The Full Cast Of Mufasa: The Lion King Revealed: Who Voices Taka (Scar) And The Shocking Origin Story Details

The highly anticipated Disney prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, is set to redefine the lore of the Pride Lands, giving fans the long-awaited origin story of the franchise's most tragic villain. As of December 18, 2025, the full voice cast has been officially confirmed, revealing the talented actors tasked with bringing the younger versions of these iconic characters to life, particularly the complex prince known as Taka, who is destined to become the infamous Scar.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, this photorealistic animated feature promises a deep dive into the relationship between the two royal brothers, Mufasa and Taka, long before the events of The Lion King. The central question—who voices Taka, and what new secrets will be unveiled about his transformation into Scar—has finally been answered, confirming that a rising star will take on the challenging role of the future usurper.

The Definitive Voice Cast of Mufasa: The Lion King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s Profile)

The casting for Mufasa: The Lion King blends established voices from the 2019 remake with fresh talent, ensuring both continuity and a new perspective for the prequel. The most crucial casting decision was for Taka, the young lion whose bitterness and ambition eventually consume him. That role has been given to the critically acclaimed actor, Kelvin Harrison Jr.

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Kelvin Harrison Jr.: The Voice of Taka/Scar

Kelvin Harrison Jr. takes on the formidable task of voicing the adult Taka, providing a new dimension to the character who will later be known as Scar. His casting signals Disney's intention to explore the villain's psyche with significant depth, moving beyond the traditional portrayal. Harrison Jr. is known for his compelling and intense performances in independent and prestige films, making him an ideal choice for the complex Taka.

• Full Name: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
• Date of Birth: July 23, 1994
• Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Luce Edgar in Luce (2019), Joseph Bologne in Chevalier (2022), Tyler in Waves (2019), and B.B. King in Elvis (2022).
• Role in Mufasa: Adult Taka (Scar).
• Preparation: Harrison Jr. acknowledged listening to the original Scar voice actor, Jeremy Irons, to inform his portrayal of Taka.
• Cub Taka Voice Actor: The younger version of Taka is voiced by Theo Somolu.

The Core Prequel Cast

The film’s central narrative revolves around the relationship between the two brothers, Mufasa and Taka, and the events that shape the Pride Lands monarchy. The cast list is packed with talent:

• Mufasa (Adult): Aaron Pierre (known for Krypton and Old).
• Mufasa (Cub): Braelyn Rankins.
• Sarabi (Adult): Tiffany Boone (known for Hunters and Nine Perfect Strangers).
• Rafiki (Adult Narrator): John Kani (reprising his role from the 2019 film).
• Rafiki (Young): Kagiso Lediga.
• Zazu: Preston Nyman.

The Transformation of Taka: Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s Approach to Scar's Origin

The character of Taka is perhaps the most anticipated element of the prequel, as fans have long speculated about the events that led to his villainous turn and his eventual name change to Scar. Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s performance is expected to be a nuanced exploration of a prince who is not inherently evil, but is shaped by circumstances, resentment, and a desire to defy his father.

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The film is structured as a flashback, with Rafiki recounting Mufasa's history to Simba and Nala's cub, Kiara, who is voiced by Blue Ivy Carter. This narrative device allows the story to delve deeply into the brothers’ early dynamics, showing a Taka who, despite his eventual path, initially loved Mufasa and displayed a fearless spirit.

One of the most significant pieces of new lore the film introduces is the true origin of the name "Scar." In previous non-canonical material, Taka's scar was often attributed to a fight or a mark of shame. The prequel, however, offers a different, more self-inflicted narrative. The story suggests that Taka himself offers up the name "Scar" as a permanent moniker, a way to ensure he never forgets a pivotal, perhaps regrettable, event in his life.

This revelation shifts the character’s arc from a victim of a physical wound to a figure who actively chooses his identity, embracing the darkness and the pain associated with his new name. This self-naming is a powerful moment, symbolizing his break from the royal line and his acceptance of the path of the outcast. The emotional weight of this transformation is where Harrison Jr.'s talent for portraying complex, conflicted characters will be crucial.

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Legacy Voices and New Additions: From Rafiki to Kiara

To maintain continuity with the 2019 film, several key actors are reprising their roles, framing the prequel story and connecting it directly to the sequel. The inclusion of these legacy voices provides a familiar anchor for the audience while the new story unfolds.

• Donald Glover returns as Simba.
• Beyoncé Knowles-Carter returns as Nala.
• Seth Rogen returns as Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner returns as Timon, ensuring the beloved comedic duo’s chemistry remains intact.

A notable and highly publicized addition to the cast is Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who takes on the role of Kiara, Simba and Nala’s cub. Kiara serves as the audience surrogate, listening to Rafiki's tale of her grandfather, Mufasa, and great-uncle, Taka. This generational casting choice adds a unique layer of meta-narrative appeal to the film's ensemble.

The New Lore: Plot Details and the Scar Naming Revelation

Director Barry Jenkins and the creative team have made it clear that Mufasa: The Lion King is not just a simple retelling but an expansion of the established canon. The film is set to explore the political and familial dynamics that shaped the Pride Lands before Simba's birth.

The plot centers on Mufasa's journey from a cub, orphaned and alone, to the King of the Pride Lands. The story details how he first met Taka and other key allies, establishing a bond that is tested by challenges, including a battle against a renegade lion.

The film’s exploration of Taka's character is particularly resonant with the themes of jealousy and destiny. It delves into the pressure placed on the younger brother, who is constantly measured against the noble and popular Mufasa. The original canon hinted at Taka's resentment, often linked to the myth of the Lion Guard and the second-born's role. This prequel promises a more personal and emotionally raw explanation for the rift between the brothers.

The self-naming incident—where Taka chooses to be called Scar—is positioned as a pivotal, defining moment. It is an act of self-condemnation and a public declaration of his new identity, effectively sealing his fate and setting him on the path to becoming the manipulative, power-hungry villain the audience knows. This narrative choice provides Taka with a degree of agency in his downfall, making his tragedy even more profound and complex for the audience.

Furthermore, the cast includes new roles, such as a lion named Kiros, voiced by Mads Mikkelsen. These new characters suggest the introduction of external threats or new royal history that further complicate the relationship between Mufasa and Taka, adding fresh layers of political intrigue to the Pride Lands saga. The prequel’s focus on the royal lineage, the role of Sarabi as a young lioness, and the history of the monarchy ensures a rich, deep dive into the Lion King universe, satisfying the curiosity of fans who have waited decades for the full story of Scar’s transformation.