Zazu; Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a powerful lion with ambitious plans; Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi; Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia; and Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego.

"Mufasa" reunites Jenkins with key collaborators such as composer Nicholas Britell, editor Joi McMillon, and cinematographer James Laxton.

The 2019 remake, helmed by Jon Favreau, earned an impressive $1.66 billion worldwide, ranking as one of the seven Disney films to exceed the billion-dollar threshold that year.

"Mufasa: The Lion King" is set to premiere in theaters on December 20.

Earlier SSP told about the top action & adventure movies of 2023.