Mufasa Smartly Didn't Even Try To Replace Two Iconic The Lion King Characters

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King!

AlthoughMufasa: The Lion King borrowed many character types from the original animated film, the prequel smartly didn’t try to replace two of the most iconic characters in Disney history. Since the original movie’s release in 1994, The Lion King has grown into a flourishing franchise that includes TV shows, books, animated movies, live-action films, one of the longest-running Broadway musicals, and a few underrated video games. The most recent addition to the mix is the part-prequel, part-sequel film Mufasa: The Lion King.

The story of The 2024 film focuses heavily on the relationship between Mufasa and Scar, explaining how they met, became brothers, and turned into enemies. This culminates in Mufasa becoming the king of the Pride Lands. Although the narrative is fresh, the film reused many character types from The Lion King. Despite this, the Mufasa prequel made the correct decision not to replace two characters from the original movie.

Mufasa: The Lion King Has A Lot Of Parallels To The Lion King

The Mufasa Prequel Recycles The Character Archetypes From The Original Movie

Outside of Mufasa’s easter eggs, the prequel did a good job of maintaining the ambiance by using the major character types from The Lion King. The titular main characters parallel Simba in both personality and storyline. They are courageous lion cubs who get separated from their family because of a traumatic stampede. Then, they’re thrust into the hero role by circumstances outside their control, eventually becoming king of the Pride Lands, which is called Milele in Mufasa: The Lion King.

The parallels extend to other characters as well. Sarabi in Mufasa is the equivalent of adult Nala in The Lion King. They’re the smart and headstrong lionesses who find their love interest while separated from their pride, although Nala left of her own accord. Although their backstories are nothing alike, Kiros and Scar fill the same villain role in the films and are extremely smart. They also have quippy dialogue that makes them lovable as a villain. Luckily, Mufala: The Lion King provides just enough changes to the characters to keep it fresh rather than feeling like a rip-off.

The Lion King Prequel Thankfully Didn't Give Mufasa New Comedic Sidekicks

Mufasa's Sidekicks Are Nothing Like Timon And Pumbaa

Sarabi, Mufasa, and Rafiki looking at something in awe in Mufasa: The Lion King

Although the Mufasa prequel includes many of the same character types, the creative team was wise not to replace three characters from the original movie. They didn’t try to parallel Mufasa from The Lion King – the best choice, since there’s no way to replace the fatherly love and warmth of the late James Earl Jones. Additionally, they didn’t try to give the titular main character comedic sidekicks to replace Timon and Pumbaa, which would have been a big mistake.

There’s no way either Zazu or Rafiki would follow the motto “Hakuna Matata.”

The duo from the original film have a buddy film dynamic, where they have contrasting personalities and bounce off one another. Many of their interactions resemble Felix and Oscar in “The Odd Couple.” Although the 2024 film features Rafiki and Zazu, these two Mufasa characters didn’t know each other before Mufasa, Taka, and Sarabi meet. They don’t have the familiarity of Timon and Pumbaa, so they don’t feel like life partners or best friends. The sidekicks in the prequel don’t bounce off each other in a friendly way, and they come across as actually annoying one another, which isn't the case for Timon and Pumbaa.

The jokes from Rafiki and Zazu also have zero resemblance to Timon and Pumbaa. Rafiki feels more mystical and in his own world, while The Lion King’s duo is grounded in reality. On the other hand, Zazu seems more persnickety and uptight, while Timon and Pumbaa are much more laid back. There’s no way either Zazu or Rafiki would follow the motto “Hakuna Matata.”

Timon & Pumbaa's Mufasa Role Proves They Are Irreplaceable

Timon & Pumbaa Are Some Of The Best Disney Sidekicks

Timon and Pumbaa only appear in the framing story of Mufasa: The Lion King, which sometimes feels frustrating to watch. The film is best when focusing on the titular main character. Even when examining the framework, Timon and Pumbaa are admittedly unnecessary to the story. Rafiki is babysitting Kiara, who’s listening to a story to distract her from the thunder. The dynamic duo are mostly just tag alongs. Since The Lion King’s comedic sidekicks weren’t present for the events of Mufasa, their commentary feels out of place. That being said, it’s exciting to see Timon and Pumbaa back onscreen again.

After the time they spent raising Simba, there’s no way the adopted fathers would ever abandon their found family. There’s zero question they’d stay at Pride Rock with Simba, Nala, and their kids. They feel integral to Simba’s story and, by extension, his daughter’s story. Plus, their dynamic is priceless, and they make a hilarious meta joke about the Lion King Broadway musical. As much as Mufasa: The Lion King would have been better solely as a prequel instead of a hybrid prequel-sequel, the inclusion of Timon and Pumbaa serves as a reminder that these two characters could never be replaced.