A Plot Synopsis, Film Clips & Behind-The-Scenes Footage from the Movie 'Mufasa'
Written by Michael Lee
*All Media used in this article is courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Official Trailer: ‘Mufasa’ (2024)
Plot Synopsis
The film begins sometime after Simba is crowned king of the Pride Lands. Simba and Nala have since birthed a daughter, Kira, and are now expecting another cub. Nala is on the brink of labor, so Simba and Nala make way to some faraway oasis so that Nala can give birth in peace. Simba and Nala have asked Timon and Pumbaa to watch over their daughter while they are away. Sometime after their departure, Rafiki visits, intent on sharing stories with Kira of her grandfather Mufasa and his relationship with his younger brother Scar.
‘Mufasa’ Film Clip: “I Always Wanted a Brother Song Pt. 1” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
We learn that Mufasa was born to a very small pride of only himself and his parents, Masego and Afia, all of whom put their beliefs into a Milele, a mythical land. Later, a flood strikes upon the pride, killing his father Masego. Afia and Mufasa attempt to flee, but because of Mufasa’s fear, he is unable to grab on to his mother, and he is swept away by the raging tides.
‘Mufasa’ Film Clip: “We’re Trapped” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Later, Mufasa, after being swept away, encounters a dangerous group of young crocodiles after the flood has dried away. Taka, a royal cub, attempts to save him, but Taka’s mother, Queen Eshe, intervenes. Eshe goes on to accept Mufasa as her son, although reluctantly. Her husband and Taka’s father, King Obasi, is openly against the idea of his wife adopting an outsider. Obasi threatens to eat Mufasa. To prove himself, he races with Taka so that he can prove himself worthy of joining their pride. Mufasa is exhausted after his journey, so Taka concedes defeat so that Mufasa can be accepted into their pride.
‘Mufasa’ Film Clip: “Who are the Outsiders?” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Taka and Mufasa grow up together and the two form an exceptional familial bond. While Queen Eshe is out teaching Mufasa how to properly hunt, they are bombarded by two white lions, who attack the two of them. Mufasa kills one, but the other escapes unharmed. Taka was also accompanying his mother and Mufasa on the hunt, but when the white lions attacked, Taka cowered in fear. The white lion that escaped Mufasa reports back to their leader, Kiros, who is the leader of a pride called the Outsiders, which consist of white furred lions banished for the color of their fur. Kiros happens to be the father of the lion that Mufasa killed, so Kiros, and his sisters Amara and Akua, swear to avenge their family’s name. The three convene on the pride of Obasi and Eshe, killing them both. They chase Mufasa and Taka, but the two escape into a river.
‘Mufasa’ Film Clip: “Why are You Following Us?” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Later, Mufasa and Taka encounter a lioness named Sarabi, her scout Zazu, and a younger Rafiki. Rafiki is traveling to the infamous Miele, in order to bring truth to a prophetic vision where he saw a ‘brother’. Mufasa and Taka tag along and together the group makes their way towards Milele. Soon, Taka begins developing feelings for Sarabi. As they continue their journey, they realize that the Outsiders are hot on their tail, so Sarabi uses bees in order to cause an elephant stampede in order to keep them at bay. They manage to escape, but Sarrabi falls and becomes injured in the process. Mufasa is forced to save her, though he later lies to Sarabi, informing her that it was actually Taka who saved her.
‘Mufasa’ Featurette: “Beyonce & Blue Booth-To-Screen” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Later, the group hides out in order for Sarabi to heal. Sarabi informes Muufasa that she knows he lied and that he in fact saved her. They soon fall in love. Taka, rife with jealousy, goes to meet Kiros and the rest of the Outsiders, offering up a chance to kill Mufasa to pay for his son’s death. The group finally reaches Milele, a lush Oasis just like Mufasa’s parents envisioned. Throughout the journey, Taka has been leaving signs for the Outsiders to follow in order to kill Mufasa.
‘Mufasa’ Featurette: “Booth-To-Screen” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Finally, Rafiki finds the tree from his previous vision, insisting that the brother he sought was indeed Mufasa. At this revelation, the Outsiders attack. Mufasa, while engaged with Kiros, learns of Taka’s revenge for this romance with Sarabi. Mufasa rallies the animals of Mielele to fight off the Outsiders, while Kiros corners Mufasa into a cave. After seeing his brother weakened, Taka grows guilty, intervenes in the fight. They attempt to overthrow Kiros, but Kiros swipes a paw over Taka’s eye, leaving a nasty scar. Rafiki causes a cave-in and subsequent flood, which kills Amara and Akuna as they attempt to kill Sarabi.
‘Mufasa’ Featurette: “Lebo M: Godfather Of The Lion King” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Kiros then tries to drown Mufasa, but Mufasa uses a falling rock to his advantage, sending Kiros falling to his death. Taka briefly considers drowning his brother, but he ultimately helps Mufasa out of the water. After the flood, Rafiki dubs Mufasa and Sarabi the King and Queen. Mufasa is later reunited with his mother, Afia, who tells him that Msaego died in the flood that took him away from her.
‘Mufasa’ Featurette: “Music of Mufasa” • Video Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
Later, Mufasa decides to confront Taka about his betrayal, ultimately allowing him to stay with their pride. However, Mufasa refuses to call Taka by name, simply referring to him as Scar. Taka renames himself Scar, and watches Mufasa as he descends upon the newly formed Pride Rock, rooting for the first time as King.
Kira, also atop Pride Rock, has the spirit of her grandfather Mufasa lingering over her, watching as Simba and Nala return with her new sibling.
