Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated film ‘Mufasa’ is set to hit theaters on December 20th. We had the exciting opportunity to engage in a conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Seth Rogan, Barry Jenkins, and Billy Eichner prior to the film’s release. Join us as we delve into the creative journey behind the film’s soundtrack, explore the collaboration with Blue Ivy, and uncover exclusive insights from the cast and creators about the making of this cinematic masterpiece!

Tetris Kelly:

Hello, this is Tetris with Billboard News, reporting live from San Diego Safari Park during the Press Day event for ‘Mufasa.’ Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with the talented cast and visionary creators about this thrilling prequel that captures the essence of the beloved franchise. Notably, this marks director Barry Jenkins’ debut in the musical genre, and we’re eager to hear how he partnered with Disney favorite, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to bring this project to life.

Lin-Manuel Miranda:

Barry Jenkins is a masterful musical storyteller. His ability to infuse emotion into his films, as demonstrated in ‘Beale Street’ and ‘Moonlight,’ is truly remarkable. The musical notes he contributed enriched my compositions, making them resonate even deeper. He had a clear vision of what he wanted from the music, which motivated me to collaborate with him, knowing that this partnership would offer me invaluable learning experiences in the realm of musical storytelling.

Tetris Kelly:

As someone who has made a name for himself in the Broadway scene and with Disney hits like ‘Moana’ and ‘Encanto,’ how does your approach to creating Disney music differ from your Broadway compositions? What adjustments do you make during the creative process?

Lin-Manuel Miranda:

The primary difference lies in the cultural exploration each project offers. A keen observer pointed out that my stage musicals are predominantly set in New York, which makes my Disney projects feel like a passport to diverse worlds. With ‘Moana,’ I immersed myself in the rich culture of the Pacific Islands. ‘Encanto’ took me on a journey to Colombia, where I discovered various unique musical styles. In this project, I had the privilege to collaborate with the incredible Lebo M, whose stunning choral harmonies and vibrant voice play a crucial role in our music, allowing us to experiment with authentic African rhythms.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates!