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How “Mufasa” came to be, with the voices of Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy and new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda
SAN DIEGO (AP) – When Aaron Pierre was solid as Mufasa, the burden of following in the legendary footsteps of the late James Earl Jones was enough to make any actor sway. But as a substitute of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion form.
“I had a lot of nerves, and I think those nerves served me because that’s what the teenage version of that lion is like,” Pierre said in an interview Friday at San Diego Safari Park about his starring role in the film “Mufasa: The Lion King.” He took the reins as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in the 1994 and 2019 Disney versions of “The Lion King.”
Here are some details and observations about “Mufasa” ahead of its December 20 theatrical release.
First, a tribute to James Earl Jones
Jones’ voice is just not heard in the film, but it surely opens with a brief tribute to the beloved actor who died in September.
Pierre had hoped to meet Jones for the first time, but he didn’t have the opportunity. Now he’s determined to honor his idol by constructing on his character’s legacy.
“I imagine a person experiencing things like this can have moments of uncertainty, and I wasn’t sure about myself,” he said. “Aaron wasn’t sure if Aaron was into it. I attempted to channel these emotions quite than being something that held me back, as something that pushed me forward. I gave it my all. I hope I used to be able to serve James Earl Jones and honor James Earl Jones and the character.
Mufasa’s touching origin story
The live-action prequel offers a fresh tackle Mufasa’s origins.
after events in the film 2019, Rafiki plays the story-telling sage, weaving Mufasa’s untold story for Kiara – Mufasa’s spirited granddaughter and daughter of Simba and Nala. The duo of Timon and Pumbaa stay with Rafiki’s flashbacks.
Rafiki discovers that Mufasa’s childhood is just not all about royal freedom and sunny horizons. After the heartbreaking tragedy of being separated from his parents, young Mufasa finds himself lost and alone.
“He was separated from his family. He is an orphan. He was rejected, fired. He was demoted,” said Pierre, a British actor who starred in the film “Genius: MLK/X” Series. and Netflix motion hit “Rebel Ridge”.
Mufasa was homeless until fate led him to Taka, the compassionate heir of one other pride. Taka, along with his fierce but caring mother, offers the displaced cub a new starting of their pride.
Over the years, Mufasa and Tak’s bond grows from camaraderie to brotherhood. However, their loyalty is put to the ultimate test during a journey that discovers Mufasa’s true origins and rightful kingdom, in addition to the explanation why Taka became Scar.
“Taka kind of relaxed on the privileges that he had,” said Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka. He drew inspiration from Jeremy Irons, who voiced the villainous Scar in the 1994 original.
“It’s kind of like, ‘Well, looks like I need some attention,’” continued Harrison, who starred in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Waves.” “It seems the only way to defeat any pride is to assert dominance. It was Tak’s version that ultimately became the basis for Scar’s role.
Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy makes her feature film debut
Beyonce she can have a small role in “Mufasa,” but her daughter Blue Ivy Carter is the predominant star of the family in the film.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter makes her feature film debut, lending her voice to the role of Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, played by her star mother.
“She came into it prepared,” said director Barry Jenkins, who heard Blue Ivy narrate in the audiobook of “Hair Love” by Oscar winner Matthew Cherry. He said the 12-year-old phenom showed some skills that couldn’t be ignored.
“She was the main character, and the whole movie starts with the voices,” Jenkins said. “They do it almost like a radio play, and hearing that quality in her voice, I thought, ‘Oh, I think that’s my character,’” he continued. “Then she went to the audition and it became clear that she was my character.”
While recording for Kiara’s character, Jenkins said Blue Ivy, who won a Grammy for co-writing her mom’s 2019 hit “Brown Skin Girl,” was knowledgeable.
“I don’t know Blue Ivy’s life, but I imagine she grows up a little differently than everyone else,” he said. “I think that’s why she became an adult and had a whole lot of understanding and experience and emotional knowledge that she brought to the character. She was amazing.”
Jenkins compares Kiara’s character to many of the children who will see the film. In the film, she listens eagerly as John Kani’s Rafiki tells her grandfather’s origin story while Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) accompany them to the cave.
“They see themselves in the character, and she learns Mufasa’s story,” Jenkins said. “She learns that he went through the same trials and tribulations, the same growth, as she did.”
Blue Ivy didn’t record her vocals with the three solid members, but Rogen praised her skills.
“She was great,” he said. “I could have sworn we were in that cave with her.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s secret ingredient
When Lin-Manuel Miranda when writing new songs for the film, he often referred to Billie Jean King’s famous quote: “Pressure is a privilege.”
Miranda took on the challenge of leaving her own mark on this famous series, identical to her predecessors. He said the soundtrack, which shall be released on December 13, will feature seven new songs.
“I was emboldened by the fact that there is an original from 1994 that is like an immortal classic,” said Miranda, the creator of “Hamilton” and winner of Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards.
“But there may be also Broadway musical there may be also Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King: The Gift”, which for my part expanded the musical vocabulary of what could possibly be called a “Lion King” song. So I felt like there was quite a bit of room to create because I felt like The Lion King was practically a genre of music where there was room to mess around and find new things in it.
Miranda said its “secret ingredient” was Lebo M, known for his opening vocals on the classic tune “Circle of Life”. He said his lyrics were inspired by the script.
“I think his harmonies and choral arrangements that he created for the Broadway musical and for this show were instrumental in the success of the scores for these films,” Miranda said. “I think it was exciting for him to work on new songs.”
This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Entertainment
Ayesha Curry under the fire for admitting “the lack of athletes” before she married Stepha, when fans say that she humiliates the NBA star
The revelation of Ayesh Curry about her teenage dating rule bored the debate about whether the public statements of the culinary entrepreneur sometimes obscure the achievements of her husband of the NBA Super Gwiades.
Referred in an interview with the Christian broadcast network, wherein she turned to the strict policy of “without athletes” before meeting Stephen Curry as a teen, she caused mixed reactions of fans who wonder if such sincere disclosures unintentionally undermine the refined public pendant of the war warrior.

