Disney Reveals Details of ‘Lion King’ Prequel, ‘Mufasa’

One of Disney’s most classic — and successful — films of all time is the 1994 animated film The Lion King. The Lion King told the story of lion cub Simba, who had to go on a journey of self-discovery after his father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s evil uncle, Scar. After years of being away from his pride, Simba sees a vision of his father and returns to his family, ready to take over the throne from his vicious uncle.

The Lion King was so successful that Disney made it into a live-action remake, which was released in 2019. And now, we have more Lion King news to share. At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney shared that a new prequel called Mufasa: The Lion King will premiere sometime in 2024.

Barry Jenkins — director of the new movie — gave the audience more details about what the film will be about.

‘Mufasa’ is the origin story of one of the greatest kings in the history of pride lions… Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa — we all know and love — are relaying the story of Mufasa…

What viewers may find most surprising is that Mufasa was not born into royalty. Even though he seems as though leading is in his blood, he was actually orphaned as a cub.

“Mufasa was actually an orphaned cub who had to navigate the world alone, by himself. In telling this story, we get to experience the real journey of how Mufasa found his place in the Circle of Life. It is pretty awesome.”

During the D23 panel, Disney shared an exclusive clip of the film, but it has not been made public yet. In the preview, a young Mufasa is seen hanging precariously onto a log as it is swept away during a flood. Mufasa must then make his way to a new pride and find a new family.

While it was confirmed that Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa will be in the prequel, Jenkins did not mention Mufasa’s brother, Scar. Scar was such a large part of the original Lion King — and the one responsible for Scar’s death — it would seem inevitable that he make an appearance in the prequel.

Jenkins would also not confirm if James Earl Jones would return to voice adult Mufasa.

Disney Refused Room Change to All-Star Movies Guest With Bug Infested Room

Disney Resorts are the gold-standard of hotel rooms- clean, safe, close to the action, bug-free…err…usually. One guest, however, had a very different experience. When Joshua Keller checked in to All-Star Movies Resort this morning (September 10, 2022), he found that his room already had “guests” inside. His room was infested with disgusting bugs.

Streaming the Magic shared photos and Keller’s experience. Here’s what went down, in his own words:

Checked into our room today to the surprise of over 20 of these bugs crawling all around the room, called immediately to the main desk, was then told we would have our room changed to a new one immediately and manager will speak with us.”

“15-20 min of waiting goes by, [we] get a call back to the room telling us they won’t be changing our room but will send someone to clean it if we wanted! After spending our

honeymoon at Disney the past 2 weeks (stayed at all-star sports for 5 nights and a 7 night cruise on the fantasy), to be treated this way is brutal.”

Bug Infested Disney room

“As I’m typing this actively more bugs are continually crawling out of vents and under doors! I get this is that time of year, but they regardless shouldn’t be in a “cleaned” room.”

Bug infested Disney room

That is certainly not the way anyone wants to begin a magical Disney World Vacation, let alone a honeymoon!  The bugs appear to be love bugs which are common in Central Florida and not dangerous to humans, but regardless, no one wants to stay in a room filled with bugs. This story does have a happy ending, however, thanks to the caring efforts of one Mousekeeper who arrived at the room to help. When she saw the level of infestation in the room, she made sure the Kellers got a new room.

“She was amazing,” Keller said, adding, “and [she] personally checked the room herself to ensure it was taken care of as well as providing us with a free meal voucher. She is very valuable to this resort and the only reason our stay was improved and made acceptable!”

ALL-NEW Details About ‘Snow White’ Live-Action

In May, fans first saw West Side Story (2021) star Rachel Zegler as the Fairest of them All, Snow White. At D23 Expo Friday night, Zegler took the stage with her villainous costar Gal Gadot to share all-new details about the live-action remake of Snow White (2024), produced by Marc Platt and directed by Marc Webb.

In front of the newly-released Snow White logo, Zegler said it was an “honor” to bring the Disney Princess to the “modern age.” She explained it’s a story about “finding a sense of agency so she can be a just ruler and wonderful queen.”

Wonder Woman (2017) star Gadot said playing the Evil Queen was “very different than what I had done before. I am used to playing the other end of where the heart should be.”

Gadot called Evil Queen “so not me,” but said the character is an “iconic villain” and “getting under her skin was so delightful.”

With original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of La La Land (2016) fame and a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White will premiere in 2024. Andrew Burnap is set to portray the film’s all-new male lead, Jonathan.

First Look at New Live-Action ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’

It can be difficult to recall just how many Peter Pan movies there have been over the years, as most fans tend to remember the original 1953 animated classic, which is based off the popular 1911 children’s book by author JM Barrie (which is adapted from his 1904 playwright).

Check out the tweet shared by the official Walt Disney Studios Twitter account below, which reveals the official poster for the film:

A trailer was also revealed at the event, however it has not yet been released to the public.

As per Wikipedia, here’s the official synopsis for the book “Peter Pan” (known also as “Peter & Wendy”):

A free-spirited and mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on the mythical island of Neverland as the leader of the Lost Boys, interacting with fairies, pirates, mermaids, Native Americans, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside Neverland.

Peter Pan & Wendy is one of several major announcements from this year’s D23, along with the likes of the live-action reboot of The Little Mermaid (2023), The Lion King (2019) prequel Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), and many more.

There have been numerous big screen adaptations of Peter Pan over the decades, however, more popular live-action movies have included the likes of Hook (1991), Peter Pan (2003), and Pan (2015).

Peter Pan & Wendy stars Alexander Molony (Peter Pan), Ever Anderson (Wendy Darling), Jim Gaffigan (Mr. Smee), Yara Shahidi (Tinker Bell), Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Tiger Lily), Joshua Pickering (John Darling), Jacobi Jupe (Michael Darling), Alan Tudyk (George Darling), Molly Parker (Mary Darling), and Jude Law (Captain Hook),

The film will stream on Disney+ some time in 2023.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

America Ferrera to Star In ‘ELIO,’ A Brand-New Disney and Pixar Film!

A brand-new story from Disney and Pixar was just announced! Join Elio on an intergalactic adventure coming soon!

Disney D23 Expo, which took place in Anaheim, California last week surprised Disney fans worldwide with exciting new stories coming soon!

Some of the announcements included the long-awaited Hocus Pocus (1993) sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), coming to Disney+ later this month, and the popular sequel Disenchanted (2022), also making its way into Disney’s streaming platform later this year. Fans were also able to get a first look at so many exciting new projects like Win or Lose, Pixar’s first full-length series, IwájúWalt Disney Animation Studios’ first-ever collaboration with Kugali Media, and a breathtaking original story to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Wish.

Yet another upcoming story is Elio. Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) posted a first look at the upcoming project, with stunning visuals that will surely enchant viewers.

Disney and Pixar’s newest adventure will take viewers on an intergalactic journey with Elio. Per Disney:

Meet Elio: A boy who finds himself transported across the galaxy & mistaken for the intergalactic Ambassador for our planet Earth.

This brand-new project will star America Ferrera as Olga Solis and Yonas Kibreab as Elio. Disney and Pixar’s ELIO will be Directed by Adrian Molina & Produced by Mary Alice Drumm. This intergalactic adventure lands in Spring 2024.