James Earl Jones to Return as Mufasa in Live-Action 'The Lion King' Prequel

The Legendary Actor Will Voice the Iconic Character Once Again

The upcoming prequel will explore Mufasa's early life and rise to the throne.

James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Mufasa in the original 1994 animated film "The Lion King," is set to reprise his role in the upcoming live-action prequel. The film, currently titled "Mufasa: The Lion King," will delve into the early life of the beloved character, exploring his journey to becoming the wise and respected king of the Pride Lands.

Jones' involvement in the prequel adds an exciting layer of authenticity to the project. His deep, resonant voice has become synonymous with Mufasa, and his return to the role is sure to delight fans of the original film. The prequel will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about Mufasa's past, his relationships, and the challenges he faced before becoming king.

The live-action prequel is directed by Barry Jenkins, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk." Jenkins is known for his intimate and emotionally resonant storytelling, which suggests that the prequel will offer a fresh and nuanced perspective on the "Lion King" universe.

The release date for "Mufasa: The Lion King" has not yet been announced, but production is expected to begin in early 2024. The film is part of Disney's ongoing live-action adaptations of its classic animated films, following the success of "The Jungle Book," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Lion King" (2019).

James Earl Jones is an American actor with a career spanning over six decades. He has won numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. Jones is best known for his voice performances as Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise and Mufasa in "The Lion King." He has also appeared in films such as "Field of Dreams," "Patriot Games," and "The Hunt for Red October."