Includes SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion Kingexamines Scar’s origins, proving that he never had what it takes to be king. Scar has become an iconic movie villain from the original 1994 Disney masterpiece, portraying him as a conniving lion whose primary motive is jealousy over Mufasa and his power as the king. Scar, named Taka in his youth before being bestowed the nickname for his treachery, is voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr. in theMufasamovie’s voice-acting cast, and the duality of the character is portrayed masterfully.
TheMufasaprequel’s storysees Mufasa and Taka grow up together as brothers after Taka discovers Mufasa as a stray.Taka is the heir to a pride ruled by a lion named Obasi, a proud male who’s immediately concerned by Mufasa, as having another male cub presents a potential threat to Taka’s rule. Throughout the movie, Taka becomes envious of Mufasa, a lion who seemingly succeeds in every aspect while he struggles. The moment that Taka officially becomes Scar, however, is when Sarabi chooses Mufasa over him.
Mufasa Shows Scar Is Too Much Of A Coward To Be A King
The primary reason Sarabi chooses Mufasa over Taka is that Taka is a coward. During the horrific elephant stampede, it’s Mufasa who protects Sarabi after she falls, despite Taka being the one who’s been trying to develop a romantic connection with her. Mufasa, as noble as he is, even tries to give Taka credit for doing it, but Sarabi sees through the lie.Cowardliness is a consistent issue for Taka throughout the movie, even causing him to lose the respect of his mother and fatherwhen they’re attacked bythe Outsiders, the pride of White Lions.
Being a coward causes Taka to lose everything, and it’s generally what makes him a villain. His birthright was to be king, but he’s inherently flawed as a lion, lacking the one thing he must have to rule a pride. Aside from Mufasa’s several other exceptional qualities, he’s undoubtedly courageous, and his having the direct thing that Taka so desperately needs makes it easy to imagine why Taka goes bad. Even though Taka comes around inMufasa’sending, his weaknesses prove he’s not meant to be king.
Obasi’s Leadership Limited His Pride’s Potential
The difference in parentage is a major aspect of the storyMufasa: The Lion Kingis trying to tell, demonstrating the dichotomy between these characters. Mufasa wasn’t raised to be king, but he came from a loving family of noble lions. His parents seemed kind and affectionate, even walking among other animals in peace.Taka’s father, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to be the most noble of lions. He comes around in the end, sacrificing himself to give Taka and Mufasa a headstart, but his parenting and ruling tactics are flawed.
Even Mufasa Knows There Are Other The Lion King Movies That Could’ve Been Made Instead
Mufasa: The Lion King told a powerful story, but its own characters acknowledged that other stories, like Simba’s Pride, could have come first.
Obasi is against the idea of his pride taking in Mufasa, as he’s worried about the influence of outsiders and strays. This ideology leads to his pride being isolated and outnumbered, while Mufasa ends up defeating Kiros in the movie by requesting help from other animal species.Obasi raised Taka with an example of being uncompromising and lacking compassion, and it led to Taka growing up to be a shell of his father’s ideals. Taka’s mother seems to be a more noble lion, but their pride primarily divides the male and female lions, so Taka lacked her influence.
Mufasa Could Have Helped Scar Be A Serviceable King
Mufasa Would Have Helped Taka Reign If He Hadn’t Betrayed Him
Had Taka not betrayed Mufasa, he would still have become king. Mufasa may have accidentally taken Sarabi’s love, but he wasn’t planning on overthrowing his brother’s right to rule. Ultimately,Mufasa would have remained Taka’s right-hand lion and could have helped him maintain a solid kingdom. Mufasa could have helped Taka navigate leadership, and even if he wasn’t innately fit for the job, he could have improved over time to at least be serviceable.
Mufasa doesn’t take the kingdom from Taka; he’s forced upon it when Taka betrays him.
Taka chose jealousy and anger over his option to rule, as he was never going to find himself in a position of power under Kiros.Mufasa: The Lion Kingreframes the story of Mufasa and Scar, but it doesn’t necessarily make the latter more sympathetic. Mufasa doesn’t take the kingdom from Taka; he’s forced upon it when Taka betrays him. He didn’t take Sarabi from Taka; Sarabi chose him. These dynamics are vital to what makes the new prequel a worthwhile story.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
