Mufasa director Barry Jenkins explains why The Lion King prequel begins with a James Earl Jones tribute: "It was impossible to work on this movie without thinking of him"

EntertainmentMoviesLive Action MoviesMufasa: The Lion KingMufasa director Barry Jenkins explains why The Lion King prequel begins with a James Earl Jones tribute: “It was impossible to work on this movie without thinking of him"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesLive Action MoviesMufasa: The Lion KingMufasa director Barry Jenkins explains why The Lion King prequel begins with a James Earl Jones tribute: “It was impossible to work on this movie without thinking of him"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Getty Images) Mufasa director Barry Jenkins has explained why The Lion King prequel kicks off with an emotional tribute to James Earl Jones. “When he passed in September, we were very deeply working to finish the film. I would go into work and it was impossible to work on this movie without thinking of him. You realize very quickly it’s going to be impossible towatchthis movie without thinking of him as well,” Jenkins tells GamesRadar+ of the tribute to original Mufasa actor Jones, whopassed away in September aged 93. “It seemed the best thing to do, the thoughtful thing to do, was to acknowledge that feeling at the very beginning of the movie,” Jenkins says. “As the director of the film, I am the steward of the story. I just began to hear his voice in my head… I wanted to translate that into a moviegoing experience.” “I wanted to honor and serve the great James Earl Jones in my portrayal,” Pierre says. “Here’s hoping that he would feel honored, that I honored his name, and honored the character that he originated.” Pierre adds, “Disney actually did try to organize a meeting between James Earl Jones and myself but, sadly, that didn’t come to fruition. I’ve said many times before, he’s a hero of mine. He’s one of my greatest inspirations. I’m certainly a student of his artistry, of his craft, and he truly is the top of the mountain. It doesn’t get any better than the great James Earl Jones.” Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox Mufasa: The Lion King, starring Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, and Mads Mikkelsen, is set to hit cinemas on December 20. Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, and Billy Eichner also reprise their roles from the 2019 live-action remake. For more, check out our guide tonew Disney moviesandmovie release dates. Then dive intoour separate interview with Jenkinsas he expands upon the decision to take on Mufasa: The Lion King after directing Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. 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review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but 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