Barry Jenkins’ newest movie, Mufasa: The Lion King, serves as an origin story for the popular The Lion King character Mufasa which explains how he came to be king of the Pride Lands. The movie centers on Mufasa’s relationship with his adoptive brother Taka, who later becomes Scar, as the two grow up and ultimately become enemies. Mufasa: The Lion King‘s voice cast features many of the same stars as the previous film along with several talented additions, making it fun to watch and sing along with.
Along with the original set of animated movies and the 2019 “live-action” style remake, The Lion King franchise has explored the lives of multiple generations of leaders of Pride Rock. Now, with the box office success of Mufasa, it could be time for the series to return to its older animation style to continue telling Simba and his family’s story. While Mufasa: The Lion King makes use of a similar “live-action” style animation as its 2019 predecessor, the next movie in The Lion King franchise should make use of the animation style of the original because of one big box office trend.
It’s Been 21 Years Since Disney Has Made An Animated The Lion King Movie
The Series Is Due For A New Addition To Simba’s Story
The last traditionally animated Lion King movie was the 2004 direct-to-video movie The Lion King 1½, which served as a deeper look into Timon and Pumbaa’s lives before they met Simba in the events of the original The Lion King. The movie explains how the two meet, how their lives run parallel to Simba’s during his childhood, and finally, how they come to take care of him. Beyond elaborating on the events that happened in the first film, the movie also makes use of Timon and Pumbaa’s external commentary as they sit in a movie theater watching the events unfold, creating a funny additional layer.
Despite not being released in theaters, The Lion King 1½ was well received by critics, who highlighted the movie’s humor and the additional information about the world of The Lion King. The success of The Lion King 1½ could have been followed up with another movie at the time, but the movie series was sadly not continued until 2019. Even then, The Lion King (2019) was simply a remake of the 1994 movie and Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a prequel, so a new animated movie could instead be a sequel.
If Disney decided to go ahead with a new animated sequel to The Lion King, it would be able to incorporate both the financial success of the new versions and the lovable emotional aspects of the originals.
Additionally, while the new Lion King movies have been financially successful, some critics have argued that the “live action” pH๏τorealistic animation style actually takes away from the emotional moments because the more realistic-looking animals can’t convey emotions as well. If Disney decided to go ahead with a new animated sequel to The Lion King, it would be able to incorporate both the financial success of the new versions and the lovable emotional aspects of the originals.
The Lion King 3 Holds Great Potential From A Story Standpoint
There Are Several Characters Another Lion King Movie Could Explore Further
Given the success of the previous Lion King movies and the variety in some of their stories, there is still a lot of potential for The Lion King 3 to have a fascinating story as well. Just as Mufasa: The Lion King is focused on telling the story of Mufasa’s rise to power, a new Lion King could similarly detail an origin story for another character. Alternatively, the movie could take an approach more like that of The Lion King 1½ which presents the tale in a new and creative way. Either of these types of prequel stories would still feel new and exciting but feature a character the audience already loves.
However, since the prequel and different perspectives have already been made, a new Lion King movie could find success simply by making a great sequel. The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride tells the story of his and Nala’s daughter Kiara and her growing love for a member of the Outsiders, Kovu. Though Simba and Nala do not approve of Kovu because of his connection to Scar and his legacy, through Kiara’s love, they eventually come to reconcile the Pride and the Outsiders.
Mufasa: The Lion King currently holds a 58% critical approval rating and an 89% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Lion King 3 would be able to expand on what happens to Kiara and Kovu and even their descendants as the Pride’s story is pᴀssed down. This type of story would bring The Lion King franchise into new territory as it would require an exciting new villain and could highlight Kiara’s time as queen and changes to the Pride.
Disney’s Last 4 Animated Sequels Have Made Over $1 Billion
A New Animated Lion King Could Be Just As Successful
Another Lion King movie could not come at a better time for Disney, considering how well their recent animated movies have performed at the box office. Disney’s most recent animated sequels, Moana 2, Inside Out 2, Frozen 2, and Toy Story 4 all grossed over $1 billion. This success definitively proves that audiences love animated sequels. There is certainly a draw when it comes to watching new stories for familiar characters, especially given the great animation styles that Disney has employed over the years.
Not only have Disney’s recent animated films been incredibly financially successful, they have also been largely positively reviewed. Both Inside Out 2 and Toy Story 4 hold over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The success and critical acclaim of Disney’s animated films also points to the fact that when there is a unique story to be told, it can create an emotional connection with the audience in a way that can surpᴀss the usual limits of a children’s film. Thus, a new animated Lion King could have the ability to use its great story to rocket it to financial success as well.
Disney’s Live-Action Lion King Movies Prove The Lion King 3 Would Be A Huge Box Office Hit
Audiences Still Love The Characters
Beyond all the markers for success Disney’s other recent animated films have surpᴀssed, Disney’s “live action” Lion King movies also prove that The Lion King 3 could be mᴀssively successful. The 2019 The Lion King grossed over $1 billion, and Mufasa: The Lion King is currently dominating the box office. Since its December release, Mufasa has already grossed $595.8 million, and it will continue to make more (via Box Office Mojo). Additionally, the new story of the 2024 movie has already been praised in comparison to the former’s adaptation.
With the promise of a new story and a return to the beloved animation style, a new Lion King could even surpᴀss its live action counterparts as the success of Disney’s recent animated films has shown.
Given the box office success of both The Lion King (2019) and Mufasa: The Lion King, The Lion King 3 would likely draw just as much audience attention. With the promise of a new story and a return to the beloved animation style, a new Lion King could even surpᴀss its live action counterparts as the success of Disney’s recent animated films has shown. Overall, with the potential for an entertaining new story and further box office success, The Lion King 3 could be a great way for Disney to follow-up Mufasa: The Lion King‘s success with something even critically acclaimed.
Source: Box Office Mojo
