Return to the Pride Lands and the sweet nostalgia of some of your favorite Disney characters in the live-action musical film Mufasa: The Lion King, out in theaters now! Before the film’s release, we chatted with Braelyn Rankins who voices Mufasa as a cub and Theo Somolu who voices Taka as a club to learn more about their characters and their song in the film.
The film is both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 remake of the 1994 film The Lion King. In the Pride Lands of Tanzania, Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. Their chance meeting sets in motion a brotherhood and expansive journey alongside a group of misfits searching for their destiny. The film features a star studded cast of voices, including Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald GLover, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé, and more!
Braelyn: “We got to know each other a bit better when we got to meet in person.”
We asked both actors to describe each other’s characters, and Braelyn said Taka is very outgoing and extroverted whereas Theo said Mufasa is shy, but this sets off a perfect brotherhood, despite their differences.
Theo: “I would describe Mufasa as shy, because he was a stray and he didn’t really know himself but Taka really helped him with that.”
Braelyn and Theo said they were most excited to record their musical performance of “I Always Wanted A Brother.” Both joked that their voices have changed since they recorded the song, and are much higher in the film then they are now. They are incredibly excited for audiences to see the emotion and storytelling of the music in such an iconic film.
Theo: “I told myself it is just singing and to have fun with it.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music for the film, and both Braelyn and Theo were huge fans of Lin-Manuel’s work with Hamilton and Encanto and said it was incredible to work with him.
Braelyn: “It is so exciting to have a song with such a memorable soundtrack and an iconic franchise.”
Theo: “Making the song, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Theo said it was an absolute dream to be in a Disney film and such a beloved franchise, and if you hope this is you someday, both actors said to never stop trying and to not let rejection get to you. They are proof that dreams can come true!
Theo: “It was an emotional moment seeing all the hard work you’ve done be put into one thing.”
Thank you, Braelyn and Theo, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Watch the rest of the interview where we ask them more about working with a vocal coach, performing in a sound booth, and more. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
- Never stop trying, no matter how much time it takes for you to achieve your dream. Once you get there, you’ll be glad you never gave up!
- Don’t let rejection stop you. Even if you get a no, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve something. One yes can change everything!
