Mufasa: The Lion Kingbegins by honoring the past.
The screen then reveals text that reads, “In remembrance of James Earl Jones.”
However, directorBarry Jenkinsfelt compelled to honor the late actor in some way.
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ pays tribute to James Earl Jones in the opening credits.Disney; Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty
or ‘We have to do something for 30 years [the anniversary of the originalLion King].’
I grew up without a father figure.
I wanted to find a way to honor that."
Young Mufasa and Taka (future Scar) in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.Walt Disney Studios/ YouTube
Jenkins closed his eyes and imagined himself sitting in a theater.
“I heard his voice,” he continues.
“It just felt like it was something that we had to do.”
“It was a gut choice.”
The story follows a young Mufasa as a great flood separates him from his parents.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill play in theaters starting Dec. 20.
