Nigerian actors Theo Somolu and Folake Olowofoyeku have joined the highly-anticipated cast of Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel exploration of Simba’s father and the iconic Pride Lands.
While specific details of their roles remain under wraps, the inclusion of Somolu and Olowofoyeku in the live-action/animated film marks a major milestone for Nigerian talent breaking into Hollywood.
Olowofoyeku is best known for her standout lead performance in the hit CBS sitcom “Bob Hearts Abishola” as well as roles in “Death Race 2050” and “Female Fight Club.” Somolu has appeared in projects like “Mighty Express” and “Baggio: The Divine Ponytail.”
They join a star-studded ensemble for “Mufasa,” directed by Barry Jenkins of “Moonlight” fame, which features the likes of Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, and Seth Rogen among others.
“Mufasa” will be directed by Barry Jenkins, acclaimed for his work on “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The film will revisit a time before Simba’s tribulations with Scar, focusing on Mufasa’s evolution from a cub to a king. It will delve into the complexities of Mufasa’s relationship with his brother Taka, later known as Scar, tracing the events that set Taka on a path of darkness.
Disney describes “Mufasa: The Lion King” as a story conveyed by Rafiki to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. The narrative, unfolded through flashbacks, begins with Mufasa as an orphaned cub who encounters Taka, setting off on an epic adventure with a band of misfits. Their journey of destiny is fraught with challenges as they strive to thwart a formidable enemy.
Set for release on December 20, 2024, the prequel will take audiences back before the events of “The Lion King,” exploring Mufasa’s origins and his epic journey from an orphaned cub to the revered king of Pride Rock. A central focus will be Mufasa’s complex relationship with his brother Taka (who later becomes Scar) and the circumstances that set Taka on a dark path.
According to Disney, the story is framed as a tale narrated by Rafiki to a young Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala. Through flashbacks, it follows Mufasa as he forges an unlikely crew of misfits and faces a dangerous enemy in a quest to fulfill his grand destiny.
The casting of Somolu and Olowofoyeku continues Disney’s efforts to increase diversity and representation across their live-action remakes after recent films like “The Little Mermaid.”
As “Mufasa” aims to match the runaway success of “The Lion King” (2019), the two Nigerians will bring some of Africa’s rich performance talents to the legendary Pride Lands’ storytelling.
