Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King
The Lion King’snewMufasaprequel confirms a major difference between Simba’s rule as king compared to his father. As seen in the new 2024 movie, the origins of Mufasa and those of his brother Scar are revealed, confirming how they met and what made Scar so bitter towards his brother once they grew up. As such, the prequel also highlights a key difference between how Simba ruled the Pride Lands compared to Mufasa at the start of their respective eras as king, specifically when it comes to Scar (and his legacy).
At the end ofMufasa: The Lion King, Mufasa successfully defeats Kiros and his pride of Outsiders. He’s then chosen to become the new king of the Pride Lands, even though becoming king had always been the destiny supposedly meant for Taka, Mufasa’s brother who would come to be known as Scar. Following Taka’s betrayal, Mufasa is forced to make a decision, one that would be mirrored by his own son Simba years later when his own time came to rule. However, Simba ultimately makes a very different decision compared to his father, as seen inThe Lion King II.
Mufasa & Simba Handle The Fallout Of Scar’s Betrayals Very Differently
To Banish Or Not To Banish
InMufasa: The Lion King, Taka was angered that Sarabi chose Mufasa over him, believing that the adopted brother whom he saved when they were cubs had betrayed him. This led toTaka betraying Mufasa by allying with Kiros and the Outsiders, wanting Mufasa dead. However, this first battle between the Pride Landers and the Outsiders saw Taka expressing a level of regret for his actions, joining Mufasa against Kiros (who gave Taka his iconic scar).
In the aftermath, Mufasa faced pressure to banish Taka for what he’d done. However, Mufasa decreed that his brother would always have a place by his side so long as he was king, though he did rename Taka as Scar. This served as a permanent reminder of Taka’s transgressions, though it presumably led to Scar’s ongoing bitterness and resentment toward his brother.
Comparatively, Simba faced a similar decision once Scar was defeated at the end ofThe Lion King.As established inThe Lion King II: Simba’sPride, there was a whole sect of the pride who still supported Scar, led by the lioness Zira. These supporters were banished from the Pride Lands by Simba for years, becoming new Outsiders. As such, it was only until Simba’s daughter Kiara (who does appear inMufasaas a cub) and Scar’s heir Kovu came together to unite both groups of lions once more, following Zira’s defeat.
Why Mufasa Didn’t Want To Banish Scar
They Were “Brothers”
It’s not very surprising as to why Mufasa was unwilling to banish his brother at the end of the 2024 prequel. After all, Taka saved his life when they were cubs after Mufasa was separated from his parents. Joining Taka and his family, Mufasa owed his brother much, not to mention that Taka saved Mufasa once again after he deleted Kiros.
Mufasa: The Lion King Voice Actor Guide - What The Cast Looks Like In Real Life
Led by Aaron Pierre, the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King is full of talented actors who lend their voices to bringing these iconic characters to life.
Unfortunately,it seems as though Mufasa never fully understood just how resentful Scar still was, even in the aftermath. Despite saving his brother, receiving his new name from Mufasa was too much for his pride and fragile ego, and the resentment and bitterness persisted until Scar was finally ready to betray his brother years later as seen in the originalLion King.Because Mufasa didn’t banish Scar, the result was ultimately his own death at his brother’s hands during the wildebeest stampede.
Simba Made The Decision That Could Have Saved His Father’s Life
Simba Made The Hard Choice In The Lion King II
The aforementioned sentiment was likely running in Simba’s head when he chose to banish Scar’s supporters years later following his uncle’s defeat. Although the circumstances were different, Simba made the hard choice he felt was best for the pride that had long suffered under Scar’s oppression. To that end, it’s no wonder removing Scar’s influence and those still loyal to him was a priority for Simba at the dawn of his new rule.After all, if Mufasa had done the same and banished Scar, he likely would’ve prevented his own death.
To that end, the only reason the Pride Landers and Outsiders reformed years later was throughthe efforts of Kiara and Kovu inThe Lion King II. That said, it also helped once Zira (and her influence) were no more. While Simba initially delivered justice for the safety of his pride, he later agreed to welcome the Outsiders back, expressing mercy to the lions seeking to redeem themselves and accept his rule.
Mufasa & Simba Are Both Great Kings Despite Their Differences
Justice and Mercy Are Shown By Both Rulers
Although they made very different decisions, Mufasa and Simba were both great kings in their own times. Mufasa felt it was right to show mercy to his brother, an act that was gracious and more than what Scar deserved at the time. While it did result in his death, that doesn’t mean Mufasa made the wrong decision in the new prequel, and he still made sure that there were consequences for what his brother had done.
Likewise, Simba made the right call for his circumstances as well. He was focused on justice and keeping those under his rule safe. Additionally, it’s also important to remember that Simba was eventually convinced to retract his original banishment of the Outsiders once circumstances had changed, rather than stubbornly keeping to his original decree as he initially did at the beginning ofThe Lion King II.
Ultimately, both father and son expressed wisdom, justice, and mercy during their times as kings of the Pride Lands. As such, it’s pretty cool to see the parallels between the two thanks to Disney’s newMufasaprequel. While a “live-action” adaptation ofThe Lion King Part IIfeels unlikely, it would be exciting to see the parallel come full circle as well.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
The Lion King
Jon Favreau directs this 2019 live-action adaptation of Walt Disney’s popular film, The Lion King. Starring Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, this release follows young Simba as he grows up to become a mighty lion and take vengeance on his dastardly uncle, Scar.
The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
The Lion King 2, also known as The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, is a direct-to-video release unveiled in 1998 that acted as a direct sequel to the original Disney feature film. This title sees Simba and Nala’s daughter Kiara rebelling against her father’s overprotective nature and branching out where she meets another cub from a far away place.
