The king is back

Roaring into cinemas this holiday season, Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” invites Filipino audiences to behold the rise of one of its greatest kings and most iconic villains. This much-awaited film uncovers the untold origin story of a lion whose journey from humble beginnings shaped the destiny of the Pride Lands. It is set to premiere in theaters on December 18 and advance tickets are now available.

In celebration of this epic cinematic event, Walt Disney Records has announced the release of the “Mufasa: The Lion King” original motion picture soundtrack on Dec. 13, now available for pre-order. The soundtrack, available in both songs-only and deluxe versions, features original compositions by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative genius behind Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto. Miranda’s collaboration with legendary composers Mark Mancina and Grammy Award winner and Walt Disney Music President Tom MacDougall has resulted in powerful, soul-stirring songs that perfectly capture the spirit of Mufasa’s journey.

The “Mufasa: The Lion King” Original Soundtrack track list includes: “Ngomso” Performed by Lebo M, “Milele” Performed by Anika Noni Rose and Keith David, “I Always Wanted A Brother” Performed by Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somulo, Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison, Jr., “Bye Bye” Performed by Mads Mikkelsen, Joanna Jones and Folake Olowofoyeku, “We Go Together” Performed by Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Preston Nyman and Kagiso Lediga, “Tell Me It’s You” Performed by Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone, and “Brother Betrayed” Performed by Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Multiple Tony and Grammy-Award winning artist Miranda shared, “The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this film in theaters.”

Oscar-winning director Jenkins (Moonlight) helms a star-studded cast that seamlessly blends familiar voices and fresh talent. Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reprise their roles as Simba and Nala, while Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as the hilarious duo Timon and Pumbaa. Joining them are Aaron Pierre as young Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka (the lion who will eventually become Scar), and Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s daughter, making her film debut as Kiara.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a gripping tale of how an orphaned cub became the Pride Lands’ greatest king. Told through Rafiki’s storytelling to young Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter, the film follows Mufasa as he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. This sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny – with their bonds tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.