Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King!
Simba and Nala have a new son inMufasa: The Lion King, and it is a massive tease for the future ofThe Lion Kingfranchise. The live-actionThe Lion Kingmovies have been incredibly successful, with the 2019 remake of the 1994 classic being such a big box office hit that Disney decided to make an original prequel movie. Now thatMufasa: The Lion Kinghas continued the live action series' success, it wouldn’t be surprising for moreThe Lion Kingmovies to enter production, and Simba and Nala’s new son could play a big part in them.
Unlike its 2019 predecessor,Mufasa: The Lion Kingis an original story, with it telling a never before seen tale of how Mufasa became king. The story tracks Mufasa’s childhood and his relationship with his adoptive brother Taka, who would later become Scar. Outside of its prequel narrative,Mufasa: The Lion Kingalso features a framing device, with Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa telling the story of Mufasa’s origins to Simba’s daughter, Kiara. However, Kiara isn’t the only lion cub seen in this framing device, as the end of the film also reveals the existence of another one of Simba’s children.
Simba & Nala’s Son Being Born In Mufasa’s Ending Sets Up More Lion King Stories
Could He Be Kion?
Simba and Nala’s son is born inMufasa: The Lion King, and while this may seem like nothing more than a nod to fans of the animatedThe Lion Kingprojects, it actually sets up the future of the live-action movies. The live-actionThe Lion Kingseries can use this new child to go back to telling sequel stories, as a new heir to the throne has been established. This means that Simba can fill the role of Mufasa in a potential sequel to 2019’sThe Lion King, with their new child filling the role that Simba once did.
I Liked Mufasa, But I’m Way More Excited For The Movie Barry Jenkins Will Do Next
Though Mufasa: The Lion King was a good film, I am much more excited to see what Barry Jenkins next after the announcement of his next project.
In the lore of the animatedThe Lion Kinguniverse, a lot is already known about this new son of Simba and Nala. His name is Kion, and he is the protagonist of the animatedThe Lion KingTV series,The Lion Guard. In the series, the Lion Guard is a royal group that protects the Pride Lands and the circle of life, with Kion being the head of the group due to his royal lineage. Three seasons of stories surrounding Kion have been told inThe Lion Guard, and the live-action series could adapt some of these for a future movie.
Simba & Nala’s Son Helps Set Up A Live-Action Version Of The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
& The Animated TV Series
Simba and Nala’s son does more than just set up the story of aThe Lion Guardadaptation, as it also helps set up a live-action version ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. In the animated universe,The Lion King II: Simba’s Prideis the direct sequel to the originalThe Lion King, with it focusing on Kiara as she falls in love with an outsider lion named Kovu. It has been speculated that a live-action adaptation ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pridewill be happening at some point, as the well-received sequel is the obvious way to expand on the live-action series.
The Next Lion King Movie After Mufasa Should Copy A $1.2 Billion Disney Live-Action Remake Decision
Disney’s next live-action Lion King movie after Mufasa should take inspiration from another profitable series that puts its villain in the spotlight.
Kion is not in the originalThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, but his confirmed existence in the live-action universe still helps the movie’s chances.The Lion Guardactually reveals where Kion was during the events ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, meaning that he could have an impact on the story. The live-action universe can use this opportunity to clean upthe messyThe Lion Kingtimeline, adapting both parts ofThe Lion King II: Simba’s Pride’s story into one cohesive narrative.
Disney Is Unlikely To Waste The Franchise Potential Simba & Nala’s Son Offers The Lion King
He Could Be The Future Of The Lion King
Disney wouldn’t have givenSimba and Nala a new sonfor a new reason, so it is likely that he will play a big role in the future ofThe Lion Kingfranchise. Kion and Kiara could be at the center of massiveThe Lion Kingsequels and spinoffs, allowing the live-action universe to continue forward. The framing device inMufasa: The Lion Kingseems like it was only a tease of what was to come, with it being used to set up a much bigger slate of futureThe Lion Kingprojects.
