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Interview: Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Talk ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ and Being a Part of the Legacy of the Original Film

December 19, 2024Ben MK




As far as Disney animated classics are concerned, it's virtually impossible to have a conversation about the topic without at least mentioning 1994's The Lion King. One of the studio's most critically acclaimed and adored animated masterpieces, not only was it the crowning jewel in what has fondly come to be known as the Disney Renaissance; it also spawned two animated sequels, a couple of Saturday morning cartoon spin-offs, and a Broadway musical, not to mention 2019's photorealistic CGI remake. Now, 30 years after the original movie's release comes a new entry in The Lion King franchise, this time exploring the origins of the relationship between the legendary king, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), and his jealous half-brother, Scar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). And like another animated prequel from this year, Transformers One, Mufasa: The Lion King promises to shed new light on the relationship between these two iconic characters best known as enemies.

I caught up with Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. to chat about Mufasa: The Lion King, their love for the original, and what it was like portraying younger versions of Mufasa and Scar.

The original The Lion King is one of the most iconic and beloved animated films of all time, and I understand that you're both huge fans of that movie. When you read the script for this prequel, what really resonated with you that made you want to be a part of it?

Pierre: I think, for me, one of the things that this film inspired mostly, or largely I should say, is joy. It was a really beautiful experience. Tiffany [Boone, who plays Sarabi] says this really beautifully and eloquently — it was really wonderful to be welcomed into this family to tell this story, and have to remind ourselves what it's like to have that wonderful, childlike curiosity, and to be inquisitive in that way again. Because that was the only route to accessing our characters in the way that was necessary for the piece.

Harrison: I just remember growing up and being so involved, and I just felt so immersed into the performances as well. We obviously have the legendary James Earl Jones, and then Jeremy Irons' beautiful work, and then so many other voice actors that were a part of it. And it just made me excited, how lively it was. To be able to be a part of that experience and that legacy, and get to try it myself, was really cool.

This is the first voiceover role for the both of you. And you're taking on roles made famous in the original by a couple of Hollywood's most well-respected actors. Were there any aspects of James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons' performances that you wanted to replicate? And what did you want to do differently?

Pierre: I don't think Kelvin or I would ever describe it as taking over. I feel like it was contributing to the legacies that they paved, and the opportunity in originating those characters they created for us. But, for me, and I think for Kel as well, their original portrayals were like guiding lights for us. Especially because we're playing the adolescent versions. So it was a really beautiful thing to have that as a point of reference. And certainly something that could guide us and provide us with answers whenever we had questions.

Harrison: Like touchstones, if anything. I mean, like we have touchstones that would bring us back and drop us back into the world that we all have grown to love. And that's how we kind of use those iconic performances. Because we will never be them, they're too good!

Of course, it wouldn't be The Lion King without the songs. What's your favorite song from this film?

Pierre: I think from this one, we really love "I've Always Wanted a Brother." It's like classic Lin-Manuel Miranda. Not only is it deeply heartfelt and brilliantly lyrical, but it's also so catchy and so easy to memorize.

Harrison: It's got so much attitude and energy. You want to quote lyrics from the song.

And when it comes to the original, do you have a favorite song from that one as well?

Pierre: "Be Prepared," for me.

Harrison: "Be Prepared" actually is a bop. Or "I Just Can't Wait to be King."

One thing I loved about this movie was that it really felt like a classic Disney animated film, but with modern-day visuals. Was there a scene in Mufasa that was a favorite for each of you?

Pierre: I loved the moment in "I've Always Wanted a Brother" where someone who was part of Taka's pride makes an unkind comment towards young Mufasa. And part of Taka's song is, "that's not a stray, that's my brother." That, for me, just reminds us all that Mufasa and Scar didn't start in a place where they were at loggerheads, they started at a place where they were really deeply connected and had a really beautiful brotherhood.

Harrison: I get really excited when Mads Mikkelsen's character shows up. I think the visuals are so epic. He looks so majestic and scary, and his voice is just such classic villain. I love anytime he's on-screen.

Last but not least, what do each of you, personally, want audiences to take away from this movie?

Pierre: I would really love for people to just have a joyful experience. There are many topics that are wrestled with in this piece. Also, there's an enormous amount of joy, there's an enormous amount of laughter. I'm just really excited for people to go and have a great time during this holiday season with their family, with their friends, or even on their own, and have that communal experience with people watching the same movie.

Harrison: This is a movie about community, and finding home in community. And the original film is about that as well, and chosen family. So, whether you have your actual family, your bloodline, or your chosen family, this is something that we can all come together and just discuss and laugh and have thoughtful conversations about — and then sing some classic Lin-Manuel Miranda songs after.
Mufasa: The Lion King is in theaters December 20th.




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