Disney’s new prequel,Mufasa: The Lion King, uses a narrative idea from the original movie to repeat the franchise’s most frightening moment. 1994’sThe Lion Kingis one of thebest Disney movies of all time, exemplifying the family-friendly cinematic excellence that the famous studio is best known for. Despite being made for children to enjoy,the classic isn’t without its dark moments, with Mufasa’s death due to a wildebeest stampede standing out in particular. Aside from the horror of seeing a cub lose their parent, it’s a downright terrifying way to go and is quite brutal for animation.
The 2019 live-action animation remake ofThe Lion Kingwasn’t as well-received as the original, but it’s spawned a new franchise for Disney that could continue withmoreLion Kingspinoffs afterMufasa. The first prequel film, which examines the lives of Mufasa and Scar as they grew up as brothers and journeyed to the Pride Lands to begin Mufasa’s kingdom, has two moments that mirror that horrible stampede. The movie tells a new story set in this world while utilizing the narrative devices that made the original so exceptional.
Mufasa Introduces Two New Stampede Replacements For The Lion King Franchise
Mufasa Mirrors The Original Lion King Film
Mufasa: The Lion King’sstorybegins with a young Mufasa being raised by his parents. Sadly, he’s swept away by a flood that breaks a dam, causing several animals to be displaced from their packs.It’s saddening to know that Mufasa suffered the same horror that Simba did, essentially losing his father from a terrible event that no one could prepare for. This sets up the story for Mufasa to find Scar’s pride and join them as a stray.
It’s notTheLion Kingwithout at least one big animal charge, and the two in Disney’s new prequel are even more dangerous than before
Later in the movie, thewhite lions known as the Outsidersgive chase to Mufasa and his friends. In order to escape, they cause an elephant stampede, and thisscene mirrors many moments from the 2019Lion Kingmovie, including a similar musical score and nearly identical shots, creating a similar sense of horror. It’s notTheLion Kingwithout at least one big animal charge, and the two in Disney’s new prequel are even more dangerous than before, invoking a sense of panic and claustrophobia that heightens the film’s emotional stakes.
10 Reasons Mufasa: The Lion King’s Reviews Are So Mixed
Reasons Mufasa: The Lion King’s reviews are so mixed stem from its inability to meet high expectations, leaving viewers questioning its purpose.
Mufasa’s Stampede Replacements Are More Dangerous Than Before
The Flood Is One Of The Lion King Franchise’s Most Terrifying Sequences
Mufasadoesn’t just try to replicate the evocative danger of the originalLion Kingstampede; it tries to build on it. The flood in the film’s first act isan overwhelming burst of nature that shows just how feeble the animal kingdom really is, and it’s not caused by any character’s actions like the others are. Then, the elephant stampede ups the ante from the wildebeests by posing the same situation with an even more imposing species.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
