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John Kani, celebrated for his role in the 2019 remake of The Lion King, returns as a wiser Rafiki, whose life experience in the new movie earns him the respect of Simba and the inhabitants of Pride Rock.
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The esteemed octogenarian, who also serves as the narrator, brings a depth of wisdom to the character, reimagined from his previous portrayal as a more comical figure to a respected elder responsible for inaugurating kings and delving into the origins of Mufasa and Scar.
Kani explains:
Kani, aligning himself with Hollywood legends such as Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins, appreciates the recognition from Oscar-winning directors, including Jerry Jenkins, who personally sought him for Rafiki's role in this blockbuster.
The film also welcomes back beloved characters such as Timon, Pumbaa, Simba (Donald Glover), and Nala (Beyoncé), with a special appearance by Blue Ivy as Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara.
He says:
The cast is further enriched by South African comedy icon Kagiso Lediga and Hollywood-established actress Thuso Mbedu alongside Thandiwe Newton, highlighting the director's intent to feature the industry's elite.
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Best friends Timon and Pumbaa are also in the new film, which comes with the heartwarming guest surprise of Blue Ivy.
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Kani emphasises how deliberate the reputable director was in selecting the crème de la crème of the industry to uphold the standard set by the Lion King brand over the years.
He adds:
Promising an immersive experience with child-friendly action scenes enhanced by AI technology, Kani is adamant that Mufasa: The Lion King, which will open in cinemas on 20 December 2024, upholds the Lion King brand's legacy while offering a fresh perspective.
