Disney’s upcoming "Mufasa: The Lion King" takes audiences back to the Pride Lands to uncover the untold story of one of cinema’s most iconic characters. Directed by Academy Award-winner Barry Jenkins, the prequel follows the journey of a young Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, as he grows into the noble and wise king we know and love. For Pierre, stepping into the role immortalized by the legendary James Earl Jones was a career-defining moment and an opportunity to bring new dimensions to the beloved character.

Pierre, a rising star with a commanding presence, is no stranger to delivering impactful performances. He first gained attention with his role in the British drama series "Britannia" and later captivated audiences in M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller "Old." However, it was his standout performance in Jenkins' critically acclaimed miniseries "The Underground Railroad" that solidified his status as one of the most exciting up and coming talents in Hollywood.

“In the original, we meet Mufasa as a king—secure, wise, and confident,” Pierre explains. “But this prequel reveals he wasn’t born that way. He had to discover those traits and grow into them. That’s what’s so inspiring about his journey. It’s not just about being a father or a leader; it’s about showing the humanity—or rather, the lion-heartedness—behind the legend.”

Despite his impressive resume, Pierre admits that taking on such an iconic role was both exhilarating and intimidating. James Earl Jones, whose powerful voice has become synonymous with Mufasa, has been a lifelong inspiration for Pierre.

“I was terrified, honestly,” Pierre confesses. “James Earl Jones is one of my greatest inspirations—his artistry, his voice work, his stage presence. For me, he’s at the top of the mountain. Long before I even turned professional, he was someone I looked to for inspiration and guidance. To step into this role and honor his legacy was a daunting yet deeply rewarding challenge.”

The prequel not only reintroduces audiences to Mufasa but also redefines the character by delving into his vulnerabilities and formative experiences. Pierre hopes fans will find the story relatable and uplifting.

“Something I loved about this prequel is that we learn Mufasa wasn’t just born with his wisdom and leadership. He had to discover and earn those traits, which I find incredibly inspiring,” Pierre says. “Hopefully, audiences will resonate with that journey and see how it adds depth to the legend we all know and love.”

Reflecting on the personal lessons he’s learned from his life and his work, Pierre shares how the women in his life have taught him invaluable lessons about love and vulnerability.

“One of the many things that the women in my life have taught me is to love with my entire being. That’s something I had to learn from them because, when it comes to matters of the heart, I do get nervous,” he reveals. “I think they taught me how to love with my entire being, despite that nervousness. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

With a combination of reverence for the past and his unique artistry, Aaron Pierre is ready to bring new life to Mufasa. Audiences can experience his transformative performance in "Mufasa: The Lion King" when it roars into theaters on December 20th.