Aaron Pierre on Taking Over Mufasa for James Earl Jones: "I Hope I Was Able to Make Him Proud" | THR Video - video Dailymotion

Hollywood Journal

Aaron Pierre chats with The Hollywood Reporter at the 'Mufasa: The Lion King' premiere and dishes on playing the role of Mufasa and stepping into James Earl Jones' shoes. Hear why he calls James a "hero" of his since the very beginning.

Transcript

00:0030 years from the original. What was it like stepping into this universe?

00:06Wow, just a gift. It's just been a beautiful gift and a blessing that is not missed on me.

00:15And I feel very grateful to be having the opportunity, to have had the opportunity

00:20to contribute to this legacy in any way that I can.

00:24What was it like for you? Because now we're learning a little bit more about the brotherhood

00:28between you and Scar. So what was that like, kind of tapping into that side of Mufasa?

00:34Wow. I think for me, one of the most beautiful components of this film is the exploration

00:43of the personal relationships within our lives. How do we preserve them? How do we nurture them?

00:53How do we value them in the way that is entirely necessary in order to maintain them?

00:59That's one of the themes that is very important to me and is very present in this film.

01:03And I'm excited for people to engage with that element of it.

01:08I'm absolutely excited. And I know you said that Mufasa has been such a pillar.

01:12Like, you described him as a pillar in previous interviews.

01:15So now that this origin story is taking place, what have you learned about him?

01:19I mean, like, what words would you use to describe him now?

01:22Well, I mean, I will always say that Mufasa is a pinnacle of strength and love and community.

01:32And I discovered that not only is that true, but I now have a deeper belief in that

01:40because I understand where he originated.

01:41He was separated from his pride. He was an orphan. He was ostracized.

01:47He was degraded, dismissed. And despite all of this, he is still keeping that at the forefront of his mind.

01:55And I think that's a beautiful thing.

01:57I love that. And James Earl Jones, I know you once mentioned he was an inspiration for you.

02:03What was it like stepping into his shoes for this role?

02:06James Earl Jones is a hero of mine. Of course, within the context of Mufasa the Lion King.

02:12But he has been a hero of mine from the very beginning, way before I even turned professional.

02:18He is the top of the mountain. So I hope that I was able to serve the character that he originated.

02:23And I hope that I was able to make him proud.

02:25And lastly, what do you want families and kids to get out of this one?

02:29Honestly, whatever they take away from it is their truth.

02:32I just hope that people experience a joyful experience and have a wonderful time this holiday season,

02:39whether they see it with their loved ones or on their own.

Aaron Pierre on Taking Over Mufasa for James Earl Jones: "I Hope I Was Able to Make Him Proud" | THR Video

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