The D23 Expo 2022, held in Anaheim, California, brought almost an overload of movie information for fans. New movies were announced, and more details about upcoming releases were revealed. One among many of its new movie announcements includedMufasa: The Lion King.Rumors regarding the film have been swirling for quite some time, but most details were vague and obscure. The D23 Expo offered some much-needed clarity for fans. However, the manner in which the given clarity was received is up for debate.
Fromwhat we know, for now, award-winning director Barry Jenkins will spearhead the production. The limited preview footage showcased at the expo indicated that the movie would take on a live-action format. The information came to fans who had eagerly looked forwardto a prequelto one of Disney’s foundational films for quite some time. However, reactions were mixed, with some not too optimistic about the upcoming film. Many soon took to Twitter to express their views.
Disney Fans' Excitement for Mufasa
Given Disney’s reputation over many generations and the quality of most of the work they’ve produced, many fans were thrilled at the official announcement ofMufasa.WithThe Lion Kingbeing a staple film in many childhoods, the relationship between Mufasa and Scar had always been a point of intrigue for viewers.Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill hopefully bring answers to some of the questions that have remained shrouded in mystery.
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As user@LolitaContinuawrote, there are high expectations regarding what the movie may reveal.
“Finally going to know how Scar got his scar, what his original name before the scar was (some say Taka, some say Askari), why the hyenas were so scared of Mufasa and not all the other lions, how Timon and Pumba became friends and how Rafiki became friends with the Pride.”
Excitement for the release ofMufasaalso came with the hopes that the film would get a theatrical release. User@CoolSteve1985expressed their sentiments, saying:
“I can’t wait! I hope this movie goes to the theaters. I hate how majority of the movies these days are coming out on streaming platforms. The theaters need movies too to make money.”
Outright Rejection of the Prequel
Despite positive feedback from some fans, others were not too happy with the announcement. Many did not see the point in Disney making yet another movie that derived fromThe Lion Kingand felt that the narrative had been used too many times for the plot to have any uniqueness left in it. Given that the firstLion Kingmovie came to screens back in 1994, the question that fans have regarding how much more can be taken from the narrative is justified.
@andysignoretook to Twitter to say:
“No thanks… #Mufasa is another pointless Disney cash grab. I’m proud to say, I never watched 2019’s The Lion King… Already saw it a 100 times, done better, all the way since 1994. Someone did send me a clip of the “real animals” singing 😬 Yikes.”
Fans were also quick to pick up on how repetitive the franchise has become, despite the different stances taken in approaching it. Expressing sentiments along these lines,@de_stubenwrote:
“I will never understand the point of this movie being released like, why!!! It was not a movie anyone needed it’s just inferior while also being the SAME EXACT MOVIE, beat by beat, word for word.”
Opposition to Disney’s Live-Action Approach
Significant negativity towards the announcement also stemmed from the movie being set to be a live-action film. Fans vehemently opposed Disney’s decision to produce the movie in a live-action format. They centered their arguments on the fact that steering away from animation also took away the connection that viewers felt with the characters in the film.
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@SylvanasMedusaarticulating their thoughts on the cons of adopting a live-action approach toMufasa,said:
“Disney, please learn from your mistakes with the last live action Lion King movie. And listen to your viewers. Taking away literally 99% of the expressionalism in the animals to give them more “realism” took away their relatability and how we connected to the characters.”
Fans also expressed that they would have been more favorable towards the film if it had been 2-D animated.@ALTKeyProwrote that had the prequel been animated, they “might’ve given it a shot.” However, the fact that the film is set to be a live-action, made the film a “pass” for them. @ALTKeyPro’s sentiments are shared by many Disney fans who believe that theLion Kingmovies should just stick to their original animated format.
Defense Amidst Criticism
Despite the mounting criticism, defense for Disney and the film also emerged like a rose among thorns. User@sunnfl0wrdefended the live-action approach and credited Disney for attempting to put up an original production.
“Yes WE do need more Lion King movies. And no they didn’t ruin it with making a live action. To each their own, but I personally love Disneys live action movies and that they don’t make an absolute copy of the original each time. Please never stop Disney😁”
Fans' thoughts regarding Disney’sMufasa: The Lion Kingclearly take many forms. Both support and criticism exist in tandem. Given that the film is only set for release in 2024, no exact judgment regarding the movie can be made yet. Although a challenging path in terms of pleasing fans,director Barry Jenkinsmay give us something we don’t expect. Only time will tell.
