Disney’s live-action reimagining of its 1994 animated classic, The Lion King, stunned audiences worldwide upon its release in 2019. Now, the much-anticipated follow-up, Mufasa: The Lion King, is set to hit theaters on December 20th. This new film delves into the origin story of Mufasa, the father of Simba, offering a fresh perspective on his journey to becoming the great king.

In this prequel, we witness a young Mufasa, once an orphan, whose destiny is forever altered by his bond with Scar, the very brother who would later take his life. Tied not by blood but by a brotherly bond, Mufasa and Scar (once known as Taka) face a shared past and embark on a perilous journey to protect their pride from a ruthless lion adversary. This untold story explores the mysterious connection between the brothers and the trials that forged Mufasa into a legendary leader.

Mads Mikkelsen, who voices Kiros, a cold-hearted lion that challenges the young Mufasa and his allies, spoke about his role and the film in an exclusive interview.

“The Lion King is a Huge Part of My Life”

— From Marvel and Star Wars to Fantastic Beasts and Indiana Jones, you’ve now stepped into one of Disney’s most beloved works. How did you feel when you received the offer?

Mads Mikkelsen (M): I felt deeply honored. The Lion King is a film my children grew up with, so it’s a big part of my life. I also grew up watching Disney movies. For someone from Denmark, being offered such an iconic role in the original American production of a Disney film is an incredible honor. I had no hesitation at all. When I met director Barry Jenkins and read the script, I was completely captivated. His vision was breathtaking. There wasn’t a single part of me that didn’t want to do this.

— Looking back at your impressive lineup of global franchises, how do you feel about your career?

M: It feels great when you put it that way. But honestly, I don’t think about it too much. Maybe when I’m older, on a rainy day, I’ll reflect on it more. Right now, I’m simply living my life and working on projects that come my way. I don’t spend time counting my achievements, but I do feel grateful to have been part of so many fascinating works.

“I Don’t Seek Out Roles, I Let Inspiration Guide Me”

— You’ve consistently received offers for major projects. Do you have any strategies or principles for attracting or making the most of these opportunities?

M: No, not really. I’m not searching for anything specific or aiming for a particular genre. If I get an offer and find it interesting, I take it. Sometimes, I’ll be struck by an idea that I’d never considered before and think, “Wow, this is fascinating.” For me, there’s no ultimate dream project. A director’s ambition becomes mine too. When I’m inspired, I borrow or even steal from their vision.

— Tell us about the appeal of your character, Kiros.

M: His appeal? (Laughs) Well, he’s obviously a powerful adversary for the hero—or should I say, heroes. To those who follow him, Kiros is compelling because he’s an outcast. As a young cub, he was cast out of his pride. By rallying other lions who share his fate, he’s built a formidable coalition of outcasts—bitter lions who would rather devour the whole cake than just settle for a crumb. His charisma lies in their shared struggle. They’re all outsiders, and that shared experience unites them.

Source : ORICON NEWS