Mufasa Rotten Tomatoes Rating Shows Minor Improvement Compared to 2019 Lion King Remake

Mufasa: The Lion King has made its debut, achieving a slightly improved Rotten Tomatoes score compared to its 2019 predecessor, The Lion King remake. The latter ended up being a significant box office success, amassing over $1 billion globally, yet it divided critics. The latest film, unlike a traditional remake, presents itself as both a prequel and a sequel to the 2019 film. It revolves around Rafiki (voiced by John Kani), who narrates the story of young Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and his brother Scar, once referred to as Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), to Mufasa’s granddaughter, Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter).

Currently, Mufasa: The Lion King holds a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a modest rise from the 51% score received by the 2019 version. With a total of 55 reviews accounted for, this score is likely to fluctuate as additional critiques emerge over the opening weekend. Notably, Mufasa: The Lion King has not yet accumulated a Popcornmeter score, while its predecessor boasts a commendable 88% rating.

Implications for Mufasa: The Lion King

Mixed Responses from Critics

Simba and Mufasa in The Lion King (2019)

The debut Tomatometer score for Mufasa: The Lion King has been underwhelming, particularly given the overwhelmingly positive initial reactions to the film. In her review by ScreenRant, Rachel LaBonte rated it seven out of ten stars, commending its ability to “justify its existence by telling a compelling story.”She noted Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Mufasa, praising the youthful gravitas that he brings to the character. The film’s strengths are largely attributed to Director Barry Jenkins’ artistic vision, along with the performances by Pierre and Harrison.

Despite these strengths, critics have voiced concerns regarding the film’s visual aesthetics. Similar to the criticisms targeted at the 2019 film, reviewers have commented on the challenges of making realistic animals appear expressive. Although Mufasa: The Lion King attempts to address this issue, it may not have fully succeeded. Additionally, many reviews have criticized the soundtrack, labeling it as forgettable.

Assessing Mufasa: The Lion King’s Rotten Tomatoes Debut

Limited Impact on General Appeal and Box Office Performance

Young Mufasa looking scared in Mufasa: The Lion King

While I anticipated a higher Rotten Tomatoes score for Mufasa: The Lion King, it has not swayed my enthusiasm for the film. The score is unlikely to deter its box office performance. I remain intrigued by Jenkins’ distinct narrative exploring the origins of Mufasa and Scar, which promises to provide a fresh perspective rather than rehash the beloved original.

The mixed reviews of the 2019 version did not prevent it from becoming one of that year’s top-grossing films. Given that Mufasa: The Lion King is a family-oriented feature aimed at the holiday season and connected to a beloved franchise, it is well-positioned to achieve considerable box office success. Although the current landscape differs from 2019, leading to a likelihood that it may not replicate its predecessor’s financial milestones, the film is expected to perform solidly at the box office, regardless of its Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Source & Images