Disney’s Mufasa is now out in theaters. This film takes audiences back to the origins of one of its most iconic characters. This prequel, directed by Barry Jenkins, explores how Mufasa rose from an orphaned cub to the ruler of Pride Rock.

As Disney brings yet another live-action film, the stunning visuals and beautiful landscapes make this film unlike any other live-action. Mufasa also highlights themes of leadership, resilience, and legacy, but does it live up to the greatness of the 1994 classic? While some praise its visuals and deep character development, others feel it falls short of the emotional impact of The Lion King. “I didn’t have high expectations because of the negative reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and special effects,” Fernando Altmann, senior, said.

Going into the movie, people were uncertain about what to expect. Early reviews are very mixed; some of them are negative, and others are more praising. The film manages to surprise in several ways, proving that even a story with familiar roots can still offer something new. As this film has sparked debate among fans, we must go and judge for ourselves rather than be misguided by reviews. “The film appeals to multiple generations such as parents who loved The Lion King can enjoy it, and younger audiences get introduced to Mufasa’s story,” Pablo Nicholls, senior, said.

One of the best things about the original Lion King is that it was a movie for everybody that all generations could enjoy, Mufasa has delivered the same emotional aspect in that it doesn’t matter how young or old you are this film will fulfill the legacy of the first. It captures the essence of what made the original so special, bringing back the same sense of wonder, adventure, and emotional depth. The film doesn’t just retell a familiar story it expands it, deepening the connection of characters while staying true to what made them iconic. “The film marks an improvement over Disney’s previous attempt at live-action adaptations, offering more refined CGI,” Samuel Mendivelso, Grade 10, said.

Being this another attempt of Disney transitioning to the adaptation of live-action movies, the audience praises the excellent job in which CGI has been adapted bringing aspects from Africa and new landscapes This film brings a huge level of realism. From the rich environments to the lifelike characters, the film proves that technology can enhance storytelling without losing its heart. “I think the music was great. I think overall it was good,” Nicholls said.

The soundtracks of The Lion King are iconic and are one of the aspects that make this movie memorable, In Mufasa the studio pays tribute to the original but this time makes their own hits making a soundtrack that people love, repeating the pattern of making this movie stand out because of its songs. “I mean, yes, you can see a lot of character development and you really get to know Mufasa’s story,” Altmann said. 

Mufasa’s death was tragic, making Lion King fans want more to know about his origin, It was impressive to see how the story fitted so smoothly, letting fanatics understand why Scar hates Mufasa, as in the original in this movie love is an important thematic introducing how Nana and Mufasa fell in love “Because, for example, my dad, my mom, and my dad love The Lion King. So for them to see the origin of Mufasa, it’s really great because it has a wide variety. After all, parents who watched the movies before can reflect on what they watched as they were children.” Nicholls said.

This tribute to nostalgia does not end there as this sequel can be the beginning of a new Lion King universe in which they can expand in new characters that were introduced such as white lions. Adults will have great memories and flashbacks when watching this film while a new generation of audiences can enjoy the origin of one of the most iconic characters of the Disney franchise. “Rotten Tomatoes provides this movie with a 58%. Would you put it in there? Would you give it more? Would you give it less? I think it’s around, like 65-64%, but around that range,” Mendivelso said.