Ah, Disney. The undisputed champion of “nostalgia-flavored cash grabs.” When they’re not busy turning theme park rides into mediocre blockbusters or churning out endless Star Wars content, they’re diving back into their treasure trove of animated classics. This time, it’s The Lion King getting yet another “update.” Enter Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel that nobody asked for, but we’re all apparently getting. Why? Because, obviously, what we’ve always wanted to know is how Mufasa went from a scrappy cub to the majestic king who briefly ruled Pride Rock before falling victim to Disney’s favorite villainous archetype: the bitter, jealous sibling.

Let’s dive into this upcoming cinematic masterpiece—or trainwreck, depending on your perspective—and break down why this movie has the potential to be either surprisingly good or a CGI-fueled snoozefest.

A Prequel to a Movie That Was Already a Remake

Before we get too excited (and by “excited,” I mean mildly curious at best), let’s not forget that this is a prequel to the 2019 Lion King remake. Yes, the one that turned a vibrant, emotional cartoon into a photorealistic documentary with all the charm of a biology class filmstrip. Remember how the animals’ expressions ranged from “blank stare” to “mildly surprised”? Yeah, this is the cinematic universe we’re revisiting.

Director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, yes, really) is at the helm for this project, which raises one eyebrow and then the other. Jenkins is a phenomenal filmmaker, so either Disney has convinced him to sell his soul for a paycheck, or he genuinely believes he can bring depth to Mufasa’s backstory. Let’s hope it’s the latter, because the man deserves better than to be known as “the guy who directed the Lion King prequel.”

The Plot: Simba, But Make It Mufasa

From what we know so far, Mufasa: The Lion King will follow the story of young Mufasa as he rises from an orphaned cub to the ruler of the Pride Lands. Think Lion King: Origins. There will likely be lessons about leadership, loyalty, and, of course, betrayal. Because if Disney has taught us anything, it’s that no lion’s journey to power is complete without a backstabbing sibling lurking in the shadows. Will Scar make an appearance as a jealous, emo cub? One can only hope.

The movie is narrated by Timon and Pumbaa, because clearly, nothing screams “epic origin story” like two comic relief characters cracking jokes and eating bugs. It’s a bold choice, to say the least, but hey, if they could squeeze Seth Rogen’s laugh into a serious coming-of-age tale once, they can probably do it again.

The Animation: More Dead-Eyed Lions Incoming

Disney promises more of that cutting-edge photorealistic CGI that made the 2019 Lion King both technically impressive and emotionally hollow. Sure, the lions look real, but do we really want realism in our talking animal movies? Nobody asked for Simba to look like he just wandered out of a National Geographic special, but here we are.

The big question is whether they’ve improved the facial animations this time around. Can Mufasa’s cub self emote more than a housecat staring out a window? Will the stampede scene make us cry, or just look like a well-rendered clip from Planet Earth? Time will tell.

The Cast: Big Names, Bigger Expectations

Disney hasn’t skimped on the star power. Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) voices young Mufasa, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Waves) takes on another major role. And yes, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen are back as Timon and Pumbaa, presumably to narrate the tale with their signature blend of sarcasm and offbeat humor. Honestly, they’re probably the safest bet for entertainment in this whole venture.

But here’s the real question: will James Earl Jones show up for a surprise cameo? Because if you’re doing a Mufasa movie and don’t include that iconic voice somewhere, what’s even the point?

Do We Really Need This Movie?

Let’s address the elephant—or should I say lion—in the room: do we really need a Mufasa prequel? Was anyone lying awake at night wondering how the king of Pride Rock came to power? Probably not. But Disney doesn’t care about need; they care about money. And as long as people keep paying to watch these live-action reimaginings, they’ll keep cranking them out.

That said, if anyone can salvage this concept, it’s Barry Jenkins. Maybe he’ll surprise us with a heartfelt, visually stunning origin story that breathes new life into the Lion King universe. Or maybe it’ll just be another forgettable entry in Disney’s ever-growing lineup of reboots and prequels. Either way, you know we’re all going to watch it—if not out of genuine interest, then at least to have something to complain about on Twitter.

The Bottom Line

Mufasa: The Lion King has all the ingredients for either a roaring success or a catastrophic flop. A talented director, a strong cast, and state-of-the-art CGI could make it worth the price of admission. But the specter of the 2019 remake looms large, and Disney’s track record with live-action adaptations isn’t exactly spotless (looking at you, Pinocchio).

So, should you see this movie? If you’re a die-hard Lion King fan or just curious to see how Disney spins this tale, go for it. If not, save your money and rewatch the original Lion King instead. At least there, you’ll get colorful animation, emotional depth, and a soundtrack that doesn’t sound like it was phoned in.

Will Mufasa prove to be the king of Disney prequels, or will it go the way of Dumbo and Aladdin (you know, the ones we’ve all conveniently forgotten)? Only time—and Disney’s relentless marketing machine—will tell.