The Lion King: A Tale of Two Brothers

:"See the Circle of Life begin with a tale. A Tale of a Two Brothers.
:―The tagline for the film”
:
:The Lion King: A Tale of Two Brothers (originally titled A Tale of Two Brothers, later titled that outside North America, is an upcoming American 2020 film, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, set to be released by Walt Disney Pictures as a prequel to The Lion King. It is set to be released July 19th, 2020, as a 1-year anniversary tribute to the 2019 remake of the film. While the original film's plot is inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the sequel film's plot inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and the 2004 midquel's plot inspired by Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, which was known to be a prequel to Hamlet, this film's plot is very much original, taking only minor aspects from those plays. As a result, it is the second film in the franchise not to be inspired by a Shakespearian work, with the first being the 2015 television film, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, which served as the prequel and pilot to the 2016-19 animated series. A whole new cast of characters is introduced as well as several voice actors, specifically for the cub characters, but as for the adult characters, many of the original cast members, specifically James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons return, with the exception of Madge Sinclair as Sarabi, Zoe Leader as Sarafina, and Robert Guillaume as Rafiki, and due to the actors' deaths. As a result, Alfre Woodard, Penny Johnson Jerald, and John Kani serve as replacements for the voice actors, reprising their roles from the 2019 remake. The Lion King: A Tale of Two Brothers centers around Mufasa and Scar (born Askari)'s past, specifically how Askari grew to become leader of the Lion Guard, and how his jealousy of Mufasa grew so strong, that it lead to his Lion Guard's downfall as well as how he met the hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, and became close allies with them. The film later on shows a romantic sub-plot, featuring a love triangle with Sarabi between Mufasa and Scar, a love triangle with Scar between her and Zira, and one with Mufasa between Sarabi and Sarafina. The film will feature the characters of Ahadi and Uru, Mufasa and Scar's parents who were previously portrayed in a non-canon book series.
==Prolouge==
Taking place several months after the original film in which Simba has defeated Scar and become the new Lion King, the animals return to the Pride Lands under his reign. As they do, the mandrill Rafiki watches, and soon narrates the events that lead up to Simba becoming King. When he is supposedly given with a reaction in which the viewers already know the story, he soon begins to tell another story of Simba's father Mufasa, and his uncle Scar.
==Plot==
In the Pride Lands of Africa, King Ahadi, and Queen Uru present their newborn sons, Mufasa and Askari to their subjects ("Circle of Life"). Mufasa is marked and raised to be the future King, whilst the Great Kings of
the Past roar down on Askari, blessing him as the next leader of the Lion Guard.
That night, Rafiki, a travelling mandrill draws a painting of the two brothers on his tree. He is commemorating the birth of the Princes, when he gets a message in the wind. Whilst he initially brushes it off as nothing, he gets intrigued and soon realizes it has something to do with Askari.
Many months pass, with Mufasa and Askari growing into lively young cubs. One morning, he wakes his brother, and after getting permission from Ahadi, they soon start exploring the Pride Lands with their friends, Sarabi, Zira, and Sarafina ("A Beautiful Day (Ni Siku Nzuri)") Whilst there playing, they stumble across the grasslands territory of the Pride Lands. They begin to explore, but their fun is cut short when three hungry hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed appear and surround the cubs, preparing to kill them. They soon give chase, and eventually, before the cubs can get eaten, Askari unleashes a ground shaking roar, sending the 
hyenas into a shock. A marking appears on Askari's shoulder, but eventually fades away. This gives Ahadi and Uru enough time to venture into the savannah and rescue the cubs, fending the hyenas off with a deadly warning.
Back at Pride Rock, Ahadi scolds his son for being reckless and nearly getting his friends killed, until he hears about Askari's roar, and is put in disbelief. The Lion King sends his son to the cave. Although everyone is confused, Rafiki appears to tell them of how the original Lion Guard leader has given him a message of how Ahadi's second-born son getting the Roar at this age is destiny. When Askari himself questions this, Rafiki takes them to a cave within Pride Rock, where Ahadi explains it is the Lair of the Lion Guard, the team tasked with protecting the Pride Lands and defending the Circle of Life. Ahadi then explains to his son that their ancestