Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to bring the iconic character of Mufasa to life once again, this time with a special twist. Joining him in the Hindi version of Disney’s much-anticipated film, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, are his sons, Aryan Khan and AbRam Khan.
The film, which delves into the origins of the legendary lion Mufasa, is slated for release in Indian theaters on December 20, 2024.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is the latest installment in the beloved Lion King saga. This film explores the early life of Mufasa, tracing his journey from an orphaned cub to becoming the revered king of the Pride Lands, a PTI report stated.
The Hindi trailer for the film was recently unveiled by Disney Films India on social media, creating a buzz among fans. The post, which featured a teaser of the trio’s involvement, read: “The king @iamsrk is back as Mufasa, with #AryanKhan and #AbRamKhan by his side. Mufasa: The Lion King in cinemas 20th December.”
In this special collaboration, Shah Rukh Khan reprises his role as Mufasa, a character he first voiced in the 2019 Hindi version of ‘The Lion King’. Aryan Khan, who had previously lent his voice to Simba in the 2019 version, returns to voice the adult Simba, while the youngest of the Khan family, AbRam, makes his debut as Young Mufasa.
Shah Rukh expressed his connection to the character and the unique experience of working alongside his sons in a press note released by Disney.
“Mufasa has an incredible legacy and stands as the ultimate king of the jungle, imparting his wisdom to his son, Simba. I deeply relate to him as a father and also resonate with Mufasa’s journey in the film. Revisiting this character has been exceptional, especially because my sons, Aryan and AbRam, are part of this journey,” the superstar said.
Bikram Duggal, Head of Studios at Disney Star, shared his excitement about the casting choice, stating, “The ferocious Mufasa is more than just a fictional character; he embodies a spirit that continues to inspire generations. When ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ was announced, we could not envision anyone other than Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan returning as Mufasa and Simba. With AbRam joining the cast, this movie has become even more special to us. Our endeavour here is for millions of Indian audiences to enjoy this incredible story with their families.”
The film will showcase stunning photorealistic CGI and live-action techniques, with a rich soundtrack featuring original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. As the Khan family brings this epic story to life, audiences can expect a memorable cinematic experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of ‘The Lion King’.