View source for Mufasa

{{Short description|Character from The Lion King}}
{{About|the character|the film|Mufasa: The Lion King}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Mufasa
| series = [[The Lion King (franchise)|The Lion King]]
| image = Mufasa promotional image.webp
| image_size = 
| caption = 
| first = ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994)
| last = 
| creator = {{Plainlist|
* [[Irene Mecchi]]
* [[Jonathan Roberts (writer)|Jonathan Roberts]]
* [[Linda Woolverton]]}}
| designer = Tony Fucile
| voice = {{Plainlist|
*[[James Earl Jones]] ([[The Lion King (1994 film)|1994 film]], ''[[The Lion King II: Simba's Pride]]'', ''[[The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar]]'', ''[[The Lion King: Simba's Mighty Adventure]]'', ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', [[The Lion King (2019 film)|2019 film]])
*[[Keith David]] (''[[House of Mouse]]'', 2025-present)
*[[Gary Anthony Williams]] (''[[The Lion Guard]]'')
*[[Aaron Pierre (actor)|Aaron Pierre]] (''[[Mufasa: The Lion King]]'')
*Braelyn Rankins (cub; ''Mufasa: The Lion King'')
  }}
| species = [[Lion]]
| title = King of the Pride Lands
| family = {{plainlist|
* [[Scar (The Lion King)|Scar]] (younger brother)
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Ahadi|Ahadi]] (father; in ''Six New Adventures'')
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Uru|Uru]] (mother; in ''Six New Adventures'')
* [[Mohatu]] (grandfather; in ''The Brightest Star'')
  }}
| spouse = [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Sarabi|Sarabi]] (mate)
| children = [[Simba]] (son)
| relatives = {{plainlist|
* [[Nala (The Lion King)|Nala]] (daughter-in-law)
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Kopa|Kopa]] (grandson; in ''Six New Adventures'')
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Kiara|Kiara]] (granddaughter)
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Kion|Kion]] (grandson)
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Kovu|Kovu]] (grandson-in-law)
* [[List of The Lion King (franchise) characters#Rani|Rani]] (granddaughter-in-law)
  }}
}}
:
'''Mufasa''' is a fictional character in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s ''[[The Lion King (franchise)|The Lion King]]'' franchise. A wise and benevolent [[lion]], he first appears in the [[The Lion King|1994 animated film]] as the [[King]] of the Pride Lands and devoted father to [[Simba]], whom he is raising to inherit the kingdom. Mufasa is [[Fratricide|killed]] by his younger brother, [[Scar (The Lion King)|Scar]], who [[Regicide|murders]] him to [[Usurper|usurp]] the throne. Mufasa's death forces Simba into [[exile]], but his ghost later appears to an adult Simba, urging him to return home and confront his responsibilities as the [[Heir apparent|rightful heir]]. Mufasa was voiced by actor [[James Earl Jones]].

Created by screenwriters [[Irene Mecchi]], [[Jonathan Roberts (writer)|Jonathan Roberts]], and [[Linda Woolverton]], Mufasa underwent several changes during production of ''The Lion King''. Notably, the decision to make Mufasa and Scar brothers was intended to strengthen the plot, and Mufasa was reintroduced as a spirit to give Simba a compelling reason to return to Pride Rock. The filmmakers extensively debated whether showing Mufasa's death on-screen was suitable for a [[children's film]]. Some writers suggested it should occur [[Offscreen|off-screen]], but director [[Rob Minkoff]] insisted on depicting it explicitly, an unprecedented choice for an animated film. Mufasa's animation, supervised by Tony Fucile, drew inspiration from Jones's mannerisms and smile.

Jones received widespread acclaim for his performance. While some critics and audiences initially debated whether Mufasa's death was too frightening for children—many comparing it to the death of Bambi's mother in ''[[Bambi]]'' (1942)—the scene is retrospectively regarded as one of the most memorable deaths in film history, particularly resonating with [[millennials]]. Several publications have also celebrated Mufasa as one of the greatest fictional fathers in popular culture.

Mufasa has appeared in various [[tie-in]] media and [[The Lion King (franchise)#Other media|merchandise]]. Jones reprised the role in the [[The Lion King (2019 film)|2019 remake]] of ''The Lion King'', the only main cast member to return from the original film and one of his final performances before his death in 2024. A prequel to the remake, ''[[Mufasa: The Lion King]]'', was released in 2024, and explores Mufasa's childhood. Actor [[Samuel E. Wright]] received a [[Tony Award]] nomination for originating the role on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] in the film's 1997 [[The Lion King (musical)|stage adaptation]].

== Role ==
In ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994), King Mufasa rules over the Pride Lands alongside his mate, [[Queen Sarabi]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Deborah |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Latest Jewel in Disney Crown Not the Shinest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-the-lion-king/90968906/?locale=en-CA |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125161835/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-the-lion-king/90968906/?locale=en-CA |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |quote=}}</ref> Their young son, [[Simba]], is destined to inherit the [[throne]]. Mufasa teaches Simba about the "[[Circle of Life]]" and the delicate balance required to maintain harmony in the Pride Lands.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 1994 |title=The 'mane' event is sure to be a roaring success |url=https://issuu.com/swindonlink6/docs/october1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227025924/https://issuu.com/swindonlink6/docs/october1994 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=Swindon Link |via=[[Issuu]]}}</ref> Mufasa advises Simba to prepare for the day when Simba will succeed him as [[king]].<ref name="BFI 2023">{{Cite news |date=August 13, 2023 |title=The Lion King |url=https://bfidatadigipres.github.io/making%20magic%3Cbr%3E100%20years%20of%20disney/2023/08/13/lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912130106/https://bfidatadigipres.github.io/making%20magic%3Cbr%3E100%20years%20of%20disney/2023/08/13/lion-king/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[BFI Southbank|BFI Southbank Programme Notes]]}}</ref> However, Mufasa's envious younger brother, [[Scar (The Lion King)|Scar]], covets the throne and devises a scheme to eliminate both Mufasa and Simba. Scar lures Simba into a [[Canyon|gorge]] and orchestrates a [[wildebeest]] [[stampede]], knowing Mufasa will risk his life to save his son.<ref name="Frank 2019">{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Priscilla |date=July 19, 2019 |title=It Took a Disney Kingdom to Kill Cartoon Mufasa |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/07/mufasa-death-scene-the-original-lion-king-animators-discuss.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201133213/https://www.vulture.com/2019/07/mufasa-death-scene-the-original-lion-king-animators-discuss.html |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |quote=The effect was chilling, for children and New York Times reviewers alike.}}</ref> After rescuing Simba, Mufasa is swept into the stampede and struggles to escape. Reaching for Scar's help at the gorge's edge, Mufasa is betrayed as Scar [[Regicide|pushes him to his death]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Greatest Movie Death Scenes |url=https://www.filmsite.org/bestdeaths41.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801165255/https://www.filmsite.org/bestdeaths41.html |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Filmsite]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 2019 |title=Inside Mufasa's Lion King Death Scene, A Tearjerker For The Ages |url=https://www.gqmiddleeast.com/culture/inside-mufasas-lion-king-death-scene-a-tearjerker-for-the-ages |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916161220/https://www.gqmiddleeast.com/culture/inside-mufasas-lion-king-death-scene-a-tearjerker-for-the-ages |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[GQ Middle East]] |quote=much like the Bambi mother murder that traumatized another generation of children decades before}}</ref><ref name="Frank 2019" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Witiw |first=John |date=November 3, 2023 |title=10 Coming-of-Age Movies from the 1990s That Made Us Bawl Our Eyes Out |url=https://movieweb.com/coming-of-age-movies-1990s-made-us-cry/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919003804/https://movieweb.com/coming-of-age-movies-1990s-made-us-cry/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]] |quote=Mufasa's death is one of the most infamous death sequences in animation history.}}</ref> Scar [[Gaslighting|manipulates]] Simba into feeling responsible for his father's death,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2015 |title=The Most Tragic Animal Deaths in Film |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tragic-animal-deaths-film-812167/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602234053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tragic-animal-deaths-film-812167/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |access-date=October 22, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> prompting the guilt-ridden cub to flee the Pride Lands.<ref name="BFI 2023" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lion King, The (film) |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/lion-king-the-film/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222042846/https://d23.com/a-to-z/lion-king-the-film/ |archive-date=February 22, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> Lost and alone, Simba finds refuge in the [[jungle]] [[oasis]], where he is raised by the carefree [[Timon and Pumbaa]], a [[meerkat]] and a [[warthog]].<ref name="BFI 2023" /> Despite his relaxed new lifestyle, Simba remains haunted by guilt over his father's death.<ref name="BFI 2023" /> Years later, Simba encounters [[Rafiki (The Lion King)|Rafiki]], a wise [[mandrill]],{{Efn|Although often erroneously referred to as a [[baboon]], Rafiki is actually a [[mandrill]].<ref name="mandrilllazoo">{{cite news |title=Mandrill |url=https://lazoo.org/explore-your-zoo/our-animals/mammals/mandrill/#:~:text=Although%20the%20character%20Rafiki%20from,form%20gorgeous%20hues%20of%20purple. |access-date=November 20, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Zoo|Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815211858/https://lazoo.org/explore-your-zoo/our-animals/mammals/mandrill/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="mandrillbusinessinsider">{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=What Disney got wrong about the animal kingdom in 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-lion-king-trailer-disney-movie-wrong-animal-kingdom-lions-2019-4 |access-date=November 20, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319072417/https://www.businessinsider.com/the-lion-king-trailer-disney-movie-wrong-animal-kingdom-lions-2019-4 |archive-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref>}} who reveals that Mufasa's [[Ghost|spirit]] endures within him.<ref name="BFI 2023" /> Mufasa appears to Simba as a ghostly vision in the sky, urging him to accept his responsibilities and reclaim his place as king.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Ed |date=September 28, 2003 |title=Review: The Lion King |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821085646/https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lion-king/ |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Russel |first=Candice |date=June 24, 1994 |title='Lion' Is King Of Jungle For All Ages |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-06-24/entertainment/9406220442_1_simba-mufasa-lion |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619063058/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-06-24/entertainment/9406220442_1_simba-mufasa-lion |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref> Inspired, Simba returns to the Pride Lands, defeats Scar, and fulfills his destiny as Mufasa's successor.<ref name="BFI 2023" /> In ''[[The Lion King II: Simba's Pride]]'' (1998), Mufasa has a smaller role, appearing in the sky to offer guidance to Simba and communicating with Rafiki through the wind.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yoars |first=Marcus |title=The Lion King II: Simba's Pride |url=https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/lionkingiisimbaspride/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116030207/https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/lionkingiisimbaspride/ |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=[[Focus on the Family|Plugged In]]}}</ref>

