MUFASA Stars Discuss ‘Deeply Joyful’ Experience Making Movie
By Movieguide® Contributor
MUFASA: THE LION KING stars Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone are sharing some insights into their characters.
“Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, MUFASA: THE LION KING enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick,” a synopsis of the movie reads. “Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”
READ MORE: MUFASA: THE LION KING REVIEW
Pierre, who plays Mufasa, said taking on the role was “a deeply joyful and exciting experience to be gifted the opportunity to contribute in a small way to the legacy of this beloved and cherished and celebrated character.”
“I’m hopeful that I serve this character and serve the film and serve these wonderful artists that I had the opportunity to collaborate with,” he continued. “James Earl Jones’ original and beautiful and unmatched portrayal — that was my guiding light and really gave me direction and an intention when embarking on this journey.”
Boone, who plays Sarabi, said her character was “challenged to be open to receiving help and being a part of [a community].”
“I don’t know if I cracked the secret, but what I did to try to play Sarabi is to have fun and to be vulnerable and sassy,” she added.
In an interview with BET, Boone opened up about how she overcame her “phobia of singing” to take on the role.
“Once I realized I had to sing, I thought, ‘We’re going to the gym.’ Except my gym was a music studio, and my trainer was a vocal coach,” she joked.
Boone might have dreaded the day of the recording session, but “after a year of sleepless nights and fear, it ended up being a really fun day.”
READ MORE: MUFASA: THE LION KING COMING TO THEATERS THIS DECEMBER
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