Mufasa’s Mesmerizing Eyes
From the very start, Kelly couldn’t help but be drawn to the depth of Mufasa’s eyes. “Oh my God, your eyes!” she exclaimed, barely able to contain her amazement. The actor playing Mufasa was caught off guard but appreciative, laughing as Kelly repeatedly marveled at their beauty. “They’re just mesmerizing!” she said, adding that his eyes were so captivating she almost couldn’t focus on anything else. The actor playfully responded, “I’ll find out the color for you, I swear!”
Her fascination with his eyes didn’t stop there. She humorously suggested that a close-up shot of his eyes was the perfect way to captivate the audience. The actor, ever so humble, kept his composure while Kelly, genuinely in awe, continued to compliment him. It was clear that, in that moment, Kelly was thoroughly lost in Mufasa’s eyes, both figuratively and literally!
The Bond Between Co-Stars
As the interview progressed, the stars shared stories about their friendship and how they had known each other before their roles in Mufasa: The Lion King. They first met via Zoom for the film, but it was their later collaboration on Genius: MLK/X that solidified their bond. “That really set the foundation for the friendship and brotherhood we share,” one actor said. Their camaraderie and mutual support throughout their careers were evident as they shared advice and laughed together.
Facing the Challenge of Playing Mufasa
Taking on such an iconic role as Mufasa is no small feat, especially with James Earl Jones’s legendary portrayal of the character. “I was terrified,” admitted the actor playing Mufasa. “James Earl Jones is an enormous inspiration to me, and if I can even do a fraction of what he’s done, I’ll consider myself lucky.” The actor’s respect for Jones was clear, but his own deep, commanding voice definitely brought Mufasa’s presence to life in a new way, keeping the legacy intact.
Sarabi’s New Side
The actress portraying Sarabi, Simba’s mother, revealed that her character would be portrayed with new depth and nuance. “We get to see Sarabi as a younger woman, full of sass, confidence, and vulnerability,” she said. “It was really fun to explore her character in a new light.” Her passion for the role was evident, and the duo seemed excited to show audiences a new side of these beloved characters.
Fun Moments in the Studio
When the conversation turned to their experiences recording the film, both actors admitted to having a blast. The actor playing Mufasa joked about being on a stool that helped him envision being on Pride Rock, mimicking the character’s regal posture. “I had to do the shoulders, the neck—Barry said, ‘Not too much!’ But I said, ‘More!’” he laughed. The lightheartedness of the session brought a sense of fun to the film, making it clear that these actors brought a lot of their own energy to the iconic characters.
Christmas Plans and Nerves
As Christmas approached, Kelly asked if the actors were ready for the holiday. One actor admitted, “I still need to do my Christmas shopping — guess what? Christmas Eve is my shopping day!” He laughed, saying he still had some wrapping to do too. Meanwhile, his co-star was a little more prepared but still stressed about last-minute tasks.
When asked about red carpet events, both actors admitted to feeling nervous. “Red carpets are nerve-wracking,” one confessed. “You try to look relaxed, but your smile starts shaking. It’s so awkward!” Kelly chimed in, noting how difficult it is to maintain a cool and calm demeanor, especially when trying to avoid tripping or messing up their outfits.
Singing in the Movie and Nerves on Set
One of the more exciting moments of the interview came when they discussed the music in Mufasa: The Lion King. The actor playing Mufasa shared that he’d never sung in a film before, and it was his first time tackling a musical project. “I was super nervous, but Lynn (Miranda) was so fun to work with. He just loves music and makes it so easy to enjoy,” he said. The actress playing Sarabi also admitted to feeling nervous, but her co-stars reassured her. “She has a magical voice,” one actor said, praising her performance.
Kelly couldn’t help but mention that one of their songs was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. “That’s so amazing! I had to mention it — you all did an incredible job,” she said. It was clear the cast was incredibly proud of their work, and their shared excitement was contagious.
A Red Carpet Moment with Cher
As the conversation wrapped up, the actors reflected on one particularly memorable moment on the red carpet. One actor shared an amusing story about meeting Cher. “They started yelling ‘Cher! Cher!’ and I panicked. I just blew her a kiss,” he laughed. He explained that meeting Cher was a surreal experience, as she’s someone he’s always admired. “Longevity in this industry is tough, and Cher has done it with such style for so many decades,” he said.
Final Thoughts
As the interview concluded, Kelly couldn’t help but joke about her red carpet antics, saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” as she shared her own experiences of waving at the crowd and pretending to be calm under pressure.
The stars of Mufasa: The Lion King not only gave fans a deeper look into their roles, but they also showed the importance of friendship and support in navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Audiences can catch Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters starting tomorrow, and judging by the energy and warmth from the stars, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
