Exclusive: Aaron Pierre & Kelvin Harrison Jr. Discuss Brotherhood in Mufasa & Embracing the Green Lantern Legacy

With the highly anticipated release of The Lion King: Mufasa just around the corner, we had the privilege of speaking with Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr., who bring to life the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar in this emotional and visually breathtaking prequel. The film delves deep into the journey of Mufasa as he rises from humble beginnings to embrace his destiny as king, while also exploring the painful unraveling of his once-close bond with his brother, Taka—soon to be known as Scar.

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During our conversation, Pierre and Harrison Jr. discussed portraying the complex dynamics of love, loyalty, jealousy, and heartbreak. The story is universal and expands on the beloved film that many grew up with. It explores the origins of certain characters, revealing how they evolved into who they are. The film focuses on family and how misunderstandings and pain can fracture even the strongest of bonds.

The film’s stunning visuals are matched by its emotional depth, promising to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Pride Lands.

Aaron Pierre is Ready to Take the Torch for Green Lantern

But that’s not all Aaron Pierre has been up to. Following his success in Rebel Ridge and his portrayal of Malcolm X in MLK/X, Pierre is set to take on another iconic role: Jon Stewart in DC’s Green Lantern series. He shared his excitement about stepping into the shoes of such a beloved character, discussing what he hopes to bring to the role and how his portrayal will stand apart from others. It’s a role he is sure to excel in.

Mufasa: The Lion King boasts a star-studded cast, with many actors returning from the 2019 adaptation. Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani, and Beyoncé will reprise their roles as Simba, Pumbaa, Timon, Rafiki, and Nala, respectively. Joining Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, Lennie James as Obasi, and Blue Ivy, who will make her feature film debut as Kiara. 

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As Pierre prepares to light up the galaxy and Harrison Jr. continues to captivate audiences with his emotional depth, their performances in The Lion King: Mufasa are sure to leave an indelible mark. This prequel expands the legacy of The Lion King, offering a poignant origin story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Featuring a predominantly Black cast, an Oscar-winning director, and talented voice actors, the film highlights the strength of representation in cinema and serves as a powerful voice for change.

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