== Development ==

=== Creation ===
''The Lion King'' was the first film released during the [[Disney Renaissance]]{{Efn|The [[Disney Renaissance]] was a period from 1989 to 1999 when [[Walt Disney Feature Animation]] experienced a resurgence in critical and commercial acclaim, releasing some of the studio's most successful animated films. ''The Lion King'' was the fifth film released during this period.<ref name="disneyrenaissanceBFI">{{cite news |last1=Determan |first1=Sophie |title=The many merry eras of Disney |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/many-merry-eras-disney |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[British Film Institute]] |date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831145152/https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/many-merry-eras-disney |archive-date=August 31, 2024}}</ref>|name=Disney Renaissance definition}} to focus on a father-son relationship, rather than a romantic one.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 10, 2022 |title=The Lion King Mufasa Production Maquette (Walt Disney, 1994).... |url=https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/maquette/the-lion-king-mufasa-production-maquette-walt-disney-1994-/a/7295-17172.s#auction-description |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912122449/https://comics.ha.com/itm/animation-art/maquette/the-lion-king-mufasa-production-maquette-walt-disney-1994-/a/7295-17172.s#auction-description |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Heritage Auctions]]}}</ref> Producer [[Don Hahn]] described the film as "essentially a love story between a father and a son ... It's about that moment in life when you realise that your father is going to pass on to you his wisdom and knowledge".<ref name="BFI 2023" /> In early drafts of the film, Mufasa was not related to Scar,<ref name="Nilles 2019" />{{Efn|In early versions of the story, Scar was originally a rogue lion unrelated to Mufasa, before the filmmakers incorporated inspiration from [[William Shakespeare]]'s play [[Hamlet]].<ref name="scarbackstorycomicbook.com">{{cite news |last1=Bonomolo |first1=Cameron |title=Mufasa: The Lion King Changes Scar's Backstory |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/mufasa-the-lion-king-scar-backstory-change/ |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[ComicBook.com]] |date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503063912/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/mufasa-the-lion-king-scar-backstory-change/ |archive-date=May 3, 2024}}</ref>|name=Scar rogue lion}} but the producers decided that making these characters brothers would strengthen the story.<ref name="Nilles 2019" /> However, the characters' physical appearances had already been finalized, leaving little [[Family resemblance (anthropology)|family resemblance]] between the pair.<ref name="Nilles 2019">{{Cite news |last=Nilles |first=Billy |date=June 19, 2019 |title=The Lion King Turns 25: Everything You Need to Know About Disney's Original Trip to Pride Rock |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1049788/the-lion-king-turns-25-everything-you-need-to-know-about-disney-s-original-trip-to-pride-rock |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505231418/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1049788/the-lion-king-turns-25-everything-you-need-to-know-about-disney-s-original-trip-to-pride-rock |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref> According to director [[Rob Minkoff]], they had always imagined that Mufasa accidentally gave Scar his [[eponym]]ous scar when they were cubs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=August 29, 2017 |title=The Lion King director reacts to film's Honest Trailer |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/08/29/the-lion-king-honest-trailer-director-commentary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914031602/https://ew.com/movies/2017/08/29/the-lion-king-honest-trailer-director-commentary/ |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Although Mufasa and Scar refer to each other as "brothers", as members of the same pride,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hanley |first=Cecelia |date=August 17, 2017 |title=Lion King makers reveal Scar, Mufasa aren't brothers |url=https://www.wtxl.com/syndication/lion-king-makers-reveal-scar-mufasa-aren-t-brothers/article_2aa4abde-eafd-5d96-b2bb-594904722bf9.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928213132/https://www.wtxl.com/syndication/lion-king-makers-reveal-scar-mufasa-aren-t-brothers/article_2aa4abde-eafd-5d96-b2bb-594904722bf9.html |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[WTXL-TV|WTXL ABC 27]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitehead |first=Mat |date=August 17, 2017 |title=Hold Up, It Turns Out Scar And Mufasa Aren't Even Brothers |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/au/entry/hold-up-it-turns-out-scar-and-mufasa-arent-even-brothers_au_5cd36a0ce4b0acea950069e6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917193537/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/au/entry/hold-up-it-turns-out-scar-and-mufasa-arent-even-brothers_au_5cd36a0ce4b0acea950069e6 |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref> Hahn retrospectively suggested that Mufasa and Scar sharing parents would be unlikely because lion prides typically have only one adult male,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2017 |title='Lion King' director reveals shocking truth about Mufasa and Scar |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lion-king-director-reveals-shocking-truth-about-mufasa-and-scar-117082100470_1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914064612/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/lion-king-director-reveals-shocking-truth-about-mufasa-and-scar-117082100470_1.html |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref> with younger, rogue lions often killing a pride's patriarch and his offspring to assert dominance.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lang |first=Cady |date=August 29, 2017 |title=The Lion King Director Confirms That Mufasa and Scar Are Totally Brothers |url=https://time.com/4920182/the-lion-king-mufasa-scar-brothers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913014604/https://time.com/4920182/the-lion-king-mufasa-scar-brothers/ |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ani |date=August 21, 2017 |title='The Lion King' director reveals truth about Mufasa and Scar |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/lion-king-director-reveals-truth-mufasa-scar.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914063329/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/lion-king-director-reveals-truth-mufasa-scar.html |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref>{{Efn|In a 2017 interview, producer [[Don Hahn]] received extensive media coverage when he suggested that, contrary to popular belief, Mufasa and Scar are not blood-related brothers due to power and gender dynamics that typically limit lion prides to one adult male.<ref name="mufasacarbrotherhoodglamour">{{cite news |last1=Rosa |first1=Christopher |title=Um, Mufasa and Scar Aren't Actually Brothers in 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/mufasa-scar-not-actually-brothers-in-the-lion-king |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]] |date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814101646/https://www.glamour.com/story/mufasa-scar-not-actually-brothers-in-the-lion-king |archive-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name="mufasascartoday">{{cite news |last1=Curley |first1=Julia |title='Lion King' producer reveals shocking truth about Scar, Mufasa |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/lion-king-producer-reveals-shocking-truth-about-scar-mufasa-t115294 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]] |date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330070235/https://www.today.com/popculture/lion-king-producer-reveals-shocking-truth-about-scar-mufasa-t115294 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |quote=Hahn off-handedly caused an existential crisis for "Lion King" lovers when he said, “Scar and Mufasa couldn’t really be from the same gene pool.”}}</ref> Hahn said Scar alludes to their nonrelation by describing himself as belonging to "the shallow end of the [[gene pool]]".<ref name="genepoolcomicbook.com">{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Jenna |title='The Lion King' Producer Says Mufasa and Scar Aren't Actually Brothers |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lion-king-mufasa-scar-brothers-don-hahn/ |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[ComicBook.com]] |date=August 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710095725/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/lion-king-mufasa-scar-brothers-don-hahn/ |archive-date=July 10, 2024}}</ref> Following fan outcry, Hahn's statement was retracted by director [[Rob Minkoff]].<ref name="mufasascarinquirer">{{cite news |last1=Ibarrola |first1=Khristian |title='Lion King' director retracts earlier statement, says Mufasa and Scar are brothers |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/240548/lion-king-director-retracts-earlier-statement-says-mufasa-scar-brothers |access-date=September 13, 2024 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831091443/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/240548/lion-king-director-retracts-earlier-statement-says-mufasa-scar-brothers |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |quote=“We got into trouble,” he described the backlash that ensued from his earlier revelation.}}</ref><ref name="mufasascargoodhousekeeping">{{cite news |last1=Brodsky |first1=Sam |title=Update: "Lion King" Director Confirms that Scar and Mufasa Are Brothers |url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/news/a45633/lion-king-scar-and-mufasa-not-brothers/ |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Good Housekeeping]] |date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326223948/https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/news/a45633/lion-king-scar-and-mufasa-not-brothers/ |archive-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>|name=Mufasa and Scar brothers.}}

Screenwriter [[Linda Woolverton]] described writing Mufasa's death as realizing they would need to make him "the greatest father that ever lived" for his death to feel particularly impactful.<ref name="Bradley 2019" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Kevin |date=July 12, 2017 |title=The 'Maleficent' Screenwriter Also Wrote 'The Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast' |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-maleficent-screenwriter-also-wrote-the-lion-king-and-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414114344/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-maleficent-screenwriter-also-wrote-the-lion-king-and-beauty-and-the-beast |archive-date=April 14, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref> By the time Minkoff became involved, they had already decided Mufasa would die from a stampede, albeit in a less brutal manner.<ref name="Frank 2019" /> Death via stampede was chosen because lions [[Apex predator|lack natural predators]].{{Efn|Although Mufasa's exact [[cause of death]] is not shown on-screen after Scar throws him from the cliff, critics agree that the character was "trampled to death" by the stampeding wildebeests.<ref name="tramplednyt">{{cite news |last1=Lipson |first1=Eden Ross |author1-link=Eden Ross Lipson |title=July 3–9; A Better Reason to Fear "The Lion King" |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/10/weekinreview/july-39-a-better-reason-to-fear-the-lion-king.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 10, 1994}}</ref><ref name="trampledhoustonpress">{{cite news |last1=Szatmary |first1=Peter |title=A Lame, and Troubling, Lion |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/film/a-lame-and-troubling-lion-6572883 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=[[Houston Press]] |date=July 7, 1994}}</ref><ref name="trampledtodeathgainsville">{{cite news |last1=Barrera |first1=Sandra |title=The Lion King, IMAX version |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2002/12/25/the-lion-king-imax-version/31622786007/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=[[The Gainesville Sun]] |date=December 24, 2002}}</ref>|name=trampledtodeath}}<ref name="Paige 2017" /> His cause of death was one of the few ideas that remained unchanged during production,<ref name="Paige 2017" /> although there were some early discussions brainstorming exactly how Mufasa should die.<ref name="Weiss 2019" /> While doing research for the film,<ref name="Weiss 2019">{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Josh |date=July 25, 2019 |title=Circle of Life: An Oral History Of 'The Lion King' For Its 25th Anniversary |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2019/07/15/circle-of-life-an-oral-history-of-disneys-the-lion-king-for-its-25th-birthday/ |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921215334/https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2019/07/15/circle-of-life-an-oral-history-of-disneys-the-lion-king-for-its-25th-birthday/ |archive-date=September 21, 2024 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> Woolverton suggested "drowning" Mufasa in a wildebeest stampede, after seeing photographs of "how frenetic and unstoppable" wildebeests are when migrating.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelley |first=Sonaiya |date=June 13, 2024 |title=Long Live the King |url=https://keyframemagazine.org/2024/06/13/long-live-the-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722205437/https://keyframemagazine.org/2024/06/13/long-live-the-king/ |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=Keyframe Magazine}}</ref> Minkoff lobbied in favor of exploring Mufasa's death in more detail, which was unusual for an animated film at the time.<ref name="Frank 2019" /> The director also understood the risk of [[Killing off|killing]] a character as important as Mufasa after viewers had already become attached.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foutch |first=Haleigh |date=August 29, 2017 |title='The Lion King' Co-Director Explains Why the Animated Classic Was a Bold Move for Disney |url=https://collider.com/lion-king-blu-ray-interview-rob-minkoff/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730070902/https://collider.com/lion-king-blu-ray-interview-rob-minkoff/ |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>

Although they drew inspiration from the implied off-screen death of Bambi's mother in ''[[Bambi]]'' (1942),<ref>{{Cite news |last=Polowy |first=Kevin |date=August 31, 2017 |title='The Lion King' director explains how death of Bambi's mom influenced the death of Simba's dad |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lion-king-director-explains-death-bambis-mom-influenced-death-simbas-dad-233203927.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420015422/https://www.yahoo.com/web/20240420015422/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lion-king-director-explains-death-bambis-mom-influenced-death-simbas-dad-233203927.html |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo! Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name="Bankhurst 2024">{{Cite news |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=June 24, 2024 |title=The Lion King at 30: The Disney Movie 'No One Was Supposed to Care About' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-lion-king-at-30-the-disney-movie-no-one-was-supposed-to-care-about |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811042051/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-lion-king-at-30-the-disney-movie-no-one-was-supposed-to-care-about |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[IGN]] |id=Some crew members such as inbetweener Rachel Bibb referred to it as "our Bambi moment".}}</ref><ref name="Stone 1994">{{Cite news |last=Stone |first=Jay |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Film roars with glorious creativity |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/464913433/?clipping_id=90967673&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjQ2NDkxMzQzMywiaWF0IjoxNzI2ODU3NzI2LCJleHAiOjE3MjY5NDQxMjZ9.UAaCwbRj7hf7b1F9cHgs1k7Sa8ASvXt_2iYcBeMgz-Q&terms=mufasa&match=1 |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920190053/https://www.newspapers.com/image/464913433/?clipping_id=90967673&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjQ2NDkxMzQzMywiaWF0IjoxNzI2ODU3NzI2LCJleHAiOjE3MjY5NDQxMjZ9.UAaCwbRj7hf7b1F9cHgs1k7Sa8ASvXt_2iYcBeMgz-Q&terms=mufasa&match=1 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[The Ottawa Citizen]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Minkoff argued that ''The Lion King'' should confront Mufasa's death more directly by having Simba interact with his dead body on-screen.<ref name="Conaboy 2023">{{Cite news |last=Conaboy |first=Kelly |date=December 28, 2023 |title=The Bizarre Tragedy of Children's Movies |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/12/kids-movies-sadness-tragedy-emotional-reaction/675599/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227003615/https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/12/kids-movies-sadness-tragedy-emotional-reaction/675599/ |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> According to art director [[Andy Gaskill]], the decision to slowly reveal Mufasa's corpse as the dust clears from the scene heightens its realism by allowing audiences and Simba to realize what has occurred simultaneously.<ref name="Frank 2019" /> The creative team was initially divided on whether showing Mufasa's death was appropriate for the film's target audience,<ref name="Frank 2019" /><ref name="Conaboy 2023" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Beck |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Beck |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&dq=linda+woolverton+%22mufasa%22&pg=PA145 |title=The Animated Movie Guide |publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]] |year=2005 |isbn=9781569762226 |location=United States |pages=146 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=April 2, 2018 |title=The Lion King stars look back on the making of the animated hit |url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/04/02/disney-lion-king-timon-pumbaa-simba/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526025241/https://ew.com/movies/2018/04/02/disney-lion-king-timon-pumbaa-simba/ |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> and carefully re-wrote the scene to straddle {{"'}}the sweet spot of emotion,' pushing just far enough without making the scene too overwhelming for its young audience".<ref name="Bradley 2019" /> Despite its short length,{{Efn|Mufasa's death scene occurs thirty-two minutes and ten seconds into the film and last five minutes, according to ''[[Christianity Today|Preaching Today]]''.<ref name="deathlength">{{cite news |title="The Lion King": Substitutionary Sacrifice |url=https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2001/july/13153.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[Christianity Today|Preaching Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020112428/https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2001/july/13153.html |archive-date=October 20, 2020}}</ref>|name=mufasadeathduration}} Mufasa's death required approximately 30 filmmakers and over two years to complete;<ref name="Frank 2019" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Anvita |date=July 22, 2019 |title=The Lion King: why legacy endures, what is different in reimagined version |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-lion-king-why-legacy-endures-what-is-different-in-reimagined-version-5840839/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811053905/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-lion-king-why-legacy-endures-what-is-different-in-reimagined-version-5840839/ |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> it was the last scene finished, despite being the first storyboarded.<ref name="Paige 2017" /> [[Inbetweening|Inbetweener]] Rachel Bibb was one of the crew members who was shocked that Disney retained the sequence.<ref name="Bankhurst 2024" />

Mufasa's death prompted the filmmakers to conceive ways to lighten the film's mood afterward.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonanno |first=Luke |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Interview: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, The Directors of The Lion King - Page 2 of 2 |url=https://dvdizzy.com/lionking-directors-interview2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914063812/https://dvdizzy.com/lionking-directors-interview2.html |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |website=DVDizzy.com}}</ref> Minkoff suggested sending Simba into exile immediately, which allowed the emotional impact of Mufasa to be alleviated by Timon and Pumbaa's humor.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Clarke |first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B090Ndx1o6cC&dq=don+hahn+mufasa&pg=PT352 |title=Animated Films - Virgin Film |publisher=[[Ebury Publishing]] |year=2012 |isbn=9781448132812 |location=United Kingdom |access-date=September 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924123605/https://books.google.com/books?id=B090Ndx1o6cC&dq=don+hahn+mufasa&pg=PT352 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> Originally, they had not planned for Mufasa to reappear after dying,<ref name="Baxter-Wright 2016">{{Cite news |last=Baxter-Wright |first=Dusty |date=July 26, 2016 |title=21 things you didn't know about The Lion King |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a44918/things-you-didnt-know-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720134937/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a44918/things-you-didnt-know-lion-king/ |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]}}</ref> but they wanted Simba to have a valid reason to return to Pride Rock, and decided his father's ghost should convince him.<ref name="Ryan 2019"/><ref name="Armstrong 2011">{{Cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Josh |date=October 8, 2011 |title=Allers & Minkoff: The Legacy of The Lion King |url=https://animatedviews.com/2011/allers-and-minkoff-egacy-of-the-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917164849/https://animatedviews.com/2011/allers-and-minkoff-egacy-of-the-lion-king/ |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Animated Views}}</ref> Mufasa's death and return as a ghost are among several thematic similarities ''The Lion King'' shares with [[William Shakespeare]]'s play ''[[Hamlet]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vincenty |first=Samantha |date=July 12, 2019 |title=The Lion King's Surprising Connections to Hamlet |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a28376309/the-lion-king-hamlet-comparison/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906214547/https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a28376309/the-lion-king-hamlet-comparison/ |archive-date=September 6, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[Oprah Daily]]}}</ref><ref name="Klass 1994" /> from which screenwriters [[Irene Mecchi]] and [[Jonathan Roberts (writer)|Jonathan Roberts]] drew inspiration.<ref name="Fischer 2022">{{Cite news |last=Fischer |first=William |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Just How Deep Is 'The Lion King's' Debt To 'Hamlet?' |url=https://collider.com/the-lion-king-hamlet-connection-explained/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926013703/https://collider.com/the-lion-king-hamlet-connection-explained/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> However, they removed a version of Mufasa's death that included the ''Hamlet'' line "good night, sweet prince" to avoid sounding "too [[Self-referential humor|self-conscious]]".<ref name="Fischer 2022" /> Animator [[Chris Sanders]] and story artist [[Brenda Chapman]] were responsible for drafting the scene where Mufasa's spirit tells Simba to return home.<ref name="Diamond 2019">{{Cite book |last=Diamond |first=Ron |author-link=Ron Diamond |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UPCyDwAAQBAJ&dq=rob+minkoff+%22mufasa%22&pg=PA135 |title=On Animation – The Director's Perspective Vol 1 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |year=2019 |isbn=9781351657709 |location=United States |publication-date=2019 |page=135 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref name="Kring-Schreifels 2019">{{Cite news |last=Kring-Schreifels |first=Jake |date=July 19, 2019 |title=How the Original 'Lion King' Came to Life |url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/7/19/20699678/the-lion-king-original-animation-1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911183051/https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/7/19/20699678/the-lion-king-original-animation-1994 |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]}}</ref><ref name="PBS">{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2021 |title=A Conversation with Brenda Chapman – Transcript |url=https://www.pbs.org/video/a-conversation-with-brenda-chapman-qeaaye/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918162444/https://www.pbs.org/video/a-conversation-with-brenda-chapman-qeaaye/ |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[PBS]]}}</ref> Since it was one of the first scenes written for the film,<ref name="Diamond 2019" /> Chapman wrote Mufasa's dialogue as repeating "remember" to call back to an earlier moment when Mufasa scolds Simba for visiting the elephant graveyard.<ref name="Diamond 2019" /><ref name="PBS" /> She had intended for the dialogue to merely serve as a placeholder, but it was ultimately retained.<ref name="Diamond 2019" /><ref name="PBS" /> From the dialogue, Sanders determined that the character would manifest as either "a lifelike ghost, a series of stars, or just a dark presence" in the scene.<ref name="Kring-Schreifels 2019" /> To elevate his storyboards per the directors' feedback,<ref name="Weiss 2019" /> Sanders drew inspiration from a musical excerpt from the film ''[[The Mission (1986 film)|The Mission]]'' (1986), and used [[Pastel (color)|pastels]] "to fully encapsulate a vision of Mufasa emerging from the clouds".<ref name="Kring-Schreifels 2019" />

=== Voice ===
Actor [[Sean Connery]] was Disney's initial choice to voice Mufasa,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 28, 2011 |title=Roundtable Interview: The Lion King |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=7433 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525133703/https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=7433 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Blu-ray.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McKiddy |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Interesting Facts About the Original "The Lion King" |url=https://thebig98.iheart.com/featured/mckiddy/content/2019-07-23-interesting-facts-about-the-original-the-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912015952/https://thebig98.iheart.com/featured/mckiddy/content/2019-07-23-interesting-facts-about-the-original-the-lion-king/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[The Big 98]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Kevin |date=March 1, 2024 |title=Every Crazy, Weird Fact About Disney's 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-lion-king-turns-20-every-crazy-weird-fact-about-the-disney-classic |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815194458/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-lion-king-turns-20-every-crazy-weird-fact-about-the-disney-classic |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Greg |date=July 23, 2019 |title=10 interesting facts about the original "The Lion King" |url=https://www.947wls.com/2019/07/23/10-interesting-facts-about-the-original-the-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912022417/https://www.947wls.com/2019/07/23/10-interesting-facts-about-the-original-the-lion-king/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[WLS-FM|94.7 WLS]]}}</ref> and actor [[Liam Neeson]] was also considered.<ref name="Ryan 2019">{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Keeley |date=July 19, 2019 |title=13 things about The Lion King that you (probably) didn't know |url=https://her.ie/entertainment/13-things-lion-king-probably-didnt-know-473186 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912023926/https://her.ie/entertainment/13-things-lion-king-probably-didnt-know-473186 |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Her.ie]]}}</ref><ref name="Baxter-Wright 2016" /> Mufasa was voiced by American actor [[James Earl Jones]],<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994" /> who Woolverton admitted was the stronger candidate despite Connery being her first choice.<ref name="Weiss 2019" /> Disney said it was difficult to envision anyone other than Jones voicing Mufasa once the character was fully realized.<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994">{{Cite news |date=July 4, 1994 |title=Whoopi Goldberg and James Earl Jones Lend Voices to Disney's Movie 'Lion King' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8LoDAAAAMBAJ&dq=tony+fucile+mufasa&pg=PA35 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918134034/https://books.google.com/books?id=8LoDAAAAMBAJ&dq=tony+fucile+mufasa&pg=PA35 |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |pages=33, 35 |via=[[Google Books]] |issn=0021-5996}}</ref> Jones gravitated towards the role because he was impressed by drawings he had seen of Mufasa and relished the opportunity to create a character using only his voice, saying the process reminded him of his early career performing on radio.<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994" /> As a prolific [[Actor#History|thespian]], he was also drawn to the film's Shakespearean elements.<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994" /> He described voice acting as the "purest form" of acting, likening it to performing in [[Theatre of ancient Greece|ancient Greek theatre]] "where the actors would wear masks. In our case, the masks are the animators' drawings and we just simply supply all the behaviors, emotions, and feelings behind that mask".<ref name="The Walt Disney Company 2024">{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Remembering Disney Legend James Earl Jones |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/james-earl-jones-remembering-disney-legend/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914183811/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/james-earl-jones-remembering-disney-legend/ |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=[[The Walt Disney Company]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Renée |date=September 12, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones was more than just a singular voice |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/12/opinion/james-earl-jones-actor/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912180136/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/12/opinion/james-earl-jones-actor/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=October 29, 2025 |work=[[The Boston Globe]]}}</ref>

[[File:James Earl Jones Baltimore.jpg|left|thumb|Actor [[James Earl Jones]] voiced Mufasa in the original film, several sequels, and the 2019 remake. |281x281px]]

Jones admitted to originally making the error of forcing his character to sound regal, which he corrected upon receiving direction to voice Mufasa as himself, who the actor described as more akin to "a dopey dad".<ref name="Griggs 2024">{{Cite news |last1=Griggs |first1=Brandon |last2=Rosenbloom |first2=Alli |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, iconic actor and memorable voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, dead at 93 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/entertainment/james-earl-jones-death/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914111530/https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/entertainment/james-earl-jones-death/index.html |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Jones explained that "Fathers are not always grand, certainly not with their sons. When you accommodate being a father, you are often dopey and goofy".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Belcher |first=Sara |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Actor James Earl Jones Is Survived By His Lookalike Son, Flynn |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/james-earl-jones-kids |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917045535/https://www.distractify.com/p/james-earl-jones-kids |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[Distractify]]}}</ref> Inspired by his revised tone of voice, the animators proceeded to incorporate Jones's own facial expressions into Mufasa's.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cudd |first=Shannon |date=September 10, 2024 |title=10 Things Most People Probably Didn't Know About the Late James Earl Jones |url=https://cafemom.com/entertainment/10-things-late-james-earl-jones/he-struggled-to-find-mufasas-voice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912152558/https://cafemom.com/entertainment/10-things-late-james-earl-jones/he-struggled-to-find-mufasas-voice |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[CafeMom]]}}</ref> Minkoff and co-director [[Roger Allers]] praised Jones's work on the film,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Callaway |first=Timothy |date=October 10, 2011 |title=The Making of 'The Lion King' |url=http://www.themousecastle.com/2011/10/lion-king-don-hahn-roger-allers-rob.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912045754/http://www.themousecastle.com/2011/10/lion-king-don-hahn-roger-allers-rob.html |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=The Mouse Castle}}</ref> recalling that Jones's [[Vocal warm-up|vocal exercises]] alone "sometimes sounded like a real lion with a rumbling growl".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonanno |first=Luke |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Interview: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, The Directors of The Lion King |url=https://dvdizzy.com/lionking-directors-interview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819011203/https://dvdizzy.com/lionking-directors-interview.html |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=DVDizzy.com}}</ref> Allers said that Jones's voice would already [[echo]] throughout the studio without the aid of a microphone.<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994" /> Nonetheless, they strategically placed six microphones around his head to create the illusion that his voice was "coming from everywhere".<ref name="Armstrong 2011" /> Jones worked on the film sporadically for over two years until Disney was satisfied.<ref name="Verini 2011">{{Cite news |last=Verini |first=Bob |date=November 11, 2011 |title=After 50 years, Jones is still the Man |url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/after-50-years-jones-is-still-the-man-1118045473/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914185556/https://variety.com/2011/film/news/after-50-years-jones-is-still-the-man-1118045473/ |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> A song originally written for the character was not used in the final film once Disney realized Jones was unable to perform it.<ref name="Nilles 2019" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2019 |title=7 Things That You Didn't Know About The Lion King |url=https://www.disney.my/article-7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911194953/https://www.disney.my/article-7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-lion-king |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |website=[[Disney.com|Disney Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ziebarth |first=Christian |date=June 15, 2004 |title=The Lion King Tenth Anniversary Reunion |url=https://animatedviews.com/2004/the-lion-king-tenth-anniversary-reunion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124074309/https://animatedviews.com/2004/the-lion-king-tenth-anniversary-reunion/ |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |access-date=January 30, 2025 |work=Animated Views}}</ref> Entitled "To Be King",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grossbart |first=Sarah |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Secrets About The Lion King That Will Make You Feel the Love Tonight |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1403934/secrets-about-the-lion-king-that-will-make-you-feel-the-love-tonight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912024923/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1403934/secrets-about-the-lion-king-that-will-make-you-feel-the-love-tonight |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref> it was ultimately reworked into "[[I Just Can't Wait to Be King|I Just Can't Wait To Be King]]", performed by Simba.<ref name="Ryan 2019" /> Jones and actress [[Madge Sinclair]], who voiced Sarabi, had previously played the king-and-queen couple in the [[romantic comedy]] film ''[[Coming to America]]'' (1988).<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 15, 2015 |title=The Lion King: 20 Amazing Things You Might Not Know |url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/movies/the-lion-king-20-amazing-things-might-not-know-88671071331.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG7u3kcVyoh77BXOamlFxJnDXQmD4XQ7lB1luEO_SpI2-ZLOOoat0Tir6013H2HSwTxv2V4I1RsxxO2jStDM_pc-tt1bX-zmjaJTJkFfwxe9blRT4zyLkwaC4jdiHcCXho98SAsuWnB63MtzIa5rQAAiWmNcWTpZa2iRHiecZnO5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912043257/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/movies/the-lion-king-20-amazing-things-might-not-know-88671071331.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG7u3kcVyoh77BXOamlFxJnDXQmD4XQ7lB1luEO_SpI2-ZLOOoat0Tir6013H2HSwTxv2V4I1RsxxO2jStDM_pc-tt1bX-zmjaJTJkFfwxe9blRT4zyLkwaC4jdiHcCXho98SAsuWnB63MtzIa5rQAAiWmNcWTpZa2iRHiecZnO5 |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo Movies|Yahoo Movies UK]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Aquino |first=Tara |date=Mar 7, 2021 |title=10 Facts About Coming to America |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78669/10-royal-facts-about-coming-america |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630123756/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78669/10-royal-facts-about-coming-america |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Mental Floss]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Craig S |date=August 23, 2022 |title=25 Surprising Facts About 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/57386/30-facts-about-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630054354/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/57386/30-facts-about-lion-king |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Mental Floss]]}}</ref> The actor voiced the character again for tie-in projects such as ''[[The Lion King II: Simba's Pride]]'' (1998) and ''[[The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar]]'' (2015).<ref name="The Walt Disney Company 2024" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Elber |first=Lynn |date=November 19, 2015 |title=James Earl Jones returns as 'Mufasa' in 'Lion King' TV project |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/article/james-earl-jones-returns-as-mufasa-in-lion-king-tv-project/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128181921/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/article/james-earl-jones-returns-as-mufasa-in-lion-king-tv-project/ |archive-date=January 28, 2025 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |work=[[The Associated Press]] |via=[[CTV News]]}}</ref>

In 2011, Jones said he would often prove to younger children that he was the voice of Mufasa by saying, in his character's voice, "Simba. You have deliberately disobeyed me".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansky |first=Jacqueline |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, Authoritative Actor and Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/james-earl-jones-dead-darth-vader-1235996060/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920184427/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/james-earl-jones-dead-darth-vader-1235996060/ |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Jones was the only original cast member to reprise their role in the [[The Lion King (2019 film)|2019 remake]] of ''The Lion King''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sacks |first=Ethan |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, legendary actor known for unmistakable baritone voice, dies at 93 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/james-earl-jones-dead-93-rcna42405 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924011308/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/james-earl-jones-dead-93-rcna42405 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[NBCNews.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Carr 2024">{{Cite news |last=Carr |first=Mary Kate |date=September 10, 2024 |title=8 of our favorite James Earl Jones performances |url=https://www.avclub.com/our-favorite-james-earl-jones-performances |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920173121/https://www.avclub.com/our-favorite-james-earl-jones-performances |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref><ref name="Chapman 2024">{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Wilson |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones' 12 Greatest Roles, from 'Star Wars' to 'The Hunt for Red October' and 'The Great White Hope' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-james-earl-jones-movies/m8dliki-wd001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911192227/https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-james-earl-jones-movies/m8dliki-wd001/ |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[IndieWire]]}}</ref> The remake's director, [[Jon Favreau]], was surprised that he agreed to return.<ref name="Snetiker 2019">{{Cite magazine |last=Snetiker |first=Marc |date=April 26, 2019 |title=The Lion King director recalls James Earl Jones' 'powerful' return as Mufasa |url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/04/26/the-lion-king-james-earl-jones-mufasa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912042351/https://ew.com/movies/2019/04/26/the-lion-king-james-earl-jones-mufasa/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Out of respect and admiration for the actor, Favreau refused to give Jones direction regarding his performance, reassuring him that he already embodied the character.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, Storied Actor Who Voiced Darth Vader and Mufasa in 'Lion King,' Dead at 93 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/james-earl-jones-dead-obituary-1234768096/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909221618/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/james-earl-jones-dead-obituary-1234768096/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> While most of the remake's cast recorded together in a [[black box theater]] in California, Jones worked solo from a New York-based recording studio.<ref name="Snetiker 2019" /> Much of the character's dialogue from the original film was also retained for the remake,<ref name="Snetiker 2019" /> which was one of Jones's final film credits before his death on September 9, 2024.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones Was So Much More Than His Golden Voice |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/james-earl-jones-dies-remembering-legacy-1235098257/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910030113/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/james-earl-jones-dies-remembering-legacy-1235098257/ |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>

Actor [[Aaron Pierre (actor)|Aaron Pierre]] voiced the character in 2024's ''[[Mufasa: The Lion King]]'', a prequel to the 2019 film, and cited Jones as one of his greatest inspirations.<ref name="Adams 2024">{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Char |date=September 10, 2024 |title='Master of our craft': James Earl Jones' influence went far beyond voiceovers |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/james-earl-jones-death-legacy-influence-racial-barriers-rcna170319 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923162948/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/james-earl-jones-death-legacy-influence-racial-barriers-rcna170319 |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[NBCNews.com]]}}</ref> The prequel is dedicated to Jones's memory.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tangcay |first1=Jazz |last2=Jackson |first2=Angelique |date=December 9, 2024 |title=Barry Jenkins on Honoring James Earl Jones in 'Mufasa: The Lion King's' Opening Credits: 'We Had All Lost a Patriarch' |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/mufasa-opening-credits-james-earl-jones-tribute-1236241745/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228070953/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/mufasa-opening-credits-james-earl-jones-tribute-1236241745/ |archive-date=December 28, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Although Jones did not record any new material before he died, the film's director, [[Barry Jenkins]], insisted on opening the prequel with Jones's speech from the original film, in which Mufasa explains to Simba that great kings from the past continue to watch over their descendants from the stars.<ref name="Romano 2024">{{Cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |date=December 10, 2024 |title=How Mufasa pays tribute to James Earl Jones: 'It was something we had to do' |url=https://ew.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-james-earl-jones-tribute-8757338 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218212002/https://ew.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-james-earl-jones-tribute-8757338 |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |access-date=December 14, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Jenkins listened to all of Jones's dialogue from the original film before making this selection.<ref name="Romano 2024" />

=== Personality and design ===
Jones described Mufasa as an authoritative, but ultimately gentle, father.<ref name="Griggs 2024" /> Jones's staunch demeanor during recording sessions inspired supervising animator Tony Fucile.<ref name="Kring-Schreifels 2019" /> Fucile said Jones contributed both the regality and "fatherly warmth" the animators needed to create the character, explaining, "it was up to us to visually come up to that standard that he set with his voice".<ref name="Johnson Publishing Company 1994" /> Specifically, the animators incorporated the "dopey smile" Jones would wear during recording sessions into Mufasa's face.<ref name="Verini 2011" /> Fucile found watching Jones's performance in the film ''[[Matewan]]'' (1987) to be particularly helpful because the actor "used a lot of facial expressions and eye movements to communicate", mirroring Mufasa's tendency to be subtle and convey a lot of emotion with little movement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mouroux |first=Olivier |date= |title=The Lion King (1994) |url=https://am.animatedviews.com/TheLionKing.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918132857/https://am.animatedviews.com/TheLionKing.html |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=Animated Movies Animation Database}}</ref> The animators reused some design elements from Mufasa for adult Simba to make the latter look more heroic.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=March 11, 2022 |title='Lion King' Animator Ruben Aquino Looks Back at the Inspirations Behind His Design of Simba |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lion-king-animator-interview-simba-design-1235106624/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115055119/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lion-king-animator-interview-simba-design-1235106624/ |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Under Fucile, Phillip Young was another animator who worked on Mufasa, which Young referred to as his "best character assignment".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Caroline |date=June 4, 2021 |title=Phillip Young Dies, Legendary Disney Animator Was 79 |url=https://movieweb.com/phillip-young-dead-disney-animator/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623170253/https://movieweb.com/phillip-young-dead-disney-animator/ |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref> Prior to ''The Lion King'', Young had mostly animated action scenes, some of which he also did for Mufasa, but he considers the character the first time "in which I could exercise some acting chops".<ref name="Zahed 2021">{{Cite news |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=June 2, 2021 |title=Longtime Disney Animator Phil Young Has Died at Age 79 |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/06/longtime-disney-animator-phil-young-has-died/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115075307/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/06/longtime-disney-animator-phil-young-has-died/ |archive-date=November 15, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref> He also animated Mufasa's stampede scenes, as well as some of his interactions with Simba.<ref name="Zahed 2021" />

Animator Chris Wahl specifically requested to work on Mufasa because he admired Fucile and Jones's vocal performance.<ref name="Golembewski 2015" /> Despite the character's lack of footage due to his smaller role and already having an established an animation team, the filmmakers allowed Wahl to help animate the character.<ref name="Golembewski 2015">{{Cite news |last=Golembewski |first=Vanessa |date=June 23, 2015 |title=The Secret Rivalry Between Pocahontas & The Lion King |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/06/89430/pocohantas-disney-anniversary-animation-team-rivalry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229100924/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/06/89430/pocohantas-disney-anniversary-animation-team-rivalry |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Refinery29]]}}</ref> [[Maquette]]s of Mufasa were created by animation sculptor [[Kent Melton]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stracener |first=Layne |date=November 12, 2018 |title=From Aladdin to Mufasa, local artist sculpts characters for big-name Hollywood studios |url=https://www.the-standard.org/life/from-aladdin-to-mufasa-local-artist-sculpts-characters-for-big-name-hollywood-studios/article_77a06f10-e6f1-11e8-b865-57a49d3efed6.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223130019/https://www.the-standard.org/life/from-aladdin-to-mufasa-local-artist-sculpts-characters-for-big-name-hollywood-studios/article_77a06f10-e6f1-11e8-b865-57a49d3efed6.html |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Missouri State University|The Standard]]}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Critics and audiences initially expressed varying opinions about Mufasa's death.<ref name="Frank 2019" /><ref name="Mirabal 2022">{{Cite news |last=Mirabal |first=Marisa |date=August 21, 2022 |title=How Mufasa's Death In The Lion King Broke The Rules Of Disney |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/964725/how-mufasas-death-in-the-lion-king-broke-the-rules-of-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615150832/https://www.slashfilm.com/964725/how-mufasas-death-in-the-lion-king-broke-the-rules-of-disney/ |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[/Film]] |quote=This scene devastated audiences, both kids and adults alike}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Muiruri |first=Peter |date=September 11, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, the actor behind Lion King's Mufasa is dead |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/entertainment/article/2001502420/james-earl-jones-the-actor-behind-lion-kings-mufasa-is-dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917044404/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/entertainment/article/2001502420/james-earl-jones-the-actor-behind-lion-kings-mufasa-is-dead |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[The Standard (Kenya)|The Standard]] |quote=Mufasa was killed by his ambitious brother Scar, much to the consternation of young viewers who had forged an emotional attachment with Mufasa.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinson |first=Hal |author-link=Hal Hinson |date=June 24, 1994 |title='The Lion King' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/review96/lionkinghin.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227152856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/review96/lionkinghin.htm |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |quote=Mufasa will be the most widely debated aspect of "The Lion King," with people taking sides as to whether such things are good or bad for kids}}</ref> According to Jessica Wang of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', no viewer of the film was left "emotionally unaffected".<ref name="Wang 2024">{{Cite magazine |last=Wang |first=Jessica |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones' most memorable roles: Field of Dreams, The Lion King, Star Wars, more |url=https://ew.com/james-earl-jones-most-memorable-roles-8709253 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911021639/https://ew.com/james-earl-jones-most-memorable-roles-8709253 |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Dan Webster of ''[[The Spokesman-Review]]'' called the moment "a [[plot twist]] unfamiliar to this era of family-values emphasis".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Dan |date=March 3, 1995 |title='The Lion King' Is Another Crowning Achievement For Disney |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/mar/03/the-lion-king-is-another-crowning-achievement-for/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125161429/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1995/mar/03/the-lion-king-is-another-crowning-achievement-for/ |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[The Spokesman-Review]]}}</ref> At the time of the film's release, news outlets reported that several parents complained that the scene was inappropriate for a film marketed towards younger viewers,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simonpillai |first=Radheyan |date=June 15, 2024 |title='It always destroys me': our writers on their saddest movie deaths |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/15/saddest-movie-deaths |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802012830/https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/15/saddest-movie-deaths |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |quote=news coverage at the time reporting on parents reacting to its intensity}}</ref><ref name="Rubenstein 1994" /><ref name="Lachnit 1994">{{Cite news |last=Lachnit |first=Carroll |date=July 2, 1994 |title='Lion King' Too Violent for Little Viewers? : Movies: Disney's opus has violence, treachery and a prolonged scene of a parent's death. Be prepared to face the wails of your children, some reviewers say. Bosh, say psychologists. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-02-ca-11169-story.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709212733/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-02-ca-11169-story.html |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> and voiced concerns about children potentially experiencing [[nightmare]]s, worrying about their own parents, and [[Developmental regression|regressing]].<ref name="Owens 1994" /> In return, some commentators accused said parents of being [[Helicopter parent|overprotective]].<ref name="Rubenstein 1994">{{Cite news |last=Rubenstein |first=Carin |date=July 14, 1994 |title=Parent & Child; Debating the Violence in 'Lion King' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/garden/parent-child-debating-the-violence-in-lion-king.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213093241/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/garden/parent-child-debating-the-violence-in-lion-king.html |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |quote=critics continue to square off over the violence of several scenes in the movie, including the famous wildebeest stampede, in which a lion cub watches as his father is trampled to death ... Some commentators have scolded the baby-boom parents who complain about these scenes for being overprotective.}}</ref> According to Darryl E. Owens of ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', [[Child development|child-development]] experts warned that his death could be traumatizing should parents fail to prepare their children before viewing.<ref name="Owens 1994">{{Cite news |last=Owens |first=Darryl E. |date=July 1, 1994 |title=Lion King' has jarring scene |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/07/01/lion-king-has-jarring-scene/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916161545/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/07/01/lion-king-has-jarring-scene/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> However, child therapist Mercedes Ojeda-Castro encouraged parents to use the opportunity to discuss death,<ref name="Chicago Tribune 1994">{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1994 |title=Remember Bambi |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/06/26/remember-bambi/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916154800/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/06/26/remember-bambi/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> and psychologist Rosalyn Laudati argued that the film could help children cope with [[Child bereavement|parental loss]] and divorce.<ref name="Lachnit 1994" /> Several critics cited Mufasa's death as potentially frightening for younger viewers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 4, 1994 |title=The Lion King': a fictional story, to entertain |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/08/04/the-lion-king-a-fictional-story-to-entertain/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228072758/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/08/04/the-lion-king-a-fictional-story-to-entertain/ |archive-date=December 28, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |quote=The intensity of the scene in which Mufasa ... can be frightening for very young children}}</ref><ref name="Klass 1994">{{Cite news |last=Klass |first=Perri |author-link=Perri Klass |date=June 19, 1994 |title=Film View; A Bambi For the 90's, Via Shakespeare |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/19/movies/film-view-a-bambi-for-the-90-s-via-shakespeare.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326185155/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/19/movies/film-view-a-bambi-for-the-90-s-via-shakespeare.html |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |quote=Many reviewers have specifically noted the potentially frightening aspects of the movie.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Hugo |date=October 7, 1994 |title=Mane Event's Hollow Roar |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/751802853/?clipping_id=139920950 |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920185022/https://www.newspapers.com/image/751802853/?clipping_id=139920950 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Turan |date=June 15, 1994 |title=MOVIE REVIEW : 'The Lion King' and His Court Jesters : The Sidekicks Steal the Show in Disney's Animated Opus |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-15-ca-4277-story.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626173805/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-15-ca-4277-story.html |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In his review for [[Prodigy (online service)|Prodigy]], William C. Banks accused Disney of finally overdoing their "increasingly weird predilection for cartoon violence".<ref name="Lachnit 1994" />  Journalist [[Janet Maslin]] questioned the film's [[G rating]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=June 15, 1994 |title=Review/Film; The Hero Within The Child Within |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/15/movies/review-film-the-hero-within-the-child-within.html |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910003110/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/15/movies/review-film-the-hero-within-the-child-within.html |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and the ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]''{{'}}s Jay Stone said he "could have done without" Simba's attempt to awaken his dead father.<ref name="Stone 1994" /> Ranking it among Disney's most traumatic moments, Paolo Ragusa of ''[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]'' said, "It may be cruel, but with years of reflection, it's a profoundly important detail in the scope of ''The Lion King'' ... and animated with palpable emotion and cinematic elegance".<ref name="Ragusa 2023">{{Cite news |last=Ragusa |first=Paolo |date=May 16, 2023 |title=The Disney Scenes That Traumatized Us |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/most-traumatic-disney-scenes/3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916182420/https://consequence.net/2023/05/most-traumatic-disney-scenes/3/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]}}</ref> Several reviewers, such as [[Roger Ebert]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=June 24, 1994 |title=The Lion King |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-lion-king-1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606025535/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-lion-king-1994 |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[RogerEbert.com]]}}</ref> compared Mufasa's death to Bambi's mother's.<ref name="Lachnit 1994" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Dennis |date=Jun 24, 1994 |title='The Lion King' |url=https://tulsaworld.com/archives/the-lion-king/article_7d12e06f-071c-53da-814e-2665368d0bb2.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129070308/https://tulsaworld.com/archives/the-lion-king/article_7d12e06f-071c-53da-814e-2665368d0bb2.html |archive-date=November 29, 2017 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[Tulsa World]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rafferty |first=Terrence |author-link=Terrence Rafferty |date=1994 |title=The Lion King |url=http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/the_lion_king_minkoff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019091903/http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/the_lion_king_minkoff |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |magazine=[[The New Yorker]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Armitage |first=Hugh |date=May 5, 2016 |title=11 times Disney traumatised us as children: From Mufasa's death to the things under Sid's bed |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a793026/disney-traumatised-us-as-children/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916163309/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a793026/disney-traumatised-us-as-children/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']]'s Jeremy Gerard suggested that parents who remember being traumatized by ''Bambi'' should use that film to gauge "who goes to ''The Lion King''—and who stays home with the babysitter".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerard |first=Jeremy |date=June 12, 1994 |title=The Lion King |url=https://variety.com/1994/film/reviews/the-lion-king-disney-1200437594/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821042828/https://variety.com/1994/film/reviews/the-lion-king-disney-1200437594/ |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> However, [[Animation World Network]]'s Rick DeMott implied that the public's reaction to Mufasa's death was muted in comparison.<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=September 30, 2011 |title=The Lion King (1994) |url=https://www.awn.com/blog/lion-king-1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007123702/https://www.awn.com/blog/lion-king-1994 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref>

Rob Humanick of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' called Mufasa a "badass father figure",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Humanick |first=Rob |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Review: The Lion King |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lion-king-5750/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923134312/https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lion-king-5750/ |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref> but Stone found him [[Flat character|one-dimensional]].<ref name="Stone 1994" /> Meanwhile, Jones received critical acclaim for his performance,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ayres |first=Tom |date=December 12, 2010 |title=Neeson 'ignored Lion King for Narnia' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a292820/neeson-ignored-lion-king-for-narnia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912030736/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a292820/neeson-ignored-lion-king-for-narnia/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |quote=the actor's acclaimed role as Mufasa in the 1994 animation The Lion King.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Manas Sen |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Forever Darth Vader: The best James Earl Jones movies according to IMDb |url=https://www.lifestyleasia.com/kl/entertainment/movies/best-movies-of-james-earl-jones-star-wars-field-of-dreams-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923150644/https://www.lifestyleasia.com/kl/entertainment/movies/best-movies-of-james-earl-jones-star-wars-field-of-dreams-lion-king/ |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[Lifestyle Asia]] |quote=Jones’ portrayal as the wise Mufasa in this Disney animated classic was very well-received.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Watkins |first=Matt |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Best Voice Performances in Disney Animated Movies, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829185124/https://movieweb.com/disney-animated-movies-voice-performances/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[MovieWeb]] |quote=his role as Simba’s wise father Mufasa in 1994’s The Lion King that remains one of his most applauded to this day.}}</ref> which Kaushal S. of [[Soap Central]] deemed one of the most celebrated voice-acting performances in recent memory.<ref>{{Cite news |last=S. |first=Kaushal |date=September 10, 2024 |title=From Mufasa to Darth Vader: 7 most iconic James Earl Jones roles |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/entertainment/from-mufasa-darth-vader-7-iconic-james-earl-jones-roles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913135713/https://www.soapcentral.com/entertainment/from-mufasa-darth-vader-7-iconic-james-earl-jones-roles |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Soap Central]]}}</ref> ''[[Digital Spy]]''{{'}}s Simon Reynolds said Jones brought the character to life "brilliantly".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Simon |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Some words of wisdom from The Lion King's Mufasa for Father's Day |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a577697/some-words-of-wisdom-from-the-lion-kings-mufasa-for-fathers-day/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919192755/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a577697/some-words-of-wisdom-from-the-lion-kings-mufasa-for-fathers-day/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> Film critic [[David Sterritt]] and Elizabeth Gregory of the ''[[Evening Standard]]'' called him a standout among the film's cast,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sterritt |first=David |author-link=David Sterritt |date=June 15, 1994 |title=Disney studio roars with 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/0615/15121.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821021050/https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/0615/15121.html |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]}}</ref><ref name="Gregory 2019">{{Cite news |last=Gregory |first=Elizabeth |date=September 11, 2019 |title=James Earl Jones: the American actor's best films, from The Lion King to Star Wars |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/james-earl-jones-death-darth-vader-lion-king-b1181136.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920173623/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/james-earl-jones-death-darth-vader-lion-king-b1181136.html |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Evening Standard]]}}</ref> while Kate Erbland of [[Film School Rejects]] called his casting "both strikingly great and thuddingly obvious".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Erbland |first=Kate |date=September 15, 2011 |title=Review: 'The Lion King' Makes Me Cry All Over Again in 3D |url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/review-the-lion-king-makes-me-cry-all-over-again-in-3d.php |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050828/https://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/review-the-lion-king-makes-me-cry-all-over-again-in-3d.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[Film School Rejects]]}}</ref> [[Turner Classic Movies]] said the actor's "distinct [[baritone]] was put to excellent use".<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Earl Jones – Biography |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/96469%7C78522/James-Earl-Jones#biography |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110052024/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/96469%7C78522/James-Earl-Jones#biography |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=[[Turner Classic Movies]]}}</ref> According to Daniel Carter of [[Beliefnet]], Jones's efforts resulted in "a beloved character that resonated with audiences worldwide".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Daniel |date=September 9, 2024 |title=A Voice That Resonated Through Generations: Remembering James Earl Jones |url=https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/foreverinourhearts/2024/09/a-voice-that-resonated-through-generations-remembering-james-earl-jones.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920170902/https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/foreverinourhearts/2024/09/a-voice-that-resonated-through-generations-remembering-james-earl-jones.html |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Beliefnet]]}}</ref> Rebecca Kivak of ''[[The Scranton Times-Tribune]]'' said Mufasa's delivery earned her immediate respect.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Baress |first1=Joe |last2=Kivak |first2=Rebecca |date=September 16, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones leaves lasting legacy |url=https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/blogs/james-earl-jones-leaves-lasting-legacy/article_91c79728-7157-11ef-8939-2bca546277e8.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917015551/https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/blogs/james-earl-jones-leaves-lasting-legacy/article_91c79728-7157-11ef-8939-2bca546277e8.html |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=[[The Scranton Times-Tribune]]}}</ref> João Gabriel de Lima of ''[[Veja (magazine)|Veja]]'' called Jones the film's standout performance, writing that Mufasa would have been less majestic without Jones' contribution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gabriel de Lima |first=João |date=July 6, 1994 |title=Drama na selva |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/VEJA-ED-1347.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091337/https://veja.abril.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/VEJA-ED-1347.pdf |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[Veja (magazine)|Veja]] |language=Portuguese}}</ref> In a rare negative review, ''[[The Independent]]''{{'}}s Anthony Quinn found Jones's performance "insufferable" and "portentous".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Anthony |date=October 6, 2011 |title=The Lion King 3D (U) |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-lion-king-3d-u-2366567.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011023146/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-lion-king-3d-u-2366567.html |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Lex Pryor of ''[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]'' said Jones outshone his co-stars in the remake, despite his limited screentime and dialogue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pryor |first=Lex |date=September 11, 2024 |title=The Vast Universes of James Earl Jones's Voice |url=https://www.theringer.com/pop-culture/2024/9/11/24241820/james-earl-jones-darth-vader-mufasa-cnn-voice-sandlot-field-of-dreams-death-obituary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917142651/https://www.theringer.com/pop-culture/2024/9/11/24241820/james-earl-jones-darth-vader-mufasa-cnn-voice-sandlot-field-of-dreams-death-obituary |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]}}</ref>

Several publications consider Mufasa to be one of Jones's greatest performances of his career.<ref name="Carr 2024" /><ref name="Ragusa 2024">{{Cite news |last=Ragusa |first=P. |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones' 10 Best Movie Roles |url=https://consequence.net/list/james-earl-jones-best-roles-list/the-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913131732/https://consequence.net/list/james-earl-jones-best-roles-list/the-lion-king/ |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]}}</ref><ref name="Wang 2024" /><ref name="Gregory 2019" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weisholtz |first=Drew |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Remembering James Earl Jones' most memorable roles, from 'Star Wars' to 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/james-earl-jones-filmography-rcna170362 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922233004/https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/james-earl-jones-filmography-rcna170362 |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref> Calling Mufasa one of "pop culture's most imposing dads", Noel Murray of ''[[The New York Times]]'' said that "Few other performers of Jones's era could have made characters so vivid while sitting in front of a microphone",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Noel |date=September 9, 2024 |title=12 Great Films of James Earl Jones |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/movies/james-earl-jones-streaming.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909223007/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/movies/james-earl-jones-streaming.html |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> while P. Ragusa of ''[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]]'' said the actor elevated the film's material, with his line delivery remaining "as poignant all these years later as it is necessary for the plot".<ref name="Ragusa 2024" /> ''[[Game Rant]]'' and ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire Australia]]'' ranked ''The Lion King'' as his best performance.<ref name="Heath 2024">{{Cite news |last=Heath |first=David |date=September 11, 2024 |title=8 Most Iconic Performances by James Earl Jones |url=https://gamerant.com/most-iconic-performances-james-earl-jones/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912001030/https://gamerant.com/most-iconic-performances-james-earl-jones/ |archive-date=September 12, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[Game Rant]]}}</ref><ref name="Wingco 2024">{{Cite news |last=Wingco |first=Tyler Dane |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Remembering James Earl Jones's best performances, from 'Star Wars' to 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.esquire.com.au/culture/james-earl-jones-darth-vader-voice/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919010547/https://www.esquire.com.au/culture/james-earl-jones-darth-vader-voice/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire Australia]] |quote=a death ... that traumatised baby Millennials the world over the same way the death of Bambi’s mother did for Boomers.}}</ref> Mary Kate Carr of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' said the actor "imbued the character with such dignity and distinction", to the point where he speaks the film's most iconic lines.<ref name="Carr 2024" /> Wilson Chapman of ''[[IndieWire]]'' said "Few actors have ever been better suited for a voice role than Jones was for Mufasa", calling the actor equally effective during his quieter moments parenting Simba.<ref name="Chapman 2024" /> According to ''Paste'', ''The Lion King'' is the actor's sixth-best movie.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunaway |first=Michael |date=September 10, 2024 |title=The Best James Earl Jones Movies |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/james-earl-jones/best-james-earl-jones-movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913185253/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/james-earl-jones/best-james-earl-jones-movies |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]}}</ref> [[Pinkvilla]]'s Suhasini Oswal wrote that Jones's "performance defined the character's regal and compassionate nature, cementing his place in the hearts of generations".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oswal |first=Suhasini |date=September 10, 2024 |title=From Darth Vader to Mufasa: Remembering James Earl Jones' Top 10 Roles Amid His Death at 93 |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/from-darth-vader-to-mufasa-remembering-james-earl-jones-top-10-roles-amid-his-death-at-93-1346996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913141051/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/from-darth-vader-to-mufasa-remembering-james-earl-jones-top-10-roles-amid-his-death-at-93-1346996 |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref>

== Cultural impact ==

=== Legacy and commendations ===
Matt Fowler of ''[[IGN]]'' described Mufasa as a household name, which he attributed to the widespread popularity of ''The Lion King'' and its derivative works.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=March 31, 2020 |title=The 25 Best Disney Animated Movies |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/26/the-25-best-disney-animated-movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114145815/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/26/the-25-best-disney-animated-movies |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2025 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In 2014, Camille Dautrich of the ''[[Springfield News-Leader]]'' described Mufasa as one "of the world's most beloved animated characters".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dautrich |first=Camille |date=March 26, 2014 |title=Ozarks sculptor shapes Hollywood animated characters |url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/weekend/2014/03/27/ozarks-sculptor-shapes-hollywood-animated-characters/6882409/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223164224/https://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/weekend/2014/03/27/ozarks-sculptor-shapes-hollywood-animated-characters/6882409/ |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[Springfield News-Leader]]}}</ref> Some journalists have described him as one of the best Disney animated characters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pirrello |first=Phil |date=January 25, 2023 |title=The 50 best Disney animated characters of all time |url=https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722004928/https://www.avclub.com/best-disney-animated-characters-ranked-1850020180 |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Francisco |first=Eric |date=November 22, 2023 |title=The 32 greatest Disney characters |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-32-greatest-disney-characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113035343/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-32-greatest-disney-characters/ |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> Mufasa has been described by several publications as one of the greatest fathers to have appeared on film;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pelletiere |first=Nicole |date=June 12, 2018 |title=10 fictional dads who will forever have our hearts |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/10-fictional-dads-forever-hearts-55804855 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920125057/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/10-fictional-dads-forever-hearts-55804855 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[Good Morning America]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=A Tribute to the Greatest Movie Dads of All Time |url=https://qat.voxcinemas.com/ar/vox-voice/fathers-day |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917161306/https://qat.voxcinemas.com/ar/vox-voice/fathers-day |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[VOX Cinemas]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bui |first=Hoai-Tran |date=June 21, 2015 |title=The 5 best and worst TV and movie dads |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2015/06/21/the-5-best-and-worst-tv-and-movie-dads-fathers-day/77521594/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064624/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2015/06/21/the-5-best-and-worst-tv-and-movie-dads-fathers-day/77521594/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=7 Greatest Dads in Cinema |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/ampstories/web-stories/7-greatest-dads-in-cinema |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416233134/https://www.filmcompanion.in/ampstories/web-stories/7-greatest-dads-in-cinema |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cannon |first=Dylan |date=June 11, 2014 |title=4 uplifting movie fathers |url=https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/2014/06/12/4-uplifting-movie-fathers/47932015/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919155742/https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/2014/06/12/4-uplifting-movie-fathers/47932015/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[The Herald-Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cannon |first=Dylan |date=June 11, 2014 |title=Great movie dads for Father's Day |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/30254800/great-movie-dads-for-fathers-day |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919161113/https://www.ksl.com/article/30254800/great-movie-dads-for-fathers-day |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[KSL News]]}}</ref> Zach Seemayer of ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' ranked him among "the 13 greatest fictional fathers in movie history",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seemayer |first=Zach |date=June 21, 2015 |title=13 Fantastic Fictional Fathers From Film |url=https://www.etonline.com/movies/166559_13_fantastic_fictional_fathers_from_film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920125046/https://www.etonline.com/movies/166559_13_fantastic_fictional_fathers_from_film |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[Entertainment Tonight]]}}</ref> and ''[[Business Insider]]'' called him one of the 19 "best fictional dads of all time".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Gabbi |date=June 18, 2023 |title=19 of the best fictional dads of all time — and 10 of the worst |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-and-worst-fictional-dads-movies-tv-2021-6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920172414/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-and-worst-fictional-dads-movies-tv-2021-6 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref> Jeff Peterson of the ''[[Deseret News]]'' said the character "demonstrates the qualities of a good father, which, incidentally, are the same qualities needed for Simba to become a good ruler later on".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Jeff |date=June 12, 2013 |title=10 of the best fathers from movie history |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2013/6/13/20799463/best-movie-fictional-fathers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919162042/https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2013/6/13/20799463/best-movie-fictional-fathers/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> In 2022, [[Indy100]] recognized Mufasa as one of the 100 greatest on-screen fathers,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Breanna |last2=Baio |first2=Ariana |last3=Evans |first3=Greg |date=June 19, 2022 |title=The top 100 TV and movie Dads ever |url=https://www.indy100.com/showbiz/best-dads-fathers-tv-movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528042043/https://www.indy100.com/showbiz/best-dads-fathers-tv-movies |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[Indy100]]}}</ref> and ''[[Euronews]]'' included him among "The 12 best on-screen dads of all time".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carbonaro |first=Giulia |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Euroviews. Fathers Day: The 12 best on-screen dads of all time |url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/06/19/fathers-day-the-12-best-on-screen-dads-of-all-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919200053/https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/06/19/fathers-day-the-12-best-on-screen-dads-of-all-time |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Euronews]]}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' named the character the fifth-greatest movie father figure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Callaghan |first=Lauren |date=June 6, 2017 |title=The 25 best movie dads who became great father figures |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/50-greatest-movie-dads/3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919165737/https://www.gamesradar.com/50-greatest-movie-dads/3/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' ranked him the sixth "coolest movie dad",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=Marlow |date=April 21, 2017 |title=The 13 Coolest Movie Dads: 'Taken,' 'Star Wars,' 'Die Hard' and More |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-13-coolest-movie-dads-taken-star-wars-die-hard-and-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415010642/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-13-coolest-movie-dads-taken-star-wars-die-hard-and-more |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref> and Brian Tallerico of ''[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]'' declared Mufasa to be Disney's most iconic father.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tallerico |first=Brian |date=June 14, 2024 |title=The 15 Best Movies to Stream This Father's Day |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-fathers-day-movies-streaming.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715165317/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-fathers-day-movies-streaming.html |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref> ''[[America (magazine)|America]]'' writer John Dougherty described Mufasa as "graceful and dignified, but also warm and playful—the ideal father".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=John |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Remembering James Earl Jones: the voice of God, a father and a compelling villain |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2024/09/11/james-earl-jones-obituary-248773 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914200450/https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2024/09/11/james-earl-jones-obituary-248773 |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[America (magazine)|America]]}}</ref> Jenkins believes that, to himself and other fans, Mufasa became synonymous with surrogate fatherhood.<ref name="Romano 2024" /> Meanwhile, Maddie Garfinkle of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' declared him "one of the greatest kings" in "the history of animated cinema".<ref name="Garfinkle 2024">{{Cite news |last=Garfinkle |first=Maddie |date=August 12, 2024 |title=The Lion King Is Getting a Prequel 30 Years Later! Everything to Know About Mufasa: The Lion King |url=https://people.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-everything-to-know-8668368 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812230859/https://people.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-everything-to-know-8668368 |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> Mufasa is "one of the most famous lions of all time", according to Jenna Mullins of [[E!]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullins |first=Jenna |date=August 5, 2015 |title=A Lion King Animator Created the Most Breathtaking Tribute to Cecil the Lion |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/683580/a-lion-king-animator-created-the-most-breathtaking-tribute-to-cecil-the-lion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330055426/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/683580/a-lion-king-animator-created-the-most-breathtaking-tribute-to-cecil-the-lion |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2024 |work=[[E!]]}}</ref>

Mufasa was Jones's most famous animated performance and one of the most popular roles of his career,<ref name="Heath 2024" /><ref name="Adams 2024" /> arguably second to [[Darth Vader]] from the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise.<ref name="Morales 2024">{{Cite news |last=Morales |first=Carlos |date=September 10, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones' Voice Is the Only Reason the Most Iconic Villain in Movie History Exists |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/james-earl-jones-voice-acting-darth-vader-mufasa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922030303/https://www.ign.com/articles/james-earl-jones-voice-acting-darth-vader-mufasa |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |access-date=September 11, 2024 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Comparing the two roles, Kofi Outlaw of ''[[ComicBook.com]]'' said that, with Mufasa, Jones successfully transitioned "from being a nightmare bad dad in ''Star Wars'', to being the dad every young cub (human or lion) wishes they had".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Outlaw |first=Kofi |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones: Remembering His Best Roles |url=https://comicbook.com/irl/news/james-earl-jones-obituary-remembering-best-roles-star-wars-lion-king/#1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919040654/https://comicbook.com/irl/news/james-earl-jones-obituary-remembering-best-roles-star-wars-lion-king/#1 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> Peter Debruge of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' observed that which character Jones is associated with depends on if his fan was born before or after 1990.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Debruge |first=Peter |date=September 10, 2024 |title=How 'Star Wars' and 'The Lion King' Made James Earl Jones the Voice of Generations |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/columns/james-earl-jones-career-appreciation-darth-vader-mufasa-star-wars-lion-king-1236139223/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920184646/https://variety.com/2024/film/columns/james-earl-jones-career-appreciation-darth-vader-mufasa-star-wars-lion-king-1236139223/ |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Mufasa is credited with introducing Jones to a younger generation of filmgoers,<ref name="Wingco 2024" /><ref name="Goffe 2024">{{Cite news |last=Goffe |first=Nadira |date=September 10, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, Our On-Screen Father |url=https://slate.com/culture/2024/09/james-earl-jones-death-filmography-darth-vader-voice-mufasa-father.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913213951/https://slate.com/culture/2024/09/james-earl-jones-death-filmography-darth-vader-voice-mufasa-father.html |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 14, 2024 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |quote=Many of us will never forget watching Mufasa fall into that gorge amid a wildebeest stampede}}</ref> whereas Okla Jones of ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'' said the role embedded "his legacy in the hearts of audiences young and old".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Okla |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, Legendary Actor And Voice Of Mufasa From 'The Lion King,' Dies At 93 |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/james-earl-jones-dies-at-93/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241014145729/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/james-earl-jones-dies-at-93/ |archive-date=October 14, 2024 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |work=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]}}</ref> According to Carlos Morales of ''IGN'', Jones's voiceover work also brought credibility to a form of acting that continues to be undervalued.<ref name="Morales 2024" /> In 2019, [[The Walt Disney Company]] inducted Jones as a [[Disney Legends|Disney Legend]] in the "voice" category for his "remarkable contributions to the Disney legacy".<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Earl Jones |url=https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/james-earl-jones/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223205132/https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/james-earl-jones/ |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 16, 2019 |title=Meet the 2019 Disney Legends to Be Honored at D23 Expo |url=https://d23.com/2019-disney-legends/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319021110/https://d23.com/2019-disney-legends/ |archive-date=March 19, 2024 |access-date=September 12, 2024 |work=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> Many celebrities paid tribute to Jones after his death on September 9, 2024, with several referencing ''The Lion King''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saunders |first=Emma |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Tributes paid to acting 'giant' James Earl Jones |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17g4g5ve5xo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923153049/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17g4g5ve5xo |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Mark Hamill, Octavia Spencer, More Remember 'Legendary' James Earl Jones |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/james-earl-jones-celebrity-tributes-mark-hamill-octavia-spencer-1235098205/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909224110/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/james-earl-jones-celebrity-tributes-mark-hamill-octavia-spencer-1235098205/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> [[Crystal Kung Minkoff]], a television personality and the director's wife, shared a photo of Jones holding a Mufasa maquette with the caption, "Rest in Power, Mr Jones. You made a young animator's dream come true when you accepted the role of Mufasa".<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Legendary actor James Earl Jones, memorable voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa, passes away |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/english/news/2024/Sep/10/legendary-actor-james-earl-jones-memorable-voice-of-darth-vader-and-mufasa-passes-away |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913140558/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/english/news/2024/Sep/10/legendary-actor-james-earl-jones-memorable-voice-of-darth-vader-and-mufasa-passes-away |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>

=== Death ===
Described by Isaac Williams of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' as "one of the most impactful moments of any Disney film",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Isaac |date=May 23, 2022 |title=10 Best Death Scenes In Movies |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-death-scenes-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117121513/https://www.cbr.com/best-death-scenes-movies/ |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> Mufasa's murder at the hands of Scar is widely regarded as one of the most memorable on-screen deaths in film history.<ref>Various sources describing Mufasa's death as one of the most memorable on film:

* {{Cite web |last= |first= |date= 18 August 2015|title=Best Film Deaths Scenes – 1994 |url=https://cinapse.co/the-act-is-even-better-with-the-blu-ray-release-of-the-fabulous-baker-boys-118bd87c002a?gi=ff7c70024320 |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801165255/https://www.filmsite.org/bestdeaths41.html |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=[[Filmsite]] |ref=mufasadeathfilmsite}}
* {{Cite web |last=Witiw |first=John |date=November 3, 2023 |title=10 Coming-of-Age Movies from the 1990s That Made Us Bawl Our Eyes Out |url=https://movieweb.com/coming-of-age-movies-1990s-made-us-cry/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919003804/https://movieweb.com/coming-of-age-movies-1990s-made-us-cry/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[MovieWeb]] |ref=crymovieweb}}
* {{Cite web |last=Murrian |first=Samuel R. |date=September 11, 2024 |title=The 10 Best James Earl Jones Movies, Ranked |url=https://collider.com/james-earl-jones-movies-best-ranked/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915122848/https://collider.com/james-earl-jones-movies-best-ranked/ |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |ref=colliderbestjamesearljonesmovies}}
* {{Cite web |date=December 22, 2020 |title=Mufasa's death in The Lion King voted the most heartbreaking film moment |url=https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/tv-movies/mufasa-death-the-lion-king-heartbreaking-film-scene/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914013759/https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/tv-movies/mufasa-death-the-lion-king-heartbreaking-film-scene/ |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[Heart UK]] |ref=heartukmufasadeath}}
* {{Cite web |last=Beauchamp |first=Sarah |date=August 17, 2017 |title=Mufasa and Scar From 'The Lion King' Aren't Actually Brothers |url=https://www.nylon.com/articles/the-lion-king-mufasa-scar-not-brothers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914065049/https://www.nylon.com/articles/the-lion-king-mufasa-scar-not-brothers |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |website=[[Nylon (magazine)|Nylon]] |ref=mufasascarbrothersnylon}}
* {{Cite news |last=Goffe |first=Nadira |date=September 10, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, Our On-Screen Father |url=https://slate.com/culture/2024/09/james-earl-jones-death-filmography-darth-vader-voice-mufasa-father.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913213951/https://slate.com/culture/2024/09/james-earl-jones-death-filmography-darth-vader-voice-mufasa-father.html |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |ref=jejdeathslate}}
* {{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Hayley |date=October 5, 2020 |title=21 of the saddest movie deaths ever |url=https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/saddest-movie-death-scenes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118161108/https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/saddest-movie-death-scenes |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Glamour (magazine)|Glamour]] |ref=glamourmoviedeaths}}
* {{Cite news |last=Clyde |first=John |date=March 5, 2013 |title=5 movie deaths we'll never get over |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/24292172/5-movie-deaths-well-never-get-over |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916153503/https://www.ksl.com/article/24292172/5-movie-deaths-well-never-get-over |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[KSL News]] |ref=moviedeathsKSLNews}}
* {{Cite news |last=Deen |first=Sarah |date=March 4, 2015 |title=Mufasa's death in The Lion King has been named the most iconic film death scene |url=https://metro.co.uk/2015/03/04/mufasas-death-in-the-lion-king-has-been-named-the-most-iconic-film-death-scene-5088118/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206042642/https://metro.co.uk/2015/03/04/mufasas-death-in-the-lion-king-has-been-named-the-most-iconic-film-death-scene-5088118/ |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |ref=mufasadeathmetro}}
* {{Cite news |last=Conley |first=Nicholas |date=January 12, 2022 |title=The Saddest On-Screen Deaths That Shook Us to the Core |url=https://www.grunge.com/132373/the-saddest-on-screen-deaths-that-shook-us-to-the-core/?utm_source=google.com&utm_campaign=googlestory_fullstory |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Grunge.com|Grunge]] |ref=grungemoviedeaths}}
* {{Cite news |last=Martinez |first=Matthew |date=February 22, 2019 |title=Luna the dog just can't get over Mufasa's death in 'The Lion King,' video shows |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article226625759.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207080903/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article226625759.html |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Miami Herald]] |ref=miamiheraldmemorabledeaths}}
* {{Cite news |last=Brandt |first=Whitney |date=October 31, 2016 |title=100 of the Most Memorable Movie Deaths |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/movie-deaths/the-100-best-deaths-in-movies-1/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117043250/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/movie-deaths/the-100-best-deaths-in-movies-1/ |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |ref=pastemoviedeaths}}
* {{Cite news |last=Wood |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2017 |title=How Bambi Influenced The Lion King, According To The Director |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1699080/how-bambi-influenced-the-lion-king-according-to-the-director |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519021641/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1699080/how-bambi-influenced-the-lion-king-according-to-the-director |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |quote=The Lion King ... produced one of the most unforgettable deaths in cinematic history.}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullins |first=Jenna |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Good Morning America Tweeted a GIF of the Most Depressing Disney Moment Ever and Ruined Everyone's Week |url=https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/664237/good-morning-america-tweeted-a-gif-of-the-most-depressing-disney-moment-ever-and-ruined-everyone-s-week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005083603/https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/664237/good-morning-america-tweeted-a-gif-of-the-most-depressing-disney-moment-ever-and-ruined-everyone-s-week |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=[[E!]] |quote=one of the most depressing moments in movie history}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lu |first=Alicia |date=June 9, 2015 |title=These GIFs Should Never Be Tweeted On A Monday |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/88954-11-disney-gifs-good-morning-america-should-also-never-tweet-on-a-monday-morning-because-they |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809233751/https://www.bustle.com/articles/88954-11-disney-gifs-good-morning-america-should-also-never-tweet-on-a-monday-morning-because-they |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]] |quote=one of the most traumatizing movie deaths of all time}}</ref> The scenes comprising Mufasa's death and Simba's gradual realization have been described as inseparable from ''The Lion King'' franchise.<ref name="Ragusa 2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Conley |first=Nicholas |date=January 12, 2022 |title=The Saddest On-Screen Deaths That Shook Us To The Core |url=https://www.grunge.com/132373/the-saddest-on-screen-deaths-that-shook-us-to-the-core/?utm_source=google.com&utm_campaign=googlestory_fullstory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919132149/https://www.grunge.com/132373/the-saddest-on-screen-deaths-that-shook-us-to-the-core/?utm_source=google.com&utm_campaign=googlestory_fullstory |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Grunge.com|Grunge]] |quote=These days, this sequence is so imprinted on society's collective memory that some have called it the most iconic death in film history}}</ref> ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]''{{'}}s Laura Bradley said Mufasa's death "became the benchmark against which all future film tragedies would be measured", comparing its legacy to that of Bambi's mother.<ref name="Bradley 2019">{{Cite news |last=Bradley |first=Laura |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Inside Mufasa's Lion King Death Scene, a Tearjerker for the Ages |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/the-lion-king-original-vs-remake-mufasa-death-scene |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623084130/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/the-lion-king-original-vs-remake-mufasa-death-scene |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> Although death and violence had already been depicted in children's entertainment,<ref name="Chicago Tribune 1994" /><ref name="Spencer 2011" /> Alex Spencer of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' reported that nothing released before 1994 rivaled the immediate impact of Mufasa's death.<ref name="Spencer 2011">{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Alex |date=May 17, 2011 |title=Disney-Colored Death |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/disney-colored-death/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518234850/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/disney-colored-death/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]}}</ref> Prior to Mufasa, deceased parents had typically died off-screen in Disney films,<ref name="Dougherty 2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Most Shocking Movie Deaths – Mufasa in The Lion King (1994) |url=https://www.tribute.ca/news/photo-galleries/most-shocking-movie-deaths/mufasa-in-the-lion-king-1994/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228161145/https://www.tribute.ca/news/photo-galleries/most-shocking-movie-deaths/mufasa-in-the-lion-king-1994/ |archive-date=December 28, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Tribute.ca|Tribute]] |quote=if you’re also part of Generation Y, none was more painful and shocking than Mufasa’s [death] in The Lion King}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 16, 2014 |title=Kids' cartoons are 'hotbeds of murder and mayhem' |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/kids-cartoons-are-hotbeds-of-murder-and-mayhem-study-1.2150915/comments-7.590315/comments-7.590315/comments-7.590315 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925020908/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/kids-cartoons-are-hotbeds-of-murder-and-mayhem-study-1.2150915/comments-7.590315/comments-7.590315/comments-7.590315 |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[CTV News]]}}</ref> and ''Comic Book Resources'' considers ''The Lion King'' to be the first Disney film from the modern era to depict trauma resulting from death.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Aravind |first1=Ajay |last2=Steel |first2=Tom |last3=Subero |first3=Olivia |last4=Garcia |first4=Mayra |last5=Aberastury |first5=Florencia |date=April 20, 2024 |title=20 Saddest Disney Movies, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/saddest-disney-movies-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625112028/https://www.cbr.com/saddest-disney-movies-ranked/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> Josh Spiegel of ''[[/Film]]'' heralded ''The Lion King'' as the only Disney film that rivaled ''Bambi''{{'}}s depiction of [[Coming of age film|coming of age]] through tragedy.<ref name="Spiegel 2017" /> Writers for [[Legacy.com]] said both murders "affected the children of their generations and the generations to follow".<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 24, 2015 |title=Saddest Fictional Deaths |url=https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/saddest-fictional-deaths/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925005706/https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/saddest-fictional-deaths/ |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Legacy.com]]}}</ref> Jonathan Allford of ''The Guardian'' theorized that few preceding or subsequent parental deaths in Disney films have been as emotionally devastating as Mufasa's, which he attributed to the character's benevolence and audience connection.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Allford |first=Jonathan |date=March 6, 2015 |title=The film that makes me cry: The Lion King |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/mar/06/the-film-that-makes-me-cry-the-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917020117/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/mar/06/the-film-that-makes-me-cry-the-lion-king |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Pediatrician and writer [[Perri Klass]] said that Mufasa's death subverted the [[Roles of mothers in Disney media#Mother killed, died and/or captured|absent or dead mother trope in Disney films]] by embracing the "90's-style celebration of the involved dad".<ref name="Klass 1994" /> ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]''{{'}}s Diego Pineda Pacheco observed that any conversation surrounding death in children's media is virtually guaranteed to discuss ''The Lion King'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pineda |first=Diego Pacheco |date=March 31, 2023 |title=10 Heartbreaking Character Deaths in Kids Movies We Still Can't Get Over |url=https://collider.com/heartbreaking-character-deaths-kids-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723180629/https://collider.com/heartbreaking-character-deaths-kids-movies/ |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> and Gem Seddon of ''GamesRadar+'' ranked it as film's 20th saddest tearjerker.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seddon |first=Gem |date=September 21, 2015 |title=25 greatest movie tearjerkers |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/25-best-sad-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805195111/https://www.gamesradar.com/25-best-sad-movies/ |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref>

