Summary

• Mufasa: The Lion King confirms Scar's true name as Taka, introducing a deeper tragic element to the film that confirms an old concept.
• Mufasa: The Lion King focuses on Mufasa's past and could include Scar's transformation into a villain.
• The film will potentially explore the jealousy between Mufasa and Taka, emphasizing their contrasting destinies.

The Mufasa: The Lion King prequel film seems to have confirmed a long-standing part of Disney lore as official canon -- and it could make the film more of a tragedy than anyone realizes. The full synopsis and cast for the film suggests it'll be split between a framing device set after the events of 2019's The Lion King. The film will focus on Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara learning the tale of how a young Mufasa grew up to become King.

While there have been several sequels to The Lion King, this is the first time a feature-length Mufasa: The Lion King's story suggests that the film will codify an important detail from those tie-in books as canon.

Scar Will Be Called "Taka" In Mufasa's Lion King Prequel

Scar's True Name Was First Revealed In A 1994 Tie-In Book For The Lion King

During the events of Mufasa: The Lion King, Scar will be referred to by his birth name Taka — confirming an important element from a thirty-year-old tie-in book as the official Lion King canon. Mufasa: The Lion King will delve into the history of Pride Rock and how Mufasa became King. An important element of any film focusing on a young Mufasa would be the story of how his brother Scar became the conniving villain of The Lion King. Notably, Kelvin Harrison Jr. isn't credited as playing Scar in the film, but Taka.

In previous lore associated with The Lion King, Taka was the name of Mufasa's brother before he was given the name Scar. The tie-in book The Lion King: A Tale Of Two Brothers by Alex Simmons (with illustrations by Denise Shimabukuro and Raymond Zibach) delved into the one-sided rivalry between the pair in their early years. While elements of The Lion King: Six New Adventures were largely abandoned, such as the idea of Simba having a son named Kopa instead of a daughter named Kiara, it seems Scar's original identity as Taka has remained part of the canon.

Mufasa Can Show How Taka Becomes Scar Before The Lion King

Taka's Transformation Into Scar Could Make Mufasa: The Lion King A Tragedy

While there are some clear differences between Mufasa: The Lion King and A Tale Of Two Brothers, the new film could explore similar beats. In A Tale Of Two Brothers, Taka's attempts to undermine Mufasa lead to a cape buffalo attacking Taka. Afterward, their father Ahadi dubs him Scar as a reminder of this tragic mistake. Scar is initially repentant for his actions, but this regret stews into loathing for his brother. If Mufasa follows a similar trajectory, it could introduce Taka as a jealous trickster who ends up on a dark path toward true villainy.

Casting a spotlight onto Taka could add an inevitable layer of tragedy to Mufasa: The Lion King. No matter the efforts made by Mufasa and Taka to settle their differences, audiences know the end of their relationship will come when the grown Scar kills Mufasa during the events of The Lion King. Mufasa could explore their formative years together and might showcase a strong bond between them that, by the end of the film, has curdled into hatred and resentment. Any film focused on Mufasa becoming a King could be an ideal place to showcase Taka's contrasting growth into Scar.

The Real Meaning Behind Taka's Name In The Lion King Explained

Taka & Mufasa's Names Fit Their Eventual Role In The Lion King Saga

The Lion King repurposed several Swahili names and phrases, most famously the Swahili phrase for "no trouble" inspiring the song "Hakuna Matata." This extended to some of the names in the series as well. Mufasa is a male name used in Africa, whose Swahili meaning is "To Rule." By contrast, "Taka" typically refers to "dirt" or "garbage." This plays into the perception that Taka is considered an afterthought even by his parents. The Lion King: A Tale Of Two Brothers leans into this, highlighting Taka's jealousy of Mufasa and his powerful destiny.

In Mufasa: The Lion King, the differences between Mufasa and Taka will be even more pronounced, as Mufasa actually doesn't have noble blood. The casting for the film has confirmed that Lennie James will play Obasi and Thandiwe Newton will play Eshe, Taka's parents. Mufasa will be adopted by the pair, likely underscoring the unfortunate implications of Taka's name in comparison to Mufasa. With the confirmation of Taka's role in Mufasa: The Lion King, it's likely the The Lion King prequel will explore Taka's evolution into Scar alongside Mufasa's own growth.