Disney’s "Mufasa: The Lion King" doesn’t just explore the rise of its titular hero; it also delves deep into the story of Taka, later known as Scar, one of cinema’s most iconic villains. Voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr., the prequel offers a new perspective on the character, tracing the roots of his pain, betrayal, and ultimate fall from grace. For Harrison, stepping into Taka’s pawprints was an opportunity to explore themes of identity, rejection, and the universal struggle for self-acceptance.

“That's a big question. I mean, all the time. I’m always redefining myself,” Harrison says of his connection to Taka’s journey. “I guess I'm always learning something new about myself. I think that's why I'm an actor. I take on these roles to bring something to them, but also to take something from them.”

In the film, Taka’s story unfolds as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unmet expectations and the pressures we place on ourselves.

“With Taka, it was an opportunity to address some of the ideas of self that you project onto yourself early in life, which we sometimes call dreams but can also be unnecessary pressure,” Harrison explains. “When those expectations aren’t met, you can find disappointment in yourself. This role gave me the chance to explore those feelings and, in some ways, to relieve the disappointment. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale—we already know how it ends—but getting to journey with Taka allowed me to reflect on my own path.”

Taka’s feelings of being an outcast resonate deeply throughout the film, making his story both tragic and relatable. Harrison hopes audiences will see more than just the villain in Taka and instead connect with the humanity beneath the character’s choices.

“The story is an opportunity to understand what drives someone to become the person we see in 'The Lion King',” Harrison shares. “It’s not about excusing the behavior but about recognizing the complexities of his journey. He’s someone who felt misunderstood, and that can be incredibly isolating.”

As a rising star in Hollywood, Harrison has brought depth and nuance to roles in critically acclaimed films like "Luce" and "Waves." His ability to channel vulnerability and strength has made him one of the most compelling actors of his generation, and his performance as Taka is no exception.

“I’m grateful that I got to do this with Mr. Taka,” Harrison says, reflecting on the role. “It allowed me to explore so much about myself while giving a voice to a character whose story needed to be told. I hope audiences can see both the cautionary tale and the humanity within it.”

Audiences can witness Taka’s journey and the seeds of Scar’s iconic story when "Mufasa: The Lion King" arrives in theaters on December 20th.