During the conversation from March 2025, with the host Efrem Graham Ayesh, she considered the irony of her former attitude, recognizing how her younger I made broad generalings about sports personality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paaxjwfdpoq
“And it’s so funny!” She said: “When you are a teenager, you don’t necessarily think about what you are saying and you tend to generalize, and as (you) a change, you put different people into different boxes.”
Adding: “And so embarrassing at the bottom that this is capital letters, such as” without athletes! They are so smug! “And what kind of generalization is that? “
A 36-year-old mother of a four-person one explained how Stephen’s meeting questioned her prejudices. Looking back, she principally knew him all her life – for the first time she met the future NBA champion when she was over 20 years – and described their meeting as a divine intervention.
“And so I feel that that is the way it’s God, don’t judge the book by the cover, because I met my husband – well, I met my husband (when) I used to be once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once 14 years old, but I went on a date with my husband at the age of 19 or (he was) my friend, and he was a exact opposite of this.
CBN YouTube viewers expressed Mixed reactions to interview.
“Could the embarrassing Steph stop? How to close,” commented one of the viewers, blowing her up for saying things that, he believed, he casts dirt on her husband’s image.
Another support offered: “I am glad that he now has its own marriage and relationship!” Referring to the thought that she just just won’t be comfortable in her relationship.
But many comments applauded her, recognized her strong faith, and likewise celebrated their family.
The third person noticed: “The man thinks about curry, he was not in the drama on the pitch and outside and has a beautiful family.”
Another added: “Everyone is incredibly beautiful, they just shine with a good spirit. Basketball Obama …”
This just just won’t be the first time Ayesha met with criticism of her public comments.
Earlier she caused controversy, discussing her feelings that she didn’t pay the attention of men compared with how her husband is bombarded with women’s admiration.
During the previous interview, she expressed uncertainty about women thrown in Stephen, while she felt invisible to other men, comments that were later criticized for being inappropriate for a married woman.
Twitter cut off the first 20 seconds of the conversation with the red table of Ayesha Curry
. pic.twitter.com/eauuovfv86
-Britt-man
(@tjseanb) December 21, 2021
Despite the periodic slack, Currys maintained a sturdy public presence when their family increased in front of the eyes of the fans.
Their oldest daughter, currently 12-year-old Riley, for the first time captured her heart as a premature toddler who interrupted the press conferences of the NBA finals of her father 2015. Recently noticed on the game Warriors, which stands almost as high as her mother with an area of 5 feet-8, transformation of Riley from Sassa 3-year-old, who quoted Big Sean lyrics in the composed teenager, caused fans to surprise during a fraction of Time.
The curry family now covers Ryana, 9, Canon, 6 and Baby Caius, who ends 1 this month. During her journey Ayesh built her own empire as the creator of the cookbook, television personality and entrepreneur, while Stephen continues his dominance in basketball at the age of 37.
Explaining their family’s approach to public life, Ayesha emphasized the authenticity.
“I think we are trying to keep it really. And we try to be nice people,” said CBN. “People look at our family, but I think it is important that everyone knows that no one is perfect, and we are just trying to live at the moment.”
While critics can perceive Ayesh’s apparitions as embarrassing against Stephen, the 4 -time NBA champion seems distrustful.
His recent birthday tribute to his wife showed his unwavering devotion: “Where are we starting to describe what you mean, our family, all who have been blessed enough to meet you. You light a room,” he wrote.
Indeed, despite the sporadic storms in social media and perceived excessive objects, Currys carried out almost 13 years of marriage with no much scandal, maintaining their status of one of the most admired pairs of basketball.
(Tagstransate) ayesha curry
This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Entertainment
Supermodel Aveng Chulo approves this year’s hottest hairstyle – essence
River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images
This is official: this year’s hottest hairstyle is now approved with a supermodel. From Gamine Look Taylor Russell to heavy sides on Jodie Turner-Smith, Cuts Pixie has long been popular amongst Hollywood actresses. But this week the South Sudan model AWEN Chool participated 2025 Fashion Trust Awards In Pixie, giving the favored style this season.

