‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Ending, Explained: Could There Be a Third Movie?

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As a lifelong Disney enthusiast who has watched The Lion King more times than I care to admit, I must say that Mufasa: The Lion King is a truly captivating prequel that offers an enticing glimpse into the untold story of our beloved king. Having grown up with Simba and Nala’s adventures in the original film, it was fascinating to delve deeper into their family history and see how Mufasa and Scar’s complex relationship unfolded.

As a follower, I’m excited to share that I’m part of Disney’s big holiday season release: “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel directed by the esteemed Barry Jenkins, Oscar-winning director of “Moonlight.” This captivating tale delves into the profound bond between Mufasa and his adopted brother Taka (portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who will eventually become Scar. It also unveils how Mufasa met his future wife Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), his Mandrill friend and spiritual advisor Rafiki (played by Kagiso Lediga as the younger version and John Kani as the older version), and his future advisor Zazu (Preston Nyman).

Although “Mufasa: The Lion King” serves as a prequel, viewers are already aware of the story’s direction. However, it cleverly reinterprets certain aspects from “The Lion King,” adding new dimensions to them. With a concluding segment that takes place post-“The Lion King,” “Mufasa” could potentially pave the way for “Lion King 3,” a sequel combining two of “The Lion King’s” most beloved follow-ups. Despite the lack of a post-credit scene, there are numerous hints and setups in this prequel that suggest a promising future for the franchise.

How Mufasa Becomes King

In the movie “Mufasa: The Lion King,” Mufasa embarks on a quest for a legendary place called Milele. This mysterious land is often thought of as a myth by some lions, but others like Mufasa’s parents and the wise ape Rafiki believe it to be real. Eventually, they discover that Milele is none other than The Pride Lands. Simultaneously, Mufasa yearns to find his long-lost parents, whom he was separated from at the start of the film.

Following the rescue of Milele from the wicked Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), Mufasa is rejoined with his birth mother, Afia (voiced by Anika Noni Rose, famously known for The Princess and the Frog). To Mufasa’s dismay, he discovers that his father, Masego (Keith David), had tragically passed away. Taking up the mantle, Mufasa assumes the role of the new king in Milele, standing proudly atop the newly exposed Pride Rock – a monumental structure unveiled during the film’s climactic moments.

Mufasa wasn’t born into royalty, but was chosen by the animals of Milele due to his bravery and leadership. This version of The Lion King challenges the idea that kingship is inherited; instead, it suggests that leadership skills are what truly matter. In this reimagining, both Mufasa and Simba aren’t privileged with a special bloodline that makes them fit for rule; they rise to their positions through their exceptional leadership qualities. Conversely, Taka/Scar, who is the last of the royal lineage, has a different motivation behind his desire for the throne and bitterness towards Mufasa.

Taka Betrays Mufasa

Ever since “The Lion King” graced our screens back in 1994, there’s been a lingering curiosity about Scar – was his name always a reflection of his character, or did it come later due to the scar on his face? Did he have another name before, or were his parents prescient enough to foresee his future and give him that name? Now, “Mufasa: The Lion King” delves into Scar’s origins, offering intriguing insights from every angle.

In the movie Mufasa: The Lion King, it’s revealed that Scar, originally named Taka, isn’t biologically related to Mufasa but was adopted by him. When Mufasa was a cub and had gotten lost, Taka found him and allowed him to stay in the pack, ensuring he would have a brother. Mufasa owes his life to Taka, as Taka intentionally lost a race that allowed Mufasa to remain with their family.

The Final Showdown

In the heat of the battle between Mufasa and Kiros, as Kiros was about to deliver the final blow, Taka bravely stepped in, taking a blow to his left eye instead. This selfless act left him with a distinctive scar. With newfound unity, Taka and Mufasa then joined forces against Kiros. In the ensuing struggle, both Mufasa and Kiros were sent tumbling into the water. A massive rock landed near Kiros, seemingly dooming Mufasa to drown. But in an unexpected twist of events, Taka managed to save his brother by clutching onto him when he grasped a nearby rock and pulled Mufasa up to safety.

In this scenario, Taka humbly asks for forgiveness from Mufasa, yet Zazu suggests that Taka should be exiled instead. Mufasa declares that so long as he reigns as king, his brother will always find a home in the Pride Lands. However, Mufasa expresses an intention to never mention his brother’s name again, as it brings too much pain. In response, Taka adopts a new identity and calls himself Scar.

It’s perplexing indeed why Mufasa chose to keep Scar in Milele, given he now understands that Scar cannot be relied upon and believes his position as king is rightfully his due by birthright. This choice to trust Scar in The Lion King seems even more puzzling in light of the fact that he has already betrayed him once before. However, Mufasa harbors some unshakeable affection for his brother, which plays a role in this decision. Additionally, Mufasa feels obligated due to a promise he made to Scar’s parents to protect him, and this sense of duty may be influencing his actions.

Does ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Set Up A Third Movie?

Possibly a Remake of Lion King II?

One intriguing aspect of “Mufasa: The Lion King” is its unique blend as a prequel to the original “The Lion King“, yet it incorporates elements from numerous spin-offs of the franchise. Characters and references from the last three decades of Lion King media can be found in this movie, making it the first time a Disney remake has done so.

Instead of abandoning the storyline from The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride for Mufasa: The Lion King, there’s still potential to revisit it in the future. If Disney decides to create a third Lion King movie, they could incorporate elements from The Lion King II and even draw inspiration from the popular Lion Guard television series. The framing scenes of Mufasa: The Lion King could take place during the time gap in The Lion King II, after Kiara has met Kovu, Scar’s adopted son. This change in family ties might have been done to emphasize that Kovu is Scar’s actual son, a concept initially intended for The Lion King II before it was revised, as this would eliminate any blood relation between Kovu and Kiara in future stories.

If the movie “Mufasa: The Lion King” proves successful, it’s not hard to imagine Disney developing this into a three-part series, spanning multiple generations of lions. The first film, “Mufasa,” sets the stage for a second, “The Lion King,” and potentially a third, where we see a granddaughter of Mufasa ascend the throne as Queen of Milele. This third movie could also conclude the story by illustrating that despite their differences, Mufasa’s lineage eventually learned to put aside their rivalries and find unity, much like how Mufasa himself defied the rules about who could become king.

I’ve yet to hear any official confirmations, but as of now, it appears that the upcoming “Mufasa: The Lion King” is trailing slightly behind the 2019 version. Nevertheless, the prospect of a trilogy delving into three generations of a family who defied and then redefined their role as rulers, with the final installment blending two cherished aspects of the original “Lion King” mythology into one film, is truly intriguing. It’s not often that I find myself looking forward to a Disney remake in such an enthusiastic manner.

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2024-12-20 17:02