Disney’s legacy continues with *Mufasa*, a prequel exploring Simba’s father’s childhood, directed by Barry Jenkins. Following the success of *The Lion King* remake, which grossed over $1.6 billion, this film features original music from Lebo M and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who emphasizes cultural collaboration and musical innovation. The soundtrack includes African-inspired songs, with themes of unity and nostalgia. *Mufasa*, featuring notable French voices, is currently in theaters, enriching the beloved franchise.
The Legacy of *The Lion King* Continues with *Mufasa*
At Disney, legacy plays a crucial role, and the legacy of *The Lion King* is particularly significant. This beloved animated classic has been transformed into a breathtaking remake that fuses live-action with digital artistry, featuring the melodious voice of Beyoncé in the original version. With a staggering global box office performance exceeding $1.6 billion, this remake stands as the second highest-grossing film, only surpassed by the emotional farewell of *Avengers: Endgame*. The latest installment, *Mufasa*, which hits theaters on December 18, delves into the childhood of Simba’s father, visioned by Jeff Nathanson and brought to life by Oscar-nominated director Barry Jenkins, known for his work on *Moonlight*.
Musical Innovations and Timeless Connections
The musical heritage tied to *The Lion King* is equally profound. Three out of the five songs crafted by Elton John and Tim Rice have received Oscar nominations. ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ (known in French as ‘L’amour brille sous les étoiles’) is expected to take home the award alongside Hans Zimmer’s score, which is poised to win for best music. To carry on this iconic musical tradition, Disney turned to the Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has made waves with *Hamilton* and has previously collaborated with Disney on projects like *Mary Poppins Returns*, *Moana*, and *Encanto*.
Lebo M’s voice is the first you encounter in the original film, and it also opens this new cinematic experience. The seven original songs he composed for *Mufasa* resonate with the classic tunes we all cherish.
“These original tracks are indeed timeless,” he reflects. “I recall wearing out the CD of the 1994 soundtrack, which later evolved when the Broadway adaptation was introduced. Julie Taymor’s visionary work prompted Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and the original film’s collaborators to create a fresh musical landscape, expanding what *The Lion King* can embody. Writing these new songs felt like stepping into an entirely new genre of music. You can instantly tell when you’re capturing the essence of *The Lion King*. I was pleasantly surprised by the narrative in Barry Jenkins’ script, which guided me in the right direction. The connection to the original soundtrack is further solidified by the remarkable Lebo M, who arranged all the African choir elements in my songs, making his presence felt from the very beginning.”
When discussing the unique sound of *The Lion King*, he notes, “It’s deeply rooted in African harmonies and rhythms. Yet, it encompasses a broad spectrum! With the South African harmonies introduced by Lebo M, we explore various rhythms throughout the score.”
Miranda has a knack for collaborating with artists representing the cultures depicted on screen. “It’s amusing how people joke that all my Broadway musicals are set in New York, reflecting my attachment to the city. However, Disney allows me to traverse the globe! For *Moana*, I flew to New Zealand to connect with Pacific artists, including the brilliant Opetaia Foa’i. My journey to Colombia for *Encanto* was equally enriching, working alongside incredible Latin talents. In *Mufasa*, the collaboration flows seamlessly between Lebo M, Mark Mancina, and myself as we jammed together in Mark’s studio in Carmel, California, exploring new musical ideas.”
When it comes to songwriting, Miranda emphasizes the importance of flexibility. “Each song has its own journey. A significant insight for me was realizing how a fitting title can shape the entire piece. Many song titles were already part of the script. For ‘I Who Dreamed of Having a Brother,’ Barry and his collaborator Nicholas Britell had laid the groundwork. I asked for their input to guide my writing, and from the initial bass line, I was inspired to build the entire composition.”
“’We Go Together’ (‘Il faut des copains’) is inspired by a well-known African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ It was a joy to set this saying to music, especially as it resonated with the film’s themes. I also insisted on including a villain song, ‘Bye Bye,’ because ‘Be Prepared’ from the original *Lion King* is a classic. I pitched the idea to Barry, suggesting that the combination of Mads Mikkelsen’s voice and dancehall reggae rhythms could create a unique auditory experience.”
However, some fans may wonder why Timon and Pumbaa don’t have a new song. “They’re not central to this storyline! They shine in the film with their humor and already have one of the most iconic songs, ‘Hakuna Matata,’ so I think they’re perfectly fine without an additional number!”
*Mufasa*, featuring the French voices of Tahar Rahim, Gwendal Marimoutou, Jamel Debbouze, and Alban Ivanov, is currently showing in theaters.