When Will 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Stream on Disney+?

For thirty years, The Lion King (1994) has been one of the most iconic and beloved Disney animated films. The original movie spawned multiple sequels — The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998) and The Lion King 1 1/2 (2004) –, two animated series — The Lion King’s Timon & Pumbaa and The Lion Guard –, and a 2019 live-action remake.

On December 20, Disney released the latest film in the Lion King franchise, Mufasa: The Lion King. The film was both a prequel and a sequel. It tells the story of the birth of Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara, and also the backstory of how Mufasa became king of the Pride Lands.

A majestic lion, reminiscent of Mufasa, stands on the rocky terrain of the Savannah alongside a lioness and a cub, with a mandrill holding a staff. The mist envelops the scene in a mystical atmosphere, creating an aura akin to limited-edition blends of nature and magic. — Credit: Disney

For decades, it had appeared to fans that Mufasa was always meant to be king, even though his brother Scar was older. However, Mufasa: The Lion King revealed that Mufasa was actually an orphan who was taken in by Scar’s, whose birth name was Taka, pride. While Taka’s parents are initially reluctant to accept Mufasa, they quickly grow to care for the young cub.

Sadly, Mufasa and Taka soon find themselves on their own, still young and scared about how they will survive without a pride. They then meet a young Sarabi and her hornbill scout, Zazu. Taka quickly develops feelings for Sarabi, but, as Lion King fans know, she and Mufasa fall in love.

A young lion cub stands atop a rocky ledge overlooking a vast, arid savannah landscape with sparse vegetation and distant mountains under a clear sky, in The Lion King: Mufasa — Credit: Disney

Taka is enraged at their relationship and tries to get revenge on Mufasa. He regrets his decision, but the damage has already been done. Mufasa does forgive Taka, now called Scar, but they are never as close as they once were. And, of course, we see their relationship end in the original animated film.

A Potential Streaming Date

As we said, Mufasa: The Lion King was released in theaters nationwide on December 20, but people are already wondering when the movie will be released on Disney+.

Disney has not announced an official streaming date for its new film, but based on what Disney has done in the past, we can make an educated guess. Looking at Disney’s past releases, we can estimate that Mufasa: The Lion King will be released on streaming sometime around March 30.

That would be 100 days from the film’s theatrical release date.

Two lions gently touching foreheads in a sunlit savanna, symbolizing affection and connection. The golden light creates a warm, serene atmosphere, highlighting their majestic fur and the surrounding grassy landscape. This limited-edition scene captures the essence of Mufasa Blends. — Credit: Disney

Historical Release Time Frames

During COVID, the theaters were closed, so Disney was forced to release its new movies straight to streaming, including Mulan (2020), Soul (2020), and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).

Once movie theaters reopened, fans were still reluctant to sit in a crowded room, so Disney got into the habit of releasing its movies on Disney+ just 45 days after they were released in theaters.

That has now changed, and Disney averages about 100 days from theatrical release to streaming release. Deadpool & Wolverine was released on July 26, 2024, and premiered on Disney+ on November 12, 109 days after its theatrical release.

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) standing together. — Credit: Marvel Studios

Disney’s most successful film of the year, Inside Out 2, was released on June 14, 2024. 103 days after that, on September 25, the beloved sequel premiered on Disney+.

Of course, we don’t know Disney’s secret formula, but just based on that math, an end-of-March/beginning-of-April streaming date seems a relatively safe bet.

Could Theatrical Struggles Play a Role?

One key element that could influence Disney’s decision to release Mufasa: The Lion King on Disney+ is the film’s box office struggles.

Mufasa and Simba walking in The Lion King remake — Credit: Disney

Both Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine were wildly successful, coming in as the first and second top-performing films at the box office, respectively.

The movie had a rocky opening weekend, making just more than $100 million at the worldwide box office, falling short of analyst projections. However, it has since broken the $300 million marker.

Disney’s Wish (2023) flopped at the box office but was not released on Disney+ until April 2024, a whopping 132 days after its release. However, The Marvels (2023) was also a box-office failure, actually Marvel’s lowest-grossing movie, but was released on Disney+ just 89 days later.

Inside The Magic will keep readers updated and let them know when Disney announces an official streaming date for Mufasa: The Lion King.

Have you seen Mufasa: The Lion King? Do you think Disney should release it on Disney+ before March? Or wait, like it did for Wish? Share your thoughts in the comments!