Hans Zimmer has left Barry Jenkins’ “Mufasa: The Lion King” and been replaced by Dave Metzger. No reason was given for the exit. The film is set to be released on December 20, 2024.
Zimmer’s music has been a staple of the Lion King universe. He scored the 1994 original, the 2019 photorealistic animated remake and took part in the wildly successful Broadway musical. His replacement, Metzger, collaborated with Zimmer on the Broadway musical, and is mostly known for his Disney compositions in “Wish,” “Frozen” and “Moana.”
I’ve already tackled how, after directing acclaimed arthouse films such as “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Jenkins embarking on this mainstream Disney prequel seemed totally out of place for his talents. The terms “soulless cash grab” and "sold out" were aimed at Jenkins on X, and he was none too happy about it.