‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Roars onto Disney+ in March 2025

Get ready to return to the Pride Lands because “Mufasa: The Lion King” is officially hitting Disney+ this month. This highly anticipated prequel to the 2019 live-action “The Lion King” remake dives deep into Mufasa’s backstory, exploring how he went from an orphaned cub to the legendary king we all know. If you missed it in theaters (or just want to experience the story again) you won’t have to wait much longer to stream it from the comfort of your living room couch.

A King’s Origin Story

Directed by Barry Jenkins, “Mufasa: The Lion King” takes us back in time to Mufasa’s early days, long before he ruled the Pride Lands. The story unfolds through narration by Rafiki (played by Kagiso Lediga), giving us a glimpse into the Mufasa’s past, including his bond (and eventual rivalry) with his brother, Taka, who later takes the name Scar.

The film brings back some familiar voices, like Donald Glover (Simba), Billy Eichner (Timon), and Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), while introducing new stars like Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Scar), and even (in her feature film debut) Blue Ivy Carter as Princess Kiara. The cast alone is stacked, and with Jenkins at the helm, this is shaping up to be an emotional and visually stunning expansion of the “Lion King” legacy.

Epic Music & Jaw-Dropping Visuals

What’s a “Lion King” movie without powerful music? This time, Lin-Manuel Miranda steps in to write new songs, blending fresh sounds with the classic “Lion King” vibes. Miranda told The New York Times, “When I read the script, the first lump in my throat I got was in that moment where Taka throws the race with Mufasa, and he’s like, ‘I have a secret. I always wanted a brother.’ That’s one where the title jumped out from the dialogue,” when asked about the inspiration for some of the songs for “Mufasa.” Dave Metzger takes on the score, incorporating themes from Hans Zimmer’s original compositions, so expect a mix of nostalgia and new energy.

On the visual side, “Mufasa” sticks with the photorealistic animation style of the 2019 remake of “The Lion King,” bringing the Pride Lands and its inhabitants to life in stunning detail. Entertainment Weekly movie reviewer Leah Greenblatt called the film, “a marvel of photorealism from the first frame, nearly indistinguishable from the real real.” Whether you loved or hated the hyper-realistic look of “The Lion King,” there’s no denying that “Mufasa” is a unique visual spectacle fit for a king.

Box Office Hit, Now Streaming Soon

“Mufasa: The Lion King” roared into theaters on December 20, 2024, raking in over $710 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo), making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. After its digital release on February 18, 2025, which gave viewers the opportunity to rent or purchase the film, fans have been waiting for the inevitable Disney+ drop.

Now, the wait is almost over; March 26, 2025, is the day “Mufasa: The Lion King” officially joins Disney’s streaming library, according to Variety. Whether you’re revisiting the story or experiencing it for the first time, it’s safe to say this one is a must-watch.