The first reviews for Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, have been a mixed bag, with critics offering a range of opinions on the film's emotional depth, execution, and relevance within the wider Lion King franchise. As a prequel to the beloved 1994 classic, the film was always going to come under close scrutiny, and the initial reactions suggest that while it has its moments, it also leaves room for debate about its necessity and overall impact.
The BBC review took a sharply critical stance, calling Mufasa: The Lion King “as pointless as that description makes it sound” and labelling it a “contrived cash-in.” The review raised concerns that the film does little more than try to capitalize on the established success of the Lion King franchise, offering very little that feels fresh or new. It took issue with the film’s focus on answering “questions that nobody was asking in the first place,” such as exploring Mufasa's early life and the complex dynamic between him and his brother, Scar. While acknowledging the talents of the filmmakers, including Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the BBC questioned why such high-caliber artists would choose to invest their time in a project that felt more like a commercial endeavor than an artistic one. The review also noted that the film might find a niche audience among the most die-hard Lion King fans but suggested that casual viewers would likely find it underwhelming.
In contrast, The Guardian offered a more nuanced take, pointing out that Scar’s storyline seemed to hold more weight and emotional resonance than Mufasa’s, and in hindsight, perhaps the film would have been better suited to focusing on the more complex antagonist. While the review did praise the film’s ambition in attempting to deepen the Lion King narrative, it critiqued the music, calling the score “forgettable” and describing the overall experience as “a minor cousin to the first film’s movie royalty.” In other words, while the film might be enjoyable for those looking for additional Lion King content, it didn’t do enough to live up to the monumental legacy of the original.
Variety offered a more positive perspective, commending Jenkins for his emotional treatment of Mufasa’s character. The review appreciated how the film provided a richer understanding of Mufasa's role as a father figure, adding layers to the original story. It noted that Jenkins succeeded in offering “rich emotional context,” which not only expanded on the character’s backstory but also provided a potential pathway for future sequels within the franchise. While Variety acknowledged that the film might not have been groundbreaking, it argued that it succeeded in laying the groundwork for a more nuanced interpretation of Mufasa and his relationship with his brother, Scar.
On the visual front, Empire criticized the film’s heavy reliance on photorealism, which, according to the review, clashed with the more emotional and intimate tone of the narrative. The review described the use of 3D-calibrated framing and snout-focused shots as overly artificial, detracting from the overall emotional engagement. It felt that the film, while certainly well-meaning, lacked the personal touch and depth that Jenkins is known for. Despite its technical achievements and stunning visuals, the film’s aesthetic choices were seen as a mismatch for the emotional narrative it tried to convey. The review concluded that while the film might be considered “inoffensive,” it fell short in terms of what one would expect from a director of Jenkins’ caliber.
Meanwhile, USA Today struck a more balanced tone, suggesting that Mufasa: The Lion King was a definite improvement over the 2019 remake of the original Lion King film. The review highlighted the film’s exploration of identity, friendship, and empathy, which provided a solid emotional backbone to the prequel. However, it also pointed out that the film's frequent shifts between Rafiki’s backstory and present-day scenes could be jarring, and the film ultimately felt more geared toward children than adults. It was noted that the film’s pacing and structure could leave older viewers feeling somewhat disconnected from the storyline, though the younger audience would likely find much to enjoy.
In the context of its overall place within the Lion King franchise, Mufasa: The Lion King is shaping up to be a polarizing addition to Disney’s portfolio. The film’s attempts to expand on the mythology of Mufasa and explore deeper emotional layers for the iconic lion king have drawn praise from some corners, while others have dismissed the prequel as a needless cash grab that doesn’t add enough to justify its existence. Its technical achievements, including its stunning visuals and the performances of the cast, have been praised, but the execution and narrative choices have left critics questioning whether the film truly lives up to its potential.
As the release date of December 20 approaches, it will be interesting to see how broader audiences react to the film. Will the emotional depth and technical prowess be enough to overcome the criticism that it is an unnecessary prequel, or will Mufasa: The Lion King find its place as a unique chapter in the ongoing Lion King saga? Only time will tell, but for now, the film stands as a bold experiment in expanding the world of the beloved franchise, with both its successes and shortcomings on full display.
