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The Roar Of A New King: 5 Facts About Aaron Pierre, The Actor Who Went Viral As "That's Mufasa"

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The phrase "Aaron Pierre, that's Mufasa!" has become an internet sensation, capturing the sheer excitement of fans who recognized the rising star as the voice of the beloved king in the highly anticipated Disney prequel, *Mufasa: The Lion King*. This viral moment, often associated with his walk through the "spirit tunnel" at the Jennifer Hudson Show, has cemented the English actor as a household name just ahead of his biggest role to date, transforming a simple fan shout-out into a cultural phenomenon. As of December 21, 2025, the buzz surrounding Pierre’s performance is reaching a fever pitch, with the film set for release on December 20, 2024, promising a fresh, confident, and contemporary take on the iconic lion's origin story. The casting of Aaron Pierre as the younger Mufasa is a pivotal moment for the *Lion King* franchise, introducing a new generation to the legendary character previously voiced by the incomparable James Earl Jones. Directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, the photorealistic animated prequel will delve into the unlikely rise of the future King of the Pride Lands, exploring his relationship with his brother, Taka (who will become Scar). Pierre's powerful, resonant voice and impressive dramatic background from projects like *The Underground Railroad* and *Krypton* make him the perfect choice to embody the commanding yet compassionate presence of the young lion.

Aaron Pierre: A Complete Biography and Filmography

Aaron Stone Pierre is a British actor whose career has rapidly ascended through critically acclaimed television and film roles before landing the coveted voice role of Mufasa.

  • Full Name: Aaron Stone Pierre
  • Born: June 7, 1994
  • Birthplace: Brixton (or West Croydon), London, England, United Kingdom
  • Age (as of 2025): 31
  • Training: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
  • Early Career: Initially interested in athletics, particularly track and field, before pursuing acting.
  • Breakthrough Role (TV): Dev-Em in the Syfy series *Krypton* (2018–2019).
  • Critical Acclaim (TV): Caesar in the Amazon Prime Video miniseries *The Underground Railroad* (2021), directed by Barry Jenkins. His performance was widely praised for its intensity and depth.
  • Major Film Roles:
    • *Old* (2021) as Mid-Sized Sedan.
    • *Rebel Ridge* (2024) as Terry Richmond.
    • *Genius: MLK/X* (2024) as Malcolm X.
  • Current/Upcoming Role: The voice of Mufasa in *Mufasa: The Lion King* (2024).

The Viral Moment: How "That's Mufasa!" Became a Pop Culture Phenomenon

The simple, enthusiastic declaration "Aaron Pierre, that's Mufasa!" became an overnight sensation, catapulting the actor into a new level of public recognition. The moment occurred during a red carpet event, specifically as Pierre walked through the "spirit tunnel" on the set of the Jennifer Hudson Show.

A fan, clearly excited to see the man who would be King, shouted the now-iconic phrase. The video clip, which quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, captured Pierre's genuine, humble reaction: a warm smile, a high-five, and a moment of shared joy with the audience. This unscripted interaction humanized the star, contrasting the regal, powerful character he is set to portray with his down-to-earth personality.

Pierre has since spoken about the viral clip, expressing his gratitude for the fan’s enthusiasm. The incident perfectly encapsulates the curiosity and excitement surrounding the prequel, as fans eagerly connect the face and voice of the actor with the legendary character. This organic, social media-driven buzz is a testament to the enduring legacy of the *Lion King* franchise and the public's immediate acceptance of Pierre in the role.

Stepping Into the Pride Lands: Aaron Pierre's New Take on the King

The task of voicing Mufasa is monumental, especially following James Earl Jones's definitive, deep-toned performance in both the 1994 animated classic and the 2019 photorealistic remake. Aaron Pierre’s casting signals a deliberate choice by director Barry Jenkins to explore a different facet of the character: the young, ambitious, and unproven lion.

In interviews, Pierre has discussed the immense respect he has for the legacy of James Earl Jones, while also emphasizing that his performance is for a younger version of the character. This new Mufasa is not yet the wise, all-powerful king of the Pride Lands. He is a cub lost and alone who meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline, setting the stage for their complex and ultimately tragic brotherhood.

The film, which is a prequel, is set to explore the origins of the rivalry between Mufasa and Taka, who will eventually become the villainous Scar. Pierre is reunited with his *The Underground Railroad* director, Barry Jenkins, a collaboration that promises a deeply emotional and character-driven narrative. Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voices Taka, has been noted as a key partner in this storytelling, with the dynamic between the two actors being central to the film's plot.

The Voice and Vision: A Confident, Contemporary Mufasa

Aaron Pierre's voice acting style for Mufasa has been described as confident, rich, and possessing a contemporary dimension. Unlike the booming, almost god-like delivery of Jones, Pierre brings a youthful gravitas that suits the prequel's focus on a lion finding his place and power. His background in dramatic roles, including portraying historical figures like Malcolm X in *Genius: MLK/X*, suggests a performance rooted in powerful, nuanced emotion.

The film itself utilizes the same groundbreaking photorealistic animation technology as the 2019 film, bringing the African savannah to life with stunning detail. The story, written by Jeff Nathanson, is expected to provide a rich context for the entire *Lion King* universe, exploring themes of lineage, destiny, and the true meaning of leadership. With the December 20, 2024, release date approaching, the world is ready to hear the new roar of the future King of the Pride Lands.

The Roar of a New King: 5 Facts About Aaron Pierre, The Actor Who Went Viral as
aaron pierre that's mufasa
aaron pierre that's mufasa

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