Nadira Goffe of ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' said, as "one of the first and most visceral main-character deaths we would experience", Mufasa "traumatized an entire [[Demographic profile|age group]]".<ref name="Goffe 2024" /> Commentators agree that Mufasa's death was particularly impactful on [[millennials]],<ref name="Wingco 2024" /><ref name="Dougherty 2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2021 |title='Diabolically Adorable': 3-Year-Old's 'Lion King' Death Cake Goes Viral |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/diabolically-adorable-3-year-olds-mufasa-death-cake-goes-viral/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418024704/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/diabolically-adorable-3-year-olds-mufasa-death-cake-goes-viral/ |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Eliza |date=June 8, 2015 |title="Good Morning America" Ruins Mornings Everywhere With Dead Mufasa Tweet |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/news/a41617/good-morning-america-dead-mufasa-tweet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916191425/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/news/a41617/good-morning-america-dead-mufasa-tweet/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |quote=the deep trauma that scene caused for millions of '90s children.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fuster |first1=Jeremy |last2=Eady |first2=Ashley |date=August 19, 2021 |title='Bambi' and 13 Other Soul-Crushing Kid Movie Moments (Photos) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/bambi-soul-crushing-sad-kid-movie-moments/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606180033/https://www.thewrap.com/bambi-soul-crushing-sad-kid-movie-moments/ |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[TheWrap]] |quote=Cue the sound of every ’90s kid’s heart breaking all over again}}</ref> with Rachel Paige of [[HelloGiggles]] saying that, to them, it eclipses all other cinematic moments.<ref name="Paige 2017">{{Cite news |last=Paige |first=Rachel |date=August 29, 2017 |title=Mufasa's death in a stampede was the only thing that never changed during the making of "The Lion King" |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mufasa-death-stampede-only-thing-181000936.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916181735/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mufasa-death-stampede-only-thing-181000936.html |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[HelloGiggles]] |via=[[Yahoo! Life]]}}</ref> Dougherty, Tyler Dane Wingco of ''Esquire Australia'', and Andrew Pulver of ''[[The Irish Times]]'' compared the phenomenon to the effect Bambi's mother had on [[baby boomers]].<ref name="Wingco 2024" /><ref name="Dougherty 2023">{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=John |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Catholic Movie Club: How 'The Lion King' challenges us to accept the circle of life, death and loss |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2023/07/14/lion-king-catholic-movie-245674 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914200450/https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2023/07/14/lion-king-catholic-movie-245674 |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[America (magazine)|America]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pulver |first=Andrew |date=September 9, 2024 |title=James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader and The Lion King's Mufasa, dies at 93 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2024/09/09/james-earl-jones-voice-of-darth-vader-and-the-lion-kings-mufasa-dies-at-93/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211185512/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2024/09/09/james-earl-jones-voice-of-darth-vader-and-the-lion-kings-mufasa-dies-at-93/ |archive-date=February 11, 2025 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> Rebecca Hawkes of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' called ''The Lion King'' "the defining cinematic shock of [millennial] youth",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkes |first=Rebecca |date=July 11, 2019 |title=Death, duty and delight: Why everyone still loves The Lion King |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/death-duty-delight-everyone-still-loves-lion-king/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403022227/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/death-duty-delight-everyone-still-loves-lion-king/ |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref> and writer [[Aisha Harris]] said Mufasa's "death served as their earliest encounter with the notion of losing a parent".<ref name="Harris 2019">{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Aisha |author-link=Aisha Harris |date=July 17, 2019 |title=Chance the Rapper Really, Really Loves 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/movies/lion-king-2019-chance-the-rapper.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209145633/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/movies/lion-king-2019-chance-the-rapper.html |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> According to [[Hollywood.com]], Mufasa's death was the aforementioned group's "first traumatizing cinematic event", and arguably their first time witnessing death.<ref name="Hollywood 2014">{{Cite news |date=June 24, 2014 |title=What 'The Lion King' Taught '90s Kids About Death |url=https://www.hollywood.com/movies/what-the-lion-king-teaches-us-about-death-20th-anniversary-57099412-60227636 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914013544/https://www.hollywood.com/movies/what-the-lion-king-teaches-us-about-death-20th-anniversary-57099412-60227636 |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Hollywood.com]]}}</ref> The website also considers Mufasa's death as children's first confrontation with the reality that "the hero doesn't always triumph", prior to which cartoon heroes typically escaped death at the [[Near-death experience|last minute]].<ref name="Hollywood 2014" /><ref name="Spiegel 2017">{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=August 25, 2017 |title='The Lion King,' 'Bambi' And Why Disney Movies Shouldn't Be Afraid Of Death |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/552961/why-disney-movie-deaths-matter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327211613/https://www.slashfilm.com/552961/why-disney-movie-deaths-matter/ |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=October 21, 2024 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicholson |first=Michael |date=March 12, 2024 |title="The Lion King": How does this Disney classic hold up after almost 30 years? |url=https://elmhurstleader.com/stories/2024/03/the-lion-king-how-does-this-disney-classic-hold-up-after-almost-30-years/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925020910/https://elmhurstleader.com/stories/2024/03/the-lion-king-how-does-this-disney-classic-hold-up-after-almost-30-years/ |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Elmhurst University]]}}</ref> Dougherty, Hollywood.com, Marisa Mirabal of ''[[/Film]]'', and Elena Merenda of ''[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]]'' each credited ''The Lion King'' with teaching 1990s children how to reconcile complicated emotions stemming from the deaths of loved ones,<ref name="Dougherty 2023" /><ref name="Hollywood 2014" /><ref name="Mirabal 2022" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Merenda |first=Elena |date=August 8, 2019 |title=What 'The Lion King' teaches us about children's grief |url=https://theconversation.com/what-the-lion-king-teaches-us-about-childrens-grief-121544 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201071304/https://theconversation.com/what-the-lion-king-teaches-us-about-childrens-grief-121544 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]]}}</ref> while ''/Film''{{'}}s Hoai-Tran Bui said concepts such as death, loss, and grief were foreign to children until Mufasa.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bui |first=Hoai-Tran |date=May 30, 2019 |title=How Director Jon Favreau Balanced The Darker Tones In 'The Lion King' Remake |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/566758/the-lion-king-remake-tone-story-jon-favreau/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614220225/https://www.slashfilm.com/566758/the-lion-king-remake-tone-story-jon-favreau/ |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |access-date=October 22, 2024 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref> For ''Consequence'', Dominick Mayer said the scene taught this generation about death, mortality, "and the responsibilities that the living have to the dead they once loved".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mayer |first=Dominick |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Ranking: The Disney Renaissance From Worst to Best |url=https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415170325/https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |via=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Spiegel suggested that modern Disney films should return to Mufasa's example to abolish the "[[Faked death#Pseudocides in fiction|Disney Death]]" trope.<ref name="Spiegel 2017" /> Meanwhile, Panama Jackson of ''[[The Root (magazine)|The Root]]'' called Mufasa's death "one of the most significant deaths in the black community of all time".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Panama |date=November 26, 2018 |title=So Disney Just Gon' Kill Mufasa Again for a Whole New Generation of Kids with This The Lion King Live-Action Remake, Huh? |url=https://www.theroot.com/so-disney-just-gon-kill-mufasa-again-for-a-whole-new-ge-1830659407 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920141323/https://www.theroot.com/so-disney-just-gon-kill-mufasa-again-for-a-whole-new-ge-1830659407 |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[The Root (magazine)|The Root]]}}</ref>

Scott Campbell of ''Far Out'' said that while Jones's performance "had already elevated Mufasa to iconic status", the character's death cemented him in "the minds of viewers everywhere", and consequently ranked him the eighth saddest death in film history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Scott |date=December 17, 2024 |title=The 10 saddest deaths in movie history |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-10-saddest-deaths-in-movie-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916135057/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-10-saddest-deaths-in-movie-history/ |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=Far Out}}</ref> Readers of ''[[The Independent]]'' voted Mufasa's "the most iconic death scene".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Daisy |date=March 4, 2015 |title=Mufasa's demise in The Lion King tops poll of most iconic film death scenes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/mufasa-s-death-in-the-lion-king-tops-poll-of-most-iconic-death-scenes-on-film-10085492.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913195439/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/mufasa-s-death-in-the-lion-king-tops-poll-of-most-iconic-death-scenes-on-film-10085492.html |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' ranked Mufasa's death "Disney's Most Traumatic Movie Moment", with author Lucy O'Brien writing that "a little bit of innocence in every child ... withered away forever".<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Lucy |date=November 29, 2013 |title=Disney's Most Traumatic Movie Moments |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/25/disneys-most-traumatic-movie-moments |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125115105/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/25/disneys-most-traumatic-movie-moments |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Despite ranking it the third most powerful animated death, ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'}}s Jonathan W. Gray called it arguably the most impactful one discussed.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gray |first=Jonathan W. |date=October 19, 2012 |title=10 Powerful Animated Deaths |url=https://ew.com/gallery/10-powerful-animated-deaths/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525011239/https://ew.com/gallery/10-powerful-animated-deaths/ |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> [[Best Life (magazine)|''Best Life'']] ranked it the 16th all-time saddest movie death.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Sage |date=May 16, 2024 |title=The Saddest Movie Deaths of All Time |url=https://bestlifeonline.com/most-heartbreaking-movie-deaths/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520012755/https://bestlifeonline.com/most-heartbreaking-movie-deaths/ |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=[[Best Life (magazine)|Best Life]]}}</ref>

