The latest trailer for ‘Mufasa,’ the prequel to 2019’s ‘The Lion King,’ has hit the screens, confirming the return of Beyoncé and Donald Glover to the pride. The new Disney flick greenlit a few years back after the success of the remake, delves into the backstory of King Mufasa.

It’s helmed by Barry Jenkins of ‘Moonlight’ fame, with Jeff Nathanson, the wordsmith behind the 2019 film, penning the script once more. In the teaser, Rafiki (voiced by John Kani) sets the scene with his narration, flaunting the same photorealistic style we saw in 2019.

Image Courtesy: New York Post

He says, “This story begins far beyond the mountains and the shadows, on the other side of the light.” Then, we get a peek at the cast, with Glover and Beyoncé reprising their roles as Simba and Nala and their real-life daughter Blue Ivy Carter stepping into the role of their cub, Kiara.

Aaron Pierre from ‘Foe’ takes on the mantle of young Mufasa, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. from ‘Elvis’ will portray the youthful Scar. Mads Mikkelsen, Thandwide Newton, Lennie James, Keith David, and Anika Noni Rose are also on board, with Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen returning as Timon and Pumbaa. Plus, Lin-Manuel Miranda of ‘Hamilton’ fame is set to craft some tunes for the film.

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

After the 2019 photorealistic rendition of the 1994 classic, Beyoncé dropped an album inspired by the movie, titled ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, featuring tracks from African artists.

Barry Jenkins, chatting to Deadline back in 2020, shared his excitement: “Helping my sister raise two young boys during the ’90s, I grew up with these characters. Having the opportunity to work with Disney on expanding this magnificent tale of friendship, love, and legacy while furthering my work chronicling the lives and souls of folk within the African diaspora is a dream come true.”

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is set to hit cinemas on 20th December.

Why Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Deserves ‘Album of The Year’ at The 2025 Grammys

Beyoncé, the iconic music luminary, recently unveiled her highly anticipated eighth studio album, ‘Cowboy Carter’ last month, marking the second instalment in a planned trilogy following the critically acclaimed ‘Renaissance’ released in 2022.

True to Beyoncé’s multifaceted artistry, ‘Cowboy Carter’ presents a rich tapestry of musical genres, ingeniously conceptualised as a radio broadcast by the fictional KNTRY Radio Texas. The album features esteemed country legends such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell in the roles of disc jockeys, adding a unique narrative dimension to the musical journey.

Image Courtesy: People

Spanning an impressive 27 tracks, ‘Cowboy Carter’  boasts an array of star-studded collaborations, including Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and even Beyoncé’s daughter, Rumi. Moreover, the album showcases the talents of lesser-known Black country artists such as Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, and Tiera Kennedy, amplifying diverse voices within the genre.

Musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Nile Rodgers contribute their instrumental prowess to various tracks, further elevating the album’s sonic landscape.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 Grammy Awards, a Senior News Editor, underscores Beyoncé’s undeniable claim to the coveted Album of the Year honour for ‘Cowboy Carter’. Reflecting on the artist’s unparalleled contributions to the music industry and her fearless exploration of diverse musical territories, Rice emphasises the album’s universal acclaim and Beyoncé’s unwavering dedication to her craft as compelling reasons for recognition.

Beyoncé’s quest for Album of the Year accolades is not without precedent. At the 2024 Grammy Awards, JAY-Z, Beyoncé’s husband, received the prestigious Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used his platform to advocate for his wife’s artistic legacy. Expressing concern over the subjective nature of Grammy voting, JAY-Z pointed out Beyoncé’s remarkable track record of Grammy wins juxtaposed with her absence from the Album of the Year winners’ circle, highlighting a glaring inconsistency in the award’s criteria.