The Lion King 2: Every Character Who Can Return In Disney’s Prequel

Disney’s The Lion King 2 is expected to be a prequel exploring Mufasa’s past, and fans can expect key characters from The Lion King to return and play a major role in the movie. John Favreau’s 2019 The Lion King was a photorealistic CGI remake of the classic 1996 animated film that ultimately received mixed reviews from critics for not adding anything new to the story. While The Lion King failed to live up to its predecessor, The Lion King 2 is an opportunity for Disney to tell a new – and better – story.

Mufasa’s backstory has already been explained in Disney’s animated series The Lion Guard, but The Lion King 2 would be a great opportunity to further develop Mufasa’s contentious relationship with his brother, Scar. Mufasa’s journey to becoming the king of the Pride Lands is different in The Lion Guard than in Disney’s tie-in storybook A Tale of Two Brothers, and The Lion King 2 is the perfect way to finally give Mufasa a definitive backstory that’s worth of the iconic character.

With The Lion King 2 expected to be a prequel, fans can expect a wide array of characters from Mufasa’s past to return. Although the story hasn’t been confirmed, it will likely cover Mufasa’s transformation from a spirited young prince into king of the Pride Lands. Mufasa has several significant relationships in The Lion King, and they will likely make an appearance in The Lion King 2.

Mufasa

Mufasa will likely be the focus of The Lion King 2. Unlike the animated sequel, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, which takes place after Mufasa’s death, The Lion King 2 will likely chronicle Mufasa’s metamorphosis into king. Mufasa’s backstory in the animated series The Lion Guard, Mufasa is the younger brother but becomes king after the power goes to Scar’s head. He has a different backstory in A Tale of Two Brothers when it’s revealed that Mufasa is the older brother and heir, and is resented by Scar for being their father’s favorite son. The Lion King 2 will likely tell an entirely new story and paint the wise king in a whole new light.

Scar

Mufasa’s brother Scar will also likely make an appearance in The Lion King 2. Scar, whose original name is Taka, plays a big part in Mufasa’s past since both brothers were competing to be king. Scar has always been portrayed as Mufasa’s scheming younger brother in The Lion King movies and books, and his doomed relationship with his brother is a major focus of both characters. Like Mufasa, Scar’s backstory is different in A Tale of Two Brothers and The Lion Guard, as he is sometimes portrayed as the younger brother scheming for the throne or the older brother who can’t handle being king. The Lion King 2 is a great place for Disney to definitive say what happened between Scar and Mufasa, and might finally reveal how he got his famous scar.

Sarabi

Sarabi, Mufasa’s mate, will also likely be returning in The Lion King 2. Much like Mufasa, Sarabi is portrayed as a wise queen and supportive mother and plays a major role in helping her son Simba become the king of the Pride Lands. The Lion King 2 might explore how Sarabi and Mufasa ended up together, which is never explained in any of The Lion King books or movies. Whether Sarabi and Mufasa fell in love or it was an arrangement, they clearly have reached a point of mutual love and respect. The Lion King 2 should finally give Sarabi a major part in the story and flesh the character out more fully.

Rafiki

Rafiki is one of Mufasa’s closest friends and advisors, and will almost definitely play a major role in The Lion King 2. Rafiki’s backstory is most fully developed in the Disney storybook The Tale of Two Brothers when it’s revealed that Rafiki joined the Pride Lands after being saved from hyenas by Mufasa and Scar. Mufasa and Rafiki become friends after Rafiki overhears Scar’s plot to overthrow his brother, and Rafiki puts a stop to it. After Scar injures himself, Rafiki is responsible for healing his injuries. He is appointed as an advisor to all of the future kings and played a major role in Mufasa’s life up until his death. Whether or not Rafiki has the same backstory in The Lion King 2 as he does in The Tale of Two Brothers, Rafiki’s close, lifelong relationship with Mufasa makes it likely that he will have a larger role in the prequel.

Zazu

Zazu is Mufasa’s steward in The Lion King and is responsible for maintaining order in the Pride Lands. Acting as Mufasa’s eyes and ears, Zazu has a very close relationship with the king and was likely instrumental in Mufasa’s ascent to the throne. Zazu has a few different origin stories, and The Lion King 2 could clarify how he came to serve Mufasa and live in the Pride Lands. In one version of Zazu’s past, Mufasa saves the bird from a pack of hyenas – and in return, Zazu pledges his life to the king. In another version. Zazu’s mother was a steward to Mufasa’s father, and she raised her son to take over for the future kings. Either way, Zazu’s life has long been intertwined with Mufasa’s, and fans can expect the character to make a return in The Lion King 2.

The Lion King 2 is a fantastic prequel opportunity for Disney that gives Mufasa and Scar a proper backstory, explains their complicated relationship and shows Mufasa’s contentious path in becoming king. Alongside his longtime advisors, Zazu and Rafiki, and his mate Sarabi, Mufasa became a wise king – and now Disney can show how the famous character came to be. In addition, The Lion King 2 is finally an opportunity to see how Scar was injured and how he became so resentful for his brother as the two grapple for the throne, and what Scar did to be banished from the Pride Lands. Hopefully, Disney will use the movie as an opportunity to further develop the fan-favorite characters and deepen their relationships in The Lion King 2.

Next: Why Jon Favreau Isn’t Directing The Lion King 2

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