Mufasa: The Lion Kinghas divided critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, similar to the 2019 remake. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the prequel once againemploys photorealism and tells the story of Mufasa, eventual king of the Pride Lands, andTaka, who later becomes Scar. The movie, released on December 20, brings back several voice actors, including Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, but adds Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Aaron Pierre, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Now thatMufasa: The Lion Kinghas premiered in theaters, the scores onRotten Tomatoesreveal a disconnect. The Popcornmeter, currently at 89%, is a noticeable contrast from the critic-based Tomatometer, which only stands at 57%.This kind of division happened back in 2019 as well, when critical reception ofThe Lion Kingwas negative, but audiences gave the movie an 88% on the aggregator.
What Contrasting Reviews Mean For Mufasa: The Lion King
Critics And Audiences Appreciate Different Things
Polarizing reactions toMufasa: The Lion Kingsuggest that critics and audiences have their own expectations. Critics have pointed out numerous drawbacks of the movie, including the animation style, which has been changed to give animals more discernible expressions, but continues to appear dull. WhileLin-Manuel Miranda created new songs for the prequel, it’s lacking “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” or music of that kind as well. Furthermore, some may view the film as a money grab, afterThe Lion Kingremake earned over $1 billion.
How Mufasa Really Became The Lion King, Changing Everything We’ve Known For 30 Years
Mufasa: The Lion King shows how the titular lion becomes the king of the Pride Lands, retconning the original story and changing everything we know.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingis family friendly, andthat broad appeal could partially explain the impressive audience scoreon Rotten Tomatoes. The returning voice actors, notably Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen, are another bright spot. Timon and Pumbaa, who were standouts from the 2019 movie, continue impacting the humor, and audiences get to see a little more of Simba, Nala, and Rafiki, too. Those nostalgic for the original animated film will also find things to enjoy here, becauseMufasa: The Lion Kingfeatures several callbacks.
Our Take On These Mufasa: The Lion King Reviews
Polarizing Reactions Were Bound To Happen Again
Based on the reception towardsThe Lion King, following its release in 2019, another divide between critics and audiences seemed unavoidable. As of present,the remake of Disney’s cherished 1994 animated film holds a score of 51%on Rotten Tomatoes, while the Popcornmeter remains at 88%. Particular criticism pointed to the CGI and lackluster story adaptation, and now, similar issues regardingMufasa: The Lion Kingare being raised. However, audiences appreciated seeing the world and characters photorealistically brought to life, so they were more likely to enjoy the prequel, and that may be all that matters.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
