Mufasa is branded a ‘far cry’ from unique Lion King as viewers slam ‘rushed plot strains’ and ‘forgettable’ soundtrack – as nepo child Blue Ivy makes film debut

Mufasa viewers have complained that the film is a ‘far cry’ from the original Lion King as they gave their feedback on social media after the movie was released.

The new film is a prequel to Disney’s 2019 CGI remake of The Lion King, which featured Beyoncé in the leading female voice role of the lioness Nala.

Now director Barry Jenkins, who helmed the Oscar-winning drama Moonlight, has cast the singer’s daughter Blue Ivy, 12, in his new movie as Nala’s daughter Kiara.

Blue Ivy’s parents both appeared on the red carpet to support their daughter at Mufasa’s Los Angeles premiere last week. 

But those who have been watching it so far haven’t been too impressed – writing on X that they were disappointed in ‘rushed storylines’ and a ‘forgettable’ soundtrack.  

They penned: ‘#Mufasa fell short for me. It didn’t connect with me emotionally, even though I had certain expectations. 

‘However, the animation is incredible, and the story succeeds in providing background to these characters many of us grew up with. In that sense, it fulfills its purpose. I’m sure it will be a success, especially as a production with strong commercial appeal.’,

‘#Mufasa is a real mixed bag. When it works, it really works. Mufasa’s rise can elicit big emotions. But Scar’s fall felt unearned. His entire personality changes w/ 1 scene. There’s too many rushed plot lines. Songs were all forgettable. Moments of greatness. Many issues.’,

‘#Mufasa improves on the 2019 Lion King, finding some compelling moments in this sibling rivalry tale. Even so, the more thoughtful storytelling is disrupted by an annoying and unnecessary Timon and Pumba framing device, dragging the film down. It works, but not problem-free.’,

‘Even the songs were mid?!’

‘There’s a bit more life in the animals this time around, even if it’s a far cry from the original. Still, Jenkins finds some genuinely compelling imagery throughout MUFASA that really enhances the story. The same goes for Lin’s songs, which add a fresh sound to the film.’

Others were most positive however, and wrote: ‘Wow. I am shocked. #Mufasa is a DEEPLY emotional film, filled with great music and incredible visuals.’,

‘Disney righted every wrong from the original ‘live-action’ remake, creating what might be one of the best ‘live-action’ Disney film in YEARS.’

Mufasa: The Lion King director Jenkins recently claimed Beyoncé and Jay-Z were not ‘involved’ in their daughter Blue Ivy getting a role in his movie.

Blue Ivy’s parents both appeared on the red carpet to support their daughter at Mufasa’s Los Angeles premiere last Monday – in the wake of a shock allegation that Jay-Z raped a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in 2000.

Two days later, Jenkins has sensationally insisted that Blue Ivy’s ‘parents weren’t involved in her booking this film,’ via People .

He maintained that he heard Blue Ivy narrating the 2020 audio version of Matthew A. Cherry’s children’s book Hair Love and ‘just really loved her voice.’

‘You know, she had read this book, this audiobook Hair Love with my friend Matthew Cherry. And I just really loved her voice,’ Jenkins said.

He noted that as the ‘movie begins, it’s all voices,’ and gushed about Blue Ivy: ‘I could just tell that she was going to bring this really wonderful innocence, but also the knowingness of a highly evolved child.’

Jenkins added that ‘the children in the audience, they’re going to see themselves in the character she plays, Kiara. She just brought all the complexity that it demanded.’

After praising her acting talent, Jenkins also vaunted Blue Ivy’s professionalism, saying: ‘It was great working with her. She came extremely prepared.’