The early reviews and first reactions have hit the net for Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and they’re not good.
Normally the first reactions and reviews are over the rainbow excited for how great said film is, but that’s not the case here.
With 65 reviews, Mufasa: The Lion King is currently “Rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 58%.
The number is actually in line with the 2019 Lion King from Jon Favreau, which has a 51% Rotten Tomatoes Score. It seems Marvin Gaye is right on the money when he sang, “There ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby!” The 1994 animated film has a Rotten Tomatoes Score of 92%. Favreau’s Lion King did go on to make over $1.6 billion so Disney obviously could care less what the critics think. The fan score will become available when the movie opens Friday.
Backlash started with the trailer
Worth a mention is that fans disliked the first trailer to oblivion on YouTube, so much so that Disney disabled the comments, and the director even responded to the backlash.
“There is nothing soulless about The Lion King,” Barry Jenkins responded to a fan. “For decades children have sat in theaters all over the world experiencing collective grief for the first time, engaging Shakespeare for the first time, across aisles in myriad languages. A most potent vessel for communal empathy.”
Box office estimates
Box office estimates are also all over the place as Mufasa is said to open anywhere between $45 – $65M. Favreau’s opened to nearly $200 million.
What’s do the negative reviews say?
The negative reviews for Mufasa: The Lion King collectively criticize the film for being a lackluster and uninspired prequel that adds little value to the franchise. Reviewers lament the weak and forgettable music, lack of emotional depth, and a narrative that feels more like corporate-driven filler than meaningful storytelling. Barry Jenkins’ involvement is noted as a mismatch, with his creative talents stifled by the constraints of Disney’s reliance on technology and brand management.
The visuals are praised, but they fail to compensate for a surface-level plot and uninventive execution. Many reviewers describe the film as boring, repetitive, and unnecessary, with some likening it to empty “pop filler” that prioritizes accessibility over creativity. Ultimately, the movie is seen as another example of Disney’s struggle to create fresh, original content while leaning on nostalgia for diminishing returns.
What’s do the positive reviews say?
The positive reviews for Mufasa: The Lion King highlight the film’s emotional resonance, stunning visuals, and improvements over the 2019 remake. Barry Jenkins receives praise for injecting the prequel with artistic depth, overcoming creative pitfalls to deliver a heartfelt tale of growth, family, and brotherhood. Critics appreciate the refined storytelling, universal themes, and the richer emotional expressions of its characters.
The voice cast and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s contributions to the music are noted as solid, though not groundbreaking. While some describe the film as derivative or restrained, they acknowledge its charm, visual splendor, and ability to entertain both children and adults. Overall, it’s seen as a respectable addition to The Lion King legacy, offering meaningful moments that justify its existence despite initial skepticism.