=== In other media ===
To promote the release of ''The Lion King'' in 1994, Mufasa began appearing in a plethora of merchandise licensed by [[Disney Consumer Products]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burbury |first=Rochelle |date=August 25, 1994 |title=The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/122385076/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002184402/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/122385076/ |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Mufasa's [[Personality rights|likeness]] has been used in several ''The Lion King'' [[tie-in]] products and media, including the PC game ''[[Disney's Animated Storybook: The Lion King]]'' (1994) and console game ''[[The Lion King: Simba's Mighty Adventure]]'' (2000).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soltesz |first=Diana |date=December 6, 1994 |title=Disney Software debuts first CD-ROM titles with "The Lion King" Animated Story Book and 'Aladdin' Activity Center |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/450076188 |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007134225/https://www.proquest.com/docview/450076188?sourcetype=Wire%20Feeds |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[PR Newswire]] |id={{ProQuest|450076188}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mufasa Voice – The Lion King: Simba's Mighty Adventure (Video Game) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/The-Lion-King-Simbas-Mighty-Adventure/Mufasa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330091336/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/The-Lion-King-Simbas-Mighty-Adventure/Mufasa/ |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mufasa Voice – The Lion King Animated Storybook (Video Game) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/The-Lion-King-Animated-StoryBook/Mufasa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715032917/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/The-Lion-King-Animated-StoryBook/Mufasa/ |archive-date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> From 1995 to 2018, Mufasa provided the opening narration for the [[Epcot]] documentary ''[[Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Circle Of Life: An Environmental Fable (1995) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/rides-attractions/Circle-Of-Life-An-Environmental-Fable/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129172323/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/rides-attractions/Circle-Of-Life-An-Environmental-Fable/ |archive-date=November 29, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=Behind The Voice Actors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Jones, James Earl |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/jones-james-earl/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226120319/https://d23.com/a-to-z/jones-james-earl/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[D23 (Disney)|D23]]}}</ref> In 2019, a [[Funko Pop!]] figurine was released to commemorate the remake, which ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked among "The 10 Best Disney Funko Pops".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherlock |first=Ben |date=April 2, 2019 |title=The 10 Best Disney Funko Pops, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-funko-pops-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408191604/https://screenrant.com/disney-funko-pops-ranked/ |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> The character [[Recurring character|recurs]] in some episodes of the animated television series ''[[The Lion Guard]]'' (2016–2019), voiced by [[Gary Anthony Williams]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Karen |date=June 23, 2017 |title=David Oyelowo to voice villain Scar in 'The Lion Guard' |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2017/06/23/David-Oyelowo-to-voice-villain-Scar-in-The-Lion-Guard/9721498217044/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209212015/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2017/06/23/David-Oyelowo-to-voice-villain-Scar-in-The-Lion-Guard/9721498217044/ |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=[[United Press International]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pederson |first=Erik |date=June 21, 2017 |title=David Oyelowo To Voice Scar In Disney Junior's 'The Lion Guard' |url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/david-oyelowo-the-lion-guard-scar-disney-junior-1202117535/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127004448/https://deadline.com/2017/06/david-oyelowo-the-lion-guard-scar-disney-junior-1202117535/ |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> ''[[Mufasa: The Lion King]]'' (2024), a [[prequel]] to the 2019 remake, focuses on Mufasa's childhood, formative relationships, and major events that ultimately lead to him becoming King of the Pride Lands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=J. Kim |date=2023-11-10 |title=Marvel Delays 'Deadpool 3,' 'Captain America 4' and 'Thunderbolts' in Post-Strike Disney Release Shake-Up |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/deadpool-3-captain-america-4-lion-king-prequel-delayed-1235786760/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126150843/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/deadpool-3-captain-america-4-lion-king-prequel-delayed-1235786760/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mundhada |first=Tejas |date=September 11, 2024 |title='One Of My Greatest...': This Will Change The Way You See Aaron Pierre Taking Over the Mufasa Role from Late James Earl Jones |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/one-of-my-greatest-this-will-change-the-way-you-see-aaron-pierre-taking-over-the-mufasa-role-from-late-james-earl-jones-1347293 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927145153/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/one-of-my-greatest-this-will-change-the-way-you-see-aaron-pierre-taking-over-the-mufasa-role-from-late-james-earl-jones-1347293 |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref> In this version, Mufasa is an [[orphan]] born outside of the royal family,<ref name="Garfinkle 2024" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Chase |date=May 8, 2024 |title=Disney's 'Mufasa: The Lion King' will explore Mufasa's background |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2024/05/08/mufasa-lion-king-movie-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515043535/https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2024/05/08/mufasa-lion-king-movie-disney/ |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> and the plot explores his relationship with his adoptive brother, Taka, the disgraced heir who ultimately becomes "Scar".<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Mufasa: The Lion King - five things we've learned from the trailer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/68929787 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502034701/https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/68929787 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rivera |first=Briannah |date=April 29, 2024 |title=All We Know About Mufasa: The Lion King |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a60635684/mufasa-the-lion-king-date-cast-rumors-news/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701224000/https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a60635684/mufasa-the-lion-king-date-cast-rumors-news/ |archive-date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |work=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]]}}</ref> In December 2024, Pierre performed his "spirit tunnel" dance on ''[[The Jennifer Hudson Show]]'', during which the show's staff chanted "Aaron Pierre, that's Mufasa".<ref name=":0" /> The performance went viral on social media in 2024 and 2025,<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Jeffrey |first=Joyann |date=January 18, 2025 |title=Aaron Pierre's 'That's Mufasa' dance video takes over TikTok. Here's why |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/aaron-pierre-thats-mufasa-dance-rcna188085 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118184051/https://www.today.com/popculture/aaron-pierre-thats-mufasa-dance-rcna188085 |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=October 2, 2025 |work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]}}</ref> eventually prompting the show to disable comments on the videos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welch |first=Alex |date=February 20, 2025 |title=Aaron Pierre Reacts to ‘Jennifer Hudson Show’ Turning Off Comments on His Viral Video for Being ‘Too Hot’ |url=https://www.thewrap.com/aaron-pierre-jennifer-hudson-viral-video-comments-off/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330224052/https://www.thewrap.com/aaron-pierre-jennifer-hudson-viral-video-comments-off/ |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=October 2, 2025 |work=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>

In 1997, actor [[Samuel E. Wright]] originated the role of Mufasa on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] in the [[The Lion King (musical)|stage adaptation of the film]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yandoli |first=Krystie Lee |date=May 25, 2021 |title=Samuel E. Wright, The Voice Behind The Beloved "Little Mermaid" Character Sebastian, Has Died |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/krystieyandoli/samuel-wright-actor-obituary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226223056/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/krystieyandoli/samuel-wright-actor-obituary |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[BuzzFeed News]]}}</ref> Prior to ''The Lion King'', he had voiced [[Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)|Sebastian]] in Disney's ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'' (1989).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Langer |first=Emily |date=June 9, 2021 |title=Samuel E Wright: Unforgettable voice behind Sebastian in 'The Little Mermaid' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/samuel-wright-the-little-mermaid-b1858392.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707204321/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/samuel-wright-the-little-mermaid-b1858392.html |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mondello |first=Bob |author-link=Bob Mondello |date=May 26, 2021 |title=Samuel E. Wright, Voice Of Sebastian The Crab In 'The Little Mermaid,' Has Died |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/05/26/1000616854/samuel-e-wright-voice-of-sebastian-the-crab-in-the-little-mermaid-has-died |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726045828/https://www.npr.org/2021/05/26/1000616854/samuel-e-wright-voice-of-sebastian-the-crab-in-the-little-mermaid-has-died |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[NPR]]}}</ref> Mufasa's role in the show was expanded with the addition of the original songs "The Morning Report" and "[[They Live in You]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lion King Characters |url=https://www.thelionking.co.uk/the-lion-king-characters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119174638/https://www.thelionking.co.uk/the-lion-king-characters |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=The Lion King UK}}</ref> Wright was initially reluctant to audition, fearing the role would be too similar to playing the [[Cowardly Lion]] from ''[[The Wizard of Oz]]'' (1939) or the [[Beast (Disney character)|Beast]] from ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'' (1994), but relented once he saw director [[Julie Taymor]]'s plans for the character's design and costume.<ref name="Pogrebin 2001">{{Cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |author-link=Robin Pogrebin |date=August 17, 2001 |title=No Letup In a Lion Kingdom |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/17/movies/no-letup-in-a-lion-kingdom.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603081712/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/17/movies/no-letup-in-a-lion-kingdom.html |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He based his performance on [[Maasai people|Masai]] warriors who hunted lions, and learned to growl by researching lions at the [[Bronx Zoo]].<ref name="Pogrebin 2001" /> He also received [[Physical therapy|physiotherapy]] regularly due to the physical demands of the role.<ref name="Pogrebin 2001" /> Wright's performance received positive reviews from ''The New York Times'' and ''Variety'' theater critics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Brantley |date=November 14, 1997 |title=Theater Review; Cub Comes of Age: A Twice-Told Cosmic Tale |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/14/movies/theater-review-cub-comes-of-age-a-twice-told-cosmic-tale.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613205657/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/14/movies/theater-review-cub-comes-of-age-a-twice-told-cosmic-tale.html |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |author-link=Vincent Canby |date=November 23, 1997 |title=Sunday View; 'The Lion King' Earns Its Roars Of Approval |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/23/theater/sunday-view-the-lion-king-earns-its-roars-of-approval.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522145231/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/23/theater/sunday-view-the-lion-king-earns-its-roars-of-approval.html |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=November 13, 1997 |title=The Lion King (New Amsterdam Theater) |url=https://variety.com/1997/legit/reviews/the-lion-king-new-amsterdam-theater-1117339958/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210002831/https://variety.com/1997/legit/reviews/the-lion-king-new-amsterdam-theater-1117339958/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In [[52nd Tony Awards|1998]], he was nominated for the [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] for [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical|Best Featured Actor in a Musical]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morales |first=Christina |date=May 26, 2021 |title=Samuel E. Wright, the Voice of Sebastian in 'The Little Mermaid,' Dies at 72 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/26/arts/samuel-e-wright-dead-sebastian-little-mermaid-mufasa-lion-king.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123235250/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/26/arts/samuel-e-wright-dead-sebastian-little-mermaid-mufasa-lion-king.html |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> 

Outside of ''The Lion King'' franchise, the character has appeared in the television series ''[[Disney's House of Mouse]]'' (2001) and the video game ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' (2006).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mufasa Voices (Lion King) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/The-Lion-King/Mufasa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815213811/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/The-Lion-King/Mufasa/ |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mufasa |url=https://www.khinsider.com/characters/mufasa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504011837/https://www.khinsider.com/characters/mufasa |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=Kingdom Hearts Insider}}</ref> In ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode '"[['Round Springfield|Round Springfield]]" (1995), Mufasa appears in the clouds to [[Lisa Simpson]], alongside Darth Vader and Jones.<ref name="Sims 2013">{{Cite news |last=Sims |first=David |date=November 3, 2013 |title=The Simpsons (Classic): "'Round Springfield" |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-simpsons-classic-round-springfield-1798178541 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323154041/https://www.avclub.com/the-simpsons-classic-round-springfield-1798178541 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwarz |first=Hunter |date=April 17, 2015 |title=Ted Cruz loves 'The Simpsons,' but he botched his favorite quote |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/04/17/ted-cruz-loves-the-simpsons-but-he-botched-his-favorite-quote/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330000347/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/04/17/ted-cruz-loves-the-simpsons-but-he-botched-his-favorite-quote/ |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> All three characters are voiced by ''Simpsons'' cast member [[Harry Shearer]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Jack |date=September 11, 2024 |title=With James Earl Jones's Passing, a Legendary Simpsons Voice Falls Silent |url=https://www.gq.com/story/james-earl-jones-a-legendary-simpsons-voice-falls-silent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924075319/https://www.gq.com/story/james-earl-jones-a-legendary-simpsons-voice-falls-silent |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[GQ]]}}</ref> despite Jones himself having [[Guest appearance|guest starred]] on three earlier ''Simpsons'' episodes.<ref name="Sims 2013" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gbogbo |first1=Mawunyo |last2=Newstead |first2=Al |last3=Jeffery |first3=Yasmin |last4=Smyrk |first4=Katherine |last5=Winter |first5=Velvet |last6=Yussuf |first6=Ahmed |date=September 9, 2024 |title=From Star Wars to The Simpsons, James Earl Jones carried some of the most iconic characters of the last 50 years |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-10/james-earl-jones-star-wars-the-lion-king-the-simpsons/104331850 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003215956/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-10/james-earl-jones-star-wars-the-lion-king-the-simpsons/104331850 |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |id=Jones guest starred in "[[Treehouse of Horror (The Simpsons episode)|Treehouse of Horror]]" (1990), "[[Treehouse of Horror V]]" (1994), and "[[Das Bus]]" (1998).}}</ref> In "Round Springfield", Mufasa mistakenly says the name "Kimba" before correcting himself to "Simba", which parodies [[Kimba the White Lion#Claims of resemblance to The Lion King|allegations]] that ''The Lion King'' was inspired by the anime ''[[Kimba the White Lion (TV series)|Kimba the White Lion]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woodrow |first=Ryan |date=July 28, 2023 |title=8 Times The Simpsons Referenced Anime |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/streaming/the-simpsons-anime-references#gid=ci02dd788bc0062554&pid=kimba-the-white-lion--round-springfield |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925125642/https://www.mensjournal.com/streaming/the-simpsons-anime-references#gid=ci02dd788bc0062554&pid=kimba-the-white-lion--round-springfield |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Men's Journal]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chernoff |first=Scott |date=July 24, 2007 |title=I Bent My Wookiee! Celebrating the Star Wars/Simpsons Connection |url=http://starwars.com/community/news/media/f20070724/index.html?page=3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724223022/http://starwars.com/community/news/media/f20070724/index.html?page=3 |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[StarWars.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Witiw |first=John |date=November 20, 2022 |title=10 Best Anime References In The Simpsons |url=https://www.cbr.com/simpsons-anime-references/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207115706/https://www.cbr.com/simpsons-anime-references/ |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> [[Chance the Rapper]] has referenced Mufasa in several of his songs,<ref name="Harris 2019" /> including "I Am Very Very Lonely" (2014),<ref name="Brown 2019">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=July 13, 2019 |title=From The Big Screen To Hip-Hop: 25 Rap Lyrics Referencing 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/lion-king-references-rap-lyrics-list-657531/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508020732/https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/lion-king-references-rap-lyrics-list-657531/ |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]}}</ref> "[[Blessings (Chance the Rapper song)|Blessings]]" (2016), and "How Great" (2016).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Florio |first=Angelica |date=July 18, 2019 |title=Chance The Rapper Plays A Few 'Lion King' Characters, So Keep Your Ears Peeled |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/who-does-chance-the-rapper-play-in-the-lion-king-keep-your-ears-peeled-for-simbas-1-fan-18209485 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209145621/https://www.bustle.com/p/who-does-chance-the-rapper-play-in-the-lion-king-keep-your-ears-peeled-for-simbas-1-fan-18209485 |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=[[Bustle (magazine)|Bustle]]}}</ref><ref name="Brown 2019" /> The rapper said he has always likened the character to his own father, and believes Mufasa "was a lot of young black boys' depiction of growing into manhood".<ref name="Harris 2019" /> He found himself identifying with Mufasa once he became a father himself.<ref name="Harris 2019" /> The character has also been [[Name-dropping|name-dropped]] in songs by [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] artists [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[Nicki Minaj]], [[Smino]], and [[Waka Flocka Flame]].<ref name="Brown 2019" />

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{The Lion King}}
{{Disney animated characters}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Fictional kings]]
[[Category:Fictional lions]]
[[Category:Anthropomorphic lions]]
[[Category:Animated characters introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:Film characters introduced in 1994]]
[[Category:The Lion King (franchise) characters]]
[[Category:Male characters in animated films]]
[[Category:Fictional animal deaths]]
[[Category:Fictional murdered people]]