Chevalier actor Kevin Harrison has another big project up his sleeves as he gears up for the upcoming Lion King prequel titled Mufasa: The Lion King. The film, slated for a 2024 release, would follow a cascade of events preceding Kimba’s birth and Scar’s transformation into the movie’s villain.
For the project, Kevin would lend his voice to the character, Scar, the overambitious, conniving brother of King Mufasa. Jeremy Irons originally voiced the iconic villain in the 1994 production of the cult classic. In an interview with People, Kevin admitted he auditioned for the character of both Mufasa and Scar. However, knowing he preferred the villainous role, he had to play his cards right, in favor of the Scar character. He explained:
“I put more effort into the Scar because I wanted Scar more. So I did the voice record and I was walking around my apartment on all fours like a lion, just really doubling down. And then I found out I got it and I was really just like… I couldn’t believe it.”
While Kevin Harrison snagged his preferred role in the Lion King prequel, actor Aaron Pierre would voice the titular character, Mufasa.
Kevin Harrison Teases The Lion King Plot
During the interview, Kevin continued to sing odes to his character, and how grateful he was to become a part of the “magnificent tale of friendship, love and legacy.” He let slip some more details about the premise of Mufasa: The Lion King, saying:
“Obviously the movie’s a prequel, so we’re kind of getting to see, who is Scar before we knew Scar? And that’s been interesting trying to incorporate what we know of him while allowing there to be an arc. I’ll say that.”
The 28-year-old described the opportunity to land a starring role in a film that was part of his life growing up, as a dream come true. More importantly, he felt honored to contribute his quota as Scar, knowing how obsessed he had always been with Jeremy’s rendition of the character decades back.
Other actors set to appear in the long-anticipated Lion King prequel include Seth Roge, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, John Kanni, and Ray Strachan. An official release date is yet to be announced.