Exploring Disney’s New Chapter: Mufasa: The Lion King
Disney continues to broaden the Lion King franchise with the upcoming film Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel and sequel to the 2019 live-action adaptation. This follows the tremendous success of Jon Favreau’s previous reimagining of the beloved 1994 animated classic, which amassed an impressive $1.6 billion at the box office. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this new installment centers on the formative years of Mufasa and his brother Taka—who later becomes known as Scar—while being told through the eyes of Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa to the daughter of Simba and Nala.
This film represents the fifth entry into the Lion King movie series. The original animated feature and its 2019 remake were both released exclusively in theaters, while two animated sequels were produced for direct-to-DVD. Despite the variety of formats, audiences have consistently preferred experiencing the Lion King saga on the big screen, showcasing their enthusiasm for each new chapter. Disney has committed to a theatrical release for Mufasa, but viewers will have additional opportunities to enjoy the film in different settings over time.
Mufasa: The Lion King Hits Theaters on December 20, 2024
Exclusive Theatrical Release for The Lion King Prequel
Disney has slated Mufasa: The Lion King for an exclusive theatrical release beginning on December 20, 2024, coinciding with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Fans eager to be among the first to witness this latest addition will need to head to their local theaters. Viewers can choose from several formats, including IMAX and 3D, contingent on the capabilities of their local cinemas. It’s advisable to check local showtimes for available formats and screening times.
Locate Showtimes for Mufasa: The Lion King
Theatrical showtimes will run from Friday, December 20, onward. Find specific showtimes and availability through the following links:
Watch the trailer here
Mufasa: The Lion King Streaming Release Date
Coming Soon to Disney+
While the exact date for Mufasa: The Lion King to stream on Disney+ is yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that the film will eventually debut there. Based on Disney’s historical practices, the streaming premiere could likely happen in March 2025, as the company often waits approximately 100 days post-theatrical release for major films to transition to streaming. For instance, The Little Mermaid debuted on streaming 103 days after it left theaters, leading to speculation that Mufasa’s streaming release might extend to April 2025.
Mufasa: The Lion King Digital Release Timing
Uncertain PVOD Release Date
In addition to its Disney+ streaming release, Mufasa: The Lion King is expected to be available for purchase or rental via PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) shortly after its theatrical run. Typically, Disney films are made accessible digitally approximately 60 days after their initial release. Thus, fans might see Mufasa: The Lion King become available around February 2025. While box office performance can vary, Disney generally adheres closely to this 60-day window for digital distribution.
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