On the red carpet, she made her debut in a hairstyle with a gelled, gelled-owned muddy Oude dress and reflective earrings-marked by a hairdresser Shayz Enrique. While most of her hair was pushed up, the skillful strands presented natural curves on the front that had her face. Using Rihanna’s hair, Enrique gel fingers (try: Gelly -like strong gel) He gave Pixie Chuli a sturdy structure, not sacrificing her natural, experienced appearance.
But this is just not the primary time she has no time. During last year’s CFDA awards, Choluol wore a wet look, while the tight bowl on the Marc Jacobs party in February was more liquid and even. Now he returns to his natural hair length, showing sculptural volume and classy versatility, which we couldn’t expect from the pixie.

To finish the looks, makeup Matthew Fishman He used a brand recent Mac Foundation Studio Fix Powder Plus For a dreamy but raw moment of beauty. Caviar Lip insole She defined her glazed angel lips, and eyelashes and a dark water line strengthened their smokey copper eye shadow. Because Pixie Cuts appears to be the hottest appearance this season, actually: Angg Chulo approves.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Entertainment
Your guide to the necessary events this month-i
May serves as an unofficial start of the summer season. Graduation, Mother’s Day and Weekend on the occasion of Remembrance Day are the most significant events of the month, together with the return of WNBA. When it comes to sneakers, it implies that the houses of the Brotherhood can finally allow those that, a cooked Air Force graduate, my mother can get several pairs that show softness and love, you’ll find the perfect shoe for beach classes. And finally, we will finally answer the query where the shoe is.
Angel Reese uses a small shavnosis

Reebok
Since signing the contract with Reebok, Angel Reese has given us many footwear options, from her collection to the debut of the first Reebok shoe for years. While we’re waiting for the first characteristic REESE shoe, it still gives us a fresh approach to Reebok classics. The latest is her tribute to her “uncle Shaqa” and his Shaqnosis. This pair with the Shaq and Angel Reese logo is a perfect representation of summer in washed gray and western beads with gold notes.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 150
Because he still knows

Nike
At the starting of 2000, “Auburn” Nike Trainer SC was my Graal shoe. He is legendary for worn by my favorite athlete, because Jackson, it was one shoe that I told myself that I’d retire if I ever get it. We can now call it a lie a couple of hundred couples later. But to be honest, shoes just don’t retro so often. This classic cross training continues to be one among my most beloved, so I probably collect one because having crunchy pair on ice is mandatory. I only need some Girbaud denim shorts and a white shirt to finish your outfit.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 130
Adidas keeps it nice

Adidas
What happens whenever you mix fashion and future technology? You get Adidas air con. Completely printed in 3D shoes have arc support and heel lining, in addition to 360 degrees of air thanks to the kindness of a large grille. Simply put, these shoes are greater than aesthetic; They are also practical, which makes them ideal for summer days when you will have to do the trick quickly.
Release date: May 2
Retail sales: USD 140
Anatomy of a very good gray shoe

New Balance
Gray is analogous to black and white when it’s used on shoes and garments. All three colours can look so different with the slightest tone correction or when using various materials. The South Korean label of Thisisnever, which proves that the theory by utilizing a subdued color palette on a scale of gray and mixing in Premium Pigskin, Synthetic Nubuck and Mesh to get a fresh take a look at the New Balance 991V2 runner. It was definitely one among the higher latest models released in the previous few years.
Release date: May 5
Retail sales: USD 270
A’one in any respect a’rries

Nike
Over the years, when the popularity of WNBA and ladies’s basketball increased, the query and conversation focused on when the star of Las Vegas aces a’ja Wilson will receive her characteristic shoes. This moment is finally when A’one is available in a mix of pink shades with details scattered over the shoe, which pay tribute to her travel in the type of Celtic symbols for her parents and inspiration of pearls to represent her grandmother. Most importantly, the name Wilson is on the fingers of each shoe, thanks to which everyone knows whose shoes it’s.
Retail sales: USD 110
Release date: May 6
Nike cooked the classic

Nike
Let’s assume that it happens that you just enter every university campus, music festival or anywhere where Gen X may be present in a big number: you will likely see that the air forces, which according to older generations, saw higher days. But for the current generation they’re in perfect condition. Although they’ll develop into, dirty and cracked, as if worn for months, the real surprise is that over time, as a substitute of becoming a more dirty version of the dirty shoe, the upper gives way to a clean upper, as if fresh from the box.
Release date: May 7
Retail sales: USD 130
Deion shows love to his mother

Nike
Mother’s Day just around the corner is only a deion sanders Shows love to his motherConnie Sanders, with the latest issue of Diamond Turf ’96. Using the red, commonly accepted color of affection, things are easy here. Upper also accommodates notes of white that can help to convey the message, because it was a dozen or so roses. One special accent lies in the inscriptions “love you, mom” on the inserts.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 170
Caroline Hu gives samba softer

Adidas
The Chinese clothier Caroline Hu slowly pulls out a novel space thanks to the cooperation of Adidas and this is softness and female touch. Her latest sees Samba translates, exchanging traditional skin or canvas, into satin and lace. This update immediately removes heritage in a football court and makes it suitable for a date or evening with friends. Available in red, silver and navy blue I can do many couples for various occasions.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 160
Kevin Durant’s latest return

Barry Gossage/Nbae via Getty Images
We saw Nike Basketball uses a book 1 to recycled of old colours in latest ways. This time they tried the same approach to the characteristic model of Kevin Durant, reviving the most famous colours AirThe rims shoe from the 90s widely related to the former heat guardian Miami Tim Hardaway. The old biting looks rare, unless it gives such results.
Release date: May 15
Retail sales: USD 150
Nuggets PE Carmelo Anthony receives the right edition

Jordan Brand
Long before Carmelo Anthony became often known as the host of the podcast or dad Kiyan Anthony for a certain generation, he was one among the best players in the NBA and face from the Jordan brand for the latest generation. Sale of being an athlete from Jordan? Custom retros in team color. One of the cleanest couples was this pair of Jordan 12s in Anthony’s color scheme when he was a member of Denver Nuggets. Simplicity is a game, because a solid white upper leather sits on a blue outer sole with powder blue accents on the shoe, thanks to which it’s a straightforward selection to slide into the rotation of sneakers.
Release date: May 17
Retail sales: USD 200
Jordan 4 “White cement “returns

Jordan Brand
One of the most significant and hottest shoes in the history of Jordan Brand triumphantly returns for the first time since 2016. This 12 months’s edition is a component of the brand celebrations of 40 years. It repairs many complaints and sneakerhead tanks – the overall shape is closer to the original model from 1989, and the side mesh and the heel tab has been adapted to reflect the original version. I’d advise anyone who was fascinated about them to double them.
Release date: May 24
Retail sales: USD 225
Sporty & Rich Sticks to Retro Runners

Adidas
Sporty & Rich explained that they love to dig in the treasury of Adidas and pull out forgotten figures. Their latest takes them back to 2008, and the Adios Adios 1. White upper with silver overlays turns the model into something suitable for at some point with friends as a substitute of actual running. However, when you determine to do each, know that each one the performance functions from the original are still present.
Release date: TBD
Retail sales: USD 160
Be like Mike in 1996

Jordan Brand
In 1996, this low level of Air Jordan XI was noticed only at Michael Jordan during the Bulls Championship. Quickly forward and at last hits the store shelves. Earlier, we saw the version with a red heel insert, but for the first time a totally black liner-clipping element for purists-he maintains a public edition. Everything else adheres to the classic “grown” formula – the outer sole, white midsole and black uppers.
Release date: April 26
Retail sales: USD 190
Travis Scott goes in the spring “Bright Cactus”

Nike
When Travis Scott isn’t busy Rulescent of stocks with John CenemThe group pays his status of one among the best collaborators in the Nike/Jordan letter. In the latest edition of his Jack Sneakers lists the usual darker tones for light green cactus and cream uppers with black accents. As with any Scott cooperation, they flew, but they sell at low prices on the secondary market.
Date of release: April 30
Retail sales: USD 200
Line notes
This article was originally published on : andscape.com