While Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King primarily explores the journey of its titular hero and his complex bond with Taka (Scar), the ensemble cast adds heart, humor, and invaluable life lessons to the story. From the comic relief of Timon and Pumbaa to the emotional depth of Sarabi, the cast shared how their characters—and their own experiences—shaped their performances.

Tiffany Boone, who portrays a young Sarabi, reflected on the lessons of patience and grace that she’s learned from her husband, as well as the strength she brings to her character.

“My husband teaches me patience every day,” Boone shares. “He is one of the most patient people I’ve ever met. I literally watch him deal with situations and think, ‘You go to therapy, don’t you?’ (laughs). People try him, and he has a grace and patience that I do not possess, but it inspires me to be more full of grace and patience with people.”

Boone’s co-star Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voices Taka, added that Boone’s real-life resilience shone through during their press tour, even when she faced an unexpected challenge.

“Tiffany got stung by a bee yesterday and was like, ‘No, let’s finish the interview,’” Harrison recalls. “The strength she has—I was like, if I could just have a little bit of that, I’d be a G.”

Humor and resilience also play a major role in the film, embodied by the beloved duo Timon and Pumbaa, voiced by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen. Rogen, a veteran in bringing comic relief to life, pitched an idea for a Timon and Pumbaa standalone film that would explore the origins of their carefree philosophy.

“We’re begging for it,” Rogen jokes. “We’re straight-up campaigning for it. They could have any and every kind of adventure. What did they worry about before they decided not to worry? What’s the prequel to Hakuna Matata?”

Beyond their characters, the cast discussed the broader lessons they’ve learned from the opposite gender in their own lives. Boone highlighted her husband’s influence, while Rogen and Harrison emphasized the importance of humor, balance, and not taking life too seriously.

“My sisters taught me how to have a sense of humor,” Harrison explains. “They really know how to say, ‘Yo, it’s not that deep,’ and just brush things off. That’s something I’m grateful for and try to carry with me.”

Aaron Pierre, who voices young Mufasa, wrapped up the conversation with a reflection on the women in his life.

“They taught me to love with my entire being,” Pierre says. “That’s something I had to learn from them—how to let go of nervousness and just love fully. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

The ensemble cast’s diverse perspectives and lessons in patience, humor, and resilience bring rich layers to Mufasa: The Lion King. Audiences can witness their dynamic performances when the film hits theaters on December 20th.