Mufasa: The Lion Kingexpands the franchise that was relaunched with 2019’sThe Lion King, and viewers could question if there is anything in the credits that sets up future installments. The 2024 entry in theLion Kingmovie franchise goes back before the events of Simba’s life to tell the origin of Mufasa andTaka/Scar. Although this means the movie is primarily concerned with exploring the past, the section of the film focused on Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara, is responsible for setting up the franchise’s future.
Due to the record-breaking box office success of 2019’sThe Lion King, Disney looked for ways to return audiences to the Pride Lands in some capacity. This brought aboutMufasa: The Lion Kinginstead of a traditional sequel that could have adapted the animated movieThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. While the future of the franchise likely rests onMufasa’s box office performance, the iconic series is one audiences have continually wanted to return to. This is why Disney could have considered including a post-credits scene teasing what could come next.
Mufasa: The Lion King Does Not Have A Post-Credits Scene
There Is No Additional Footage In The Credits
It is confirmed thatMufasa: The Lion Kingdoes not have a post-credits scene. There is no additional footage shown in the mid-credits or after-credits that acts as either a tease for the sequel or leaves audiences with a final joke. Still, it is encouraged that everyone whowatchesMufasa: The Lion Kingshould sit through the credits to see the names of everyone who worked on the film, ranging from the cast, crew, and VFX artists.
Why Mufasa: The Lion King Didn’t Need A Post-Credits Scene
The Ending Already Sets Up The Future
Mufasa: The Lion Kingnot including a post-credits scene makes sense on a number of levels. The franchise has never included a credits scene before, so it was not fully expected that this would change now. Furthermore, whether future live-action/animatedThe Lion Kingmovieswill be made is uncertain. Disney’s decision will likely depend on how muchMufasa: The Lion Kingmakes at the box office. If Disney had gone ahead and teased a sequel in the credits, audiences would only be more disappointed should another installment not be made. Not including a credits scene is safer.
There’s also the fact thatMufasa: The Lion King’s ending does all the franchise needs to set up the possibility for more movies. Disney also has options to extend the franchise in other ways thanks to existing characters like Kiara, Timon, and Pumbaa. Kiara allows for an adaptation ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Prideto happen, while Disney could even look to do a new take onThe Lion King 1 1/2to give Timon and Pumbaa starring roles. As a result, the future of the franchise is already well established without aMufasa: The Lion Kingpost-credits scene.
