Mufasa: The Lion King: the main references to The Lion King franchise | M.A.G.

The film “Mufasa: The Lion King”, released in 2024, continues the rich and endearing saga of “The Lion King”, maintaining the traditions of its predecessors by incorporating multiple references, nods and tributes to the events that defined the universe of the lions of the African savanna. Since the release of the original film in 1994, the franchise has explored different perspectives through sequels, remakes and adaptations, and this new installment is no exception. This film combines nostalgia with innovation, making fans of all generations recognize and appreciate the links to the previous films.

In this prequel, the visual and musical elements not only serve as a reminder of the previous works, but also enrich the narrative of Mufasa and his family. Through multiple references to both the original film and the other related projects, “Mufasa: The Lion King” offers an experience that honors the legacy of the most beloved characters while giving them new life. Below, I'll introduce you to some of the most important nods that fans of the franchise will gladly recognize, as specified by ScreenRant.

1. Tribute to James Earl Jones: The film opens with a touching tribute to James Earl Jones, who voiced Mufasa in both the original 1994 film and the 2019 CGI remake. Although “Mufasa: The Lion King” features a younger character with the voiced by Aaron Pierre, the film includes a recorded quote from Jones, accompanied by a message in his honor, commemorating the impact his portrayal of the character had.
2. The opening scene in the Pride Lands: “Mufasa: The Lion King” begins with a visual sequence reminiscent of the iconic opening of 1994’s “The Lion King,” where the animals of the Pride Lands gather under the sun. This visual sequence, which was also repeated in the 2019 CGI version, evokes the prosperity of the kingdom under the leadership of the most beloved lion, reaffirming the thematic continuity of the cycle of life.
3. Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala: In this film, “The Lion King II: Simba's Treasure” is referenced, especially in the inclusion of Kiara, Simba and Nala's daughter. Although “Mufasa: The Lion King” takes a different narrative direction, Kiara's name connects with fans of the 1998 sequel, bringing reminiscence of that parallel story within the saga.
4. Hakuna Matata Jokes from Timon and Pumbaa: The beloved characters of Timon and Pumbaa continue their tradition of breaking the fourth wall with jokes related to their famous song “Hakuna Matata.” “In Mufasa: The Lion King,” they make references to their iconic musical number, even joking about how “powerful” the song was in the original The Lion King, which Simba sang growing up.
5. “He lives in you, he lives in me”: This phrase, which comes from both the Broadway musical and The Lion King II: Simba's Treasure, appears in “Mufasa: The Lion King” as a reminder of how the ancestors of lions live on through their descendants. The song “Milele” from the film reinforces this message, connecting the generations of the royal family and their legacy in the Circle of Life.
6. Parallels with the elephant stampede: The film features an elephant stampede scene reminiscent of the dramatic wildebeest stampede sequence in 1994's The Lion King, when Mufasa dies. The soundtrack and visual shots align with those of the original film, creating a clear parallel between the tragedies that marked the fate of Mufasa and Scar.
7. Timon and Pumbaa and the Broadway musical: In a nod to the Broadway musical The Lion King, Timon mentions the “play” while Pumbaa feels uncomfortable, remembering that puppets are used to represent the animals. This meta-referential moment adds a layer of humor for connoisseurs of the successful theatrical show.
8. Scar's scar (Taka): “Mufasa: The Lion King” offers a new interpretation of how Scar, originally named Taka, got his scar. Unlike previous versions, which linked the scar to his disobedience, in this film, Taka earns it by saving Mufasa, adding emotional complexity to their brotherly relationship before his eventual fall into darkness.
9. “Hakuna Mufasa” from Timon and Pumbaa: Timon and Pumbaa have a comedic reference in “Mufasa: The Lion King” by altering the lyrics of their song “Hakuna Matata,” turning it into “Hakuna Mufasa.” This new version plays with the familiarity of the song while maintaining the humorous tone that has always characterized these characters, a way to continue breaking the fourth wall.
10. Montage of “Mufasa: The Lion King” to age: Similar to Simba's growing up montage in The Lion King when he sang “Hakuna Matata,” the film features an aging montage, but this time with the song “I Always Wanted a Brother.” This parallel not only connects the two brothers' stories, but also underlines the pain of the separation between Mufasa and Taka, with an inevitable knowledge of the tragic future of the relationship.
11. Parallels with Mufasa's death: In a key scene, the film features Taka facing a critical decision, similar to when Scar pushes Mufasa into the abyss. The way Taka places his paws on his brother's as he makes this decision, in which he chooses not to save his brother, creates a direct visual parallel to Mufasa's death in 1994's “The Lion King,” underscoring the inevitability of his tragic destiny.
12. “We are all one”: At the end of the film, Mufasa gives an inspiring speech to Milele's animals, telling them “We are all one.” This phrase, which highlights the importance of unity in the Circle of Life, is a clear reference to the song “We Are One” from “The Lion King II: Simba's Treasure”, which the lion now king sings to Kiara to convey the same message about the connection between generations and the importance of family legacy.

Pedro Bustamante