INTERNATIONAL

“The Lion King” Is Getting A Prequel 30 Years Later To Tell Mufasa’s Story

Published

6 months ago

June 26, 2024

Mufasa The Lion King is getting a prequel this December | Fab.ng

This December, Disney is releasing a brand new chapter in the beloved Lion King story. Thirty years after the original animation stole our hearts in 1994, “Mufasa: The Lion King” arrives as a prequel. It will take us back to explore the origins of the mighty king himself.

This isn’t just another Lion King movie though. “Mufasa” is an animated musical drama that dives deep into Mufasa’s past. It reveals the friendships, relationships, and defining moments that shaped him into the wise and courageous king we all know.

Barry Jenkins directed “Mufasa: The Lion King”.

He is the Oscar-winning director behind powerful movies like “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” The script comes from Jeff Nathanson, who also wrote the 2019 live-action adaptation. Together, they aim to expand the Lion King universe while staying true to the magic of the original story.

The movie will follow Mufasa’s journey from a helpless orphaned cub to one of the greatest rulers the Pride Lands has ever seen. We’ll gain new insights into his character and the dynamics of the animal kingdom. This includes his complex relationship with his younger brother, Taka.

Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) | Fab.ng

Taka eventually becomes the villainous Scar, but “Mufasa” will explore their bond before it fractured. The story unfolds through a clever framing device – Rafiki, the wise mandrill, narrates Mufasa’s past to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. Adding some comic relief, Timon and Pumbaa chime in with their own hilarious commentary throughout.

Get ready to hear some familiar voices alongside some exciting newcomers. Several stars from the 2019 adaptation are returning to lend their talents. Donald Glover is back as Simba, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), John Kani (Rafiki), and Beyoncé (Nala).

Newcomers include Aaron Pierre voicing a young Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. taking on the role of the young Taka. The cast also features Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Thandiwe Newton as Eshe, and Lennie James as Obasi. In a special debut, Blue Ivy Carter steps onto the big screen for the first time, voicing the role of Kiara.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” roars into theatres on December 20, 2024.

This prequel promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally engaging journey, giving us a deeper appreciation for the iconic Mufasa and the timeless world of The Lion King.

Watch the trailer below:

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FOREIGN

“Gladiator II” Becomes Denzel Washington’s Most Successful Movie With $320 Million Worldwide Gross

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

Reporter

Gladiator II is Denzel Washington's Most Successful Movie | fab.ng

Gladiator II has become the highest-grossing film of Ridley Scott’s career. The movie features the legendary actor Denzel Washington.

Known as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, Washington has built an extraordinary career filled with iconic performances and critical acclaim.

His influence extends far beyond Hollywood, earning him global admiration. However, despite his illustrious career, Washington has not always been the first name associated with record-breaking box office success compared to some of his contemporaries.

His recent collaboration with Ridley Scott has now changed that narrative. Gladiator II has shattered expectations, becoming Washington’s highest-grossing film worldwide.

The movie has earned an impressive $320.2 million globally. This surpasses his previous record-holder, American Gangster, which grossed $267.9 million.

This milestone solidifies Gladiator II as Washington’s most financially successful film directed by Scott.

Domestically, American Gangster has maintained its position as Washington’s top-earning film for 17 years, with a domestic gross of $130.1 million.

However, this record may soon be eclipsed by Gladiator II, which has already reached $111.4 million domestically and continues to draw large audiences.

The success of Gladiator II marks a significant achievement in Washington’s career. It shows his enduring appeal and the powerful collaboration with Ridley Scott.

This box office triumph not only highlights Washington’s versatility and star power but also sets a new benchmark for future projects.

Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely, anticipating how far this latest release will go in redefining the actor’s box office legacy.

READ ALSO: Gladiator II” Records ₦99.1 Million In Its Opening Weekend At The Nigerian Box Office

Throughout his decades-long film career, Washington has taken on a variety of action roles, many of which have been box-office successes.

The Equaliser franchise, for instance, has grossed approximately $190 million worldwide per installment.

Even some of his less critically acclaimed films, such as 2012’s Safe House, achieved significant commercial success, grossing $208.1 million against a budget of $85 million.

FOREIGN

Lee Min-Ho Returns To The Big Screens In Netflix’s “When The Stars Gossip”

Published

4 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Lee Min-Ho back to the screen in When The Stars Gossip | fab.ng

Lee Min-ho is set to make a triumphant return to the big screens with Netflix’s upcoming South Korean series When The Stars Gossip.

After a well-planned hiatus, the iconic actor will star in this highly anticipated sci-fi romance alongside Gong Hyo-jin.

The series will premiere globally on January 4, 2025. Netflix K-Content announced it with exclusive first-look images that tease a captivating narrative exploring love and life among the stars.

In the series, Min-ho takes on the role of an OB-GYN who becomes a space tourist. Meanwhile, Gong portrays a space mission commander. Their characters promise an exciting dynamic that blends romance and adventure in an interstellar setting.

Renowned as one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, Lee Min-ho rose to international fame with his breakout role as the charismatic Gu Jun-Pyo in the 2009 drama Boys Before Flowers.

His performance earned widespread acclaim and established him as a key figure in the global Hallyu wave. Over the years, he has enthralled audiences with his performances in hit dramas. These dramas are The Heirs (2013), Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and The King: Eternal Monarch (2020).

Known for his selective approach to roles, Min-ho consistently curates projects that highlight his versatility, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

His most recent major project, Apple TV+’s Pachinko, showcased his exceptional acting skills. In seasons one (2022) and two (2024), Min-ho delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Koh Hansu, a morally complex and nuanced character. This role further cemented his reputation as a versatile and skilled actor.

Lee Min-ho’s deliberate approach to choosing projects has elevated the anticipation for When The Stars Gossip. Fans are thrilled to see him return to the small screen in a fresh and compelling narrative.

The series boasts an impressive supporting cast. They include Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms), Oh Jung-se (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay), Han Ji-Eun (Be Melodramatic), Kim Joo-hun (Castaway Diva), Lee El (My Liberation Notes), Lee Cho-hee (Once Again), and Heo Nam-jun (Sweet Home).

Our squeals of excitement just broke the sound barrier:

OB-GYN-turned-space-tourist #LeeMinho meets space mission commander #KongHyojin in sci-fi rom-com #WhentheStarsGossip.

This star-studded series with #OhJungse, #HanJieun, #KimJuhun, #EL, #LeeChohee, and #HeoNamjun is… pic.twitter.com/8s0nvdZTA9

— Netflix K-Content (@netflixkcontent) November 20, 2024

Indeed, the show promises to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique mix of sci-fi and romance.

Check out more movie updates here.

INTERNATIONAL

“Gladiator II” Records ₦99.1 Million In Its Opening Weekend At The Nigerian Box Office

Published

4 weeks ago

November 21, 2024

Reporter

Gladiator II records ₦99.1 million in its opening weekend | fab.ng

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, earning an impressive ₦99.1 million during its opening weekend. This remarkable feat positions the epic as the second-highest opening film of the year in Nigeria.

Before its weekend release, Gladiator II generated significant momentum. On Wednesday, it earned ₦8.13 million, followed by ₦8.96 million on Thursday.

An advanced screening earlier in the week pulled in ₦17 million across two days, showcasing strong local anticipation. These milestones cement the film as one of 2024’s top-performing titles in Nigeria.

The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, the heroic protagonist of the original Gladiator. After ruthless Roman emperors seize his home, Lucius embraces the life of a gladiator to seek revenge and restore Rome’s glory.

The film delves into timeless themes of vengeance and redemption, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, Gladiator II has captivated Nigerian audiences. The movie’s strong local performance underscores the growing appeal of global cinema in Nigeria.

On the international stage, Gladiator II debuted with an estimated $87 million, marking the largest opening weekend for any Ridley Scott film.

This success highlights the sequel’s long-awaited arrival, nearly two decades after Gladiator premiered in 2000. The development of the sequel spanned years, with numerous script drafts considered before the final version emerged in 2018. Paul Mescal joined the cast in early 2023, solidifying the project’s momentum.

Written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) in collaboration with Peter Craig, Gladiator II was distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Filming took place between June 2023 and January 2024, delivering a cinematic masterpiece that bridges nostalgia and modern storytelling.

Check out more movie updates here.