Join BlackTree Media’s Jamaal Finkley as he sits down with rising stars Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. to discuss their remarkable journey from Genius: MLK/X to Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. This heartfelt conversation explores how fate brought them together, their experiences bringing iconic characters to life, and their reflections on voice acting and storytelling.
Aaron Pierre, a British actor known for The Underground Railroad and Old, voices young Mufasa, a lion with an extraordinary journey of resilience and leadership. Kelvin Harrison Jr., a versatile actor celebrated for Waves and The Trial of the Chicago 7, lends his voice to Taka, Mufasa’s complex brother who later becomes Scar.
Mufasa: The Lion King takes audiences back in time, revealing the origin story of one of Disney’s most iconic kings. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film explores themes of family, loyalty, and destiny, blending photorealistic animation with a compelling narrative.
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YouTube Chapter Marks:
0:00 - Introduction and Opening Scene from Mufasa: The Lion King
0:44 - Reuniting After Genius: MLK/X
1:22 - Atlanta’s Role in Their Bond
1:57 - Born in 1994: A Fateful Connection
2:34 - Challenges of Voice Acting for Animation
3:22 - Reflecting on Their Creative Growth
4:04 - Theatrical Parallels in Voice Acting
4:35 - Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s Connection to Taka
5:06 - The Mythology of Mufasa: Historical Influences
5:41 - Favorite Origin Stories
6:19 - Closing Remarks and Words of Encouragement
Additional Information from Production Notes:
• Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually stunning prequel exploring the beloved king’s rise from an orphaned cub to a leader.
• Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, the movie blends live-action filmmaking techniques with cutting-edge photoreal CGI.
• The story introduces new characters, including Taka (later Scar), and revisits fan favorites like Rafiki, Sarabi, Timon, and Pumbaa.
• The film’s score includes new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, adding to the legacy of The Lion King’s iconic music.
• Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Africa, the film offers an epic journey of survival, family, and destiny.
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