Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” made its South African premiere at Ster-Kinekor IMAX Eastgate in Johannesburg, welcoming local voice talent from the film Dr. John Kani (“Rafiki”) and Kagiso Lediga (“Young Rafiki”), as well as a host of South African personalities, sports stars and more, to celebrate the upcoming release of the much-anticipated film in cinemas across the country on 20 December.
Over 1000 guests were treated to a host of special moments, including a rousing rendition of “I Always Wanted A Brother” (featured on the original motion picture soundtrack, releasing 13 December) performed by the student choir from Northcliff Primary School – winners of a public vote through radio 947 – immersive activations that kept guest entertained and a special screening of the film to end the night off on a high. The event was held in proud association with MTN and Nedbank.
Tickets are on sale now for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which calls on Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe. The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Dr. John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring original songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, original score by Dave Metzger and additional music and vocal performances by Lebo M, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in cinemas on Dec. 20, 2024.
Disney’s “The Lion King” (2019) is the highest-grossing film ever and the original 1994 film remains the highest-attended animated film at the South African box-office. “The Lion King” musical premiered in South Africa in 2007 and became an instant hit with theatre-goers, holding the record for the longest-running stage play presented in South Africa. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King” and, to mark his special milestone, The Walt Disney Company Africa has been celebrating the film’s continuing legacy in South Africa through unique and exciting launches, collaborations and more, including a live tribute concert, a collaboration with the National Children’s Theatre in staging “The Lion King Jnr”, a screening program of “The Lion King” in the Zulu language and much more, in the run up to the release of “Mufasa: The Lion King”.
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