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When Disney announced that they were going to doMufasa: The Lion King, audiences were particularly not excited about the idea of a prequel. While the 2019Lion Kingadaptation was a big hit at the box office, fans of the original animated classic were not happy with the photorealistic approach of the animals and how it took them out of the emotionality of the story.
When Barry Jenkins came in to directMufasa: The Lion King, there were hopes that the project might be great as the director has won an Oscar for 2016’sMoonlight. However, with the release of the first teaser trailer, fans continued to feel the same ‘soulless’ vibe of the 2019 adaptation, despite Jenkins saying otherwise.
Fans BelieveMufasa: The Lion KingAdds to Disney’s Soulless Remake Trend
The 2019Lion Kingadaptation was a departure from past Disney adaptations of their beloved animated classics. They took a risk by toeing the line between live-action and animation with a photorealistic take on the visuals and how the animals looked. Unfortunately, most felt that the photorealistic nature made the characters wooden and it led to the lack of emotional catharsis that aLion Kingnarrative should have.
“This sh*t is so goofy”: Mufasa: The Lion King Seemingly Changing the Most Important Plot Detail of Mufasa’s Story Could Horribly Backfire
With Disney doing a prequel film focusing on the origin story of Mufasa withMufasa: The Lion King, many were apprehensive about the project but Barry Jenkins has stated“There is nothing soulless about The Lion King”when commenting on the current trend of ‘soulless’ Disney remakes (onX). Once the trailer was released, fans were unfortunately reminded of how they felt when they watched 2019’sLion King.
OnX, fans were critical of the trailer and unfavorably compared it to the photorealistic version of the 2019 film. Many believed that they should have done it in animation with others even claiming that a second film was not warranted in the first place. Here are some of the reactions,
I’m sorry, but they could’ve made this an animated movie, with a new reformed animation style! That would’ve flat out slapped super hard, coupled with all the nostalgia that will come with it. That way, Kids (as they claim to be making the movie for) will have a feast too.
— Purp? (@purpyisgreat)August 16, 2025
It’s as soulless as the Lion King remake was…Disney really needs to get past this, this has to be expensive as heII.
Also Lin Manuel Miranda needs to go away. Enough already.
— Mandolango (@ItsMandolango)August 05, 2025
lol the lion king doesn’t need a sequel, that’s just pure greed talking. How about a new live action Disney film with a new story like jungle cruise? Remember that one?
— SamJReimer (@SamuelStark93)July 14, 2025
there was no need for a 2nd one tho
— ⚡ (@chaiaurcake)August 16, 2025
It’s soulless🤭
— 𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐇 (@texburg)August 20, 2025
Mufasa: The Lion King Will Make Fans Furious For Not Casting One Iconic Actor From Original 1994 Film Who Also Appeared in 2019 Remake
While the criticism around the trailer is understandable considering how the 2019Lion Kingturned out, Jenkins might bring a certain essence and depth to the story that connects fans emotionally (which the 2019 version most failed to do). It remains to be seen if Jenkins manages to turn the conversation around whenMufasa: The Lion Kingreleases this December.
Barry Jenkins Loved the Opportunity to Expand the World ofThe Lion King
WithMufasa: The Lion King, directorBarry Jenkinsis peeling back the layers ofThe Lion King’sstory that everyone has loved over the years. Being an origin story ofMufasa,it is going to be a brand new take on the lore with a new environment and new characters.
In an interview withEmpire, Jenkins revealed his excitement in expanding the scope ofThe Lion Kingwith his new film. He further stated that people are in for an entertaining adventure with deeper explorations of known characters and how they ended up together. The director said,
“We’re used to all these characters living together in this one place, and I think part of [the film’s] objective is to really show where all these people came from and how they ended up together. It was just cool for me to have the opportunity to expand the scope of what the world of The Lion King was, and in doing so, get to experience some of these really amazing environments.”
One Disturbing Mufasa: The Lion King Theory Suggests Simba’s Heroic Father Could Actually be a Usurper and it’s All Because of a Name
Actors like Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter return to voice Simba, Pumbaa, Timon, Rafiki and Nala from the 2019 remake. Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, and Blue Ivy Carter are joining the franchise with the new film.
Mufasa: The Lion Kinghits theatres on August 21, 2025.
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
