Mufasa: The Lion King trailer out: Rafiki sheds light on Mufasa's rise, watch

Disney has unveiled the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, an upcoming prequel serving as both an origin story and follow-up to the 2019 photorealistic remake of the classic animated film. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the music-filled movie will delve into the backstory of Mufasa, Simba's wise and compassionate father.

Mufasa: The Lion King trailer out: Rafiki sheds light on Mufasa’s rise, watch

The trailer release coincides with the announcement of some exciting casting news. Blue Ivy Carter will make her film debut as Kiara, Simba and Nala's daughter, while Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reprises her role as Nala from the 2019 film.

Mufasa: The Lion King employs a unique storytelling approach. Rafiki narrates the tale of a young, orphaned Mufasa to Kiara, Simba and Nala's cub. Through flashbacks, we witness Mufasa's unlikely friendship with Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. Together, this group of misfits embark on a journey that will test their bonds and define their destinies.

The official logline reads, “Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”