Mufasa: The Lion King has achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing nearly $350 million. Billy Eichner, who voices Timon, recently shared a rather intriguing concept for his and Seth Rogen’s next Disney venture, hinting at a darker narrative twist.
This latest installment serves both as a prequel and a sequel to the 2019 live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved classic. It explores the origins of Mufasa, detailing his rise to kingship in the Pride Lands, while simultaneously revealing Taka’s transformation into the nefarious Scar.
Alongside this riveting backstory, viewers will catch up with Simba, Nala, and their daughter Kiara as well as the iconic comedic duo, Timon and Pumbaa, in the present timeline.
Pitching a Darker Disney Narrative: A New Take on Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Eichner revealed, “Seth and I have been brainstorming a live-action movie featuring Tweedledum and Tweedledee, but with a strikingly dark twist.” He dreams of a narrative that delves into mature themes, potentially drawing inspiration from films like The Brutalist or other intense cinematic works. Eichner suggested, “Maybe we can get Sean Baker to direct this unusual take.”
When questioned about which role he and Rogen might portray, Eichner playfully responded, “You’ll just have to watch it to find out.”
While this concept may seem unconventional, it’s noteworthy that many Disney classics are steeped in much darker origins than their family-friendly adaptations. For instance, the tale of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, dating back to 1837, reveals a grim reality where the mermaid endures excruciating pain during her transformation and meets a tragic fate.
Similarly, the original Snow White tale from the Brothers Grimm is notable for its dark elements, including the Evil Queen being forced to dance in red-hot iron shoes until she perishes. Alice in Wonderland, while whimsical, also carries unsettling nuances, particularly concerning the historically eerie portrayals of characters like Tweedledum and Tweedledee in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass.
Dreaming of a Timon and Pumbaa Spin-off
Regardless of whether Eichner’s darker idea materializes, he is keen on the possibility of a Timon and Pumbaa spin-off alongside Rogen. “Everyone keeps asking about it,” Eichner mentioned. “Seth and I are totally on board. We need the audience to rally for a Timon and Pumbaa movie!”
He elaborated, “We should keep the conversation alive surrounding this project.” Eichner envisions various exciting possibilities for the film, such as exploring a prequel or depicting the duo in a future setting. “A road trip adventure where they encounter new characters while reconnecting with classic ones would be incredibly entertaining. A lively, vibrant comedy filled with humor is what I imagine.”
Eichner acknowledged, “While The Lion King has its intense emotional moments, we can delve into the heartfelt friendship between Timon and Pumbaa, infusing it with comedic elements and a light-hearted pace.”
Currently, Mufasa: The Lion King is playing in theaters, inviting audiences to rediscover this cherished saga. For more insights about the film, including the tribute to James Earl Jones and the underrated sequel to The Lion King, plus updates on new offerings coming to Disney+ this month, explore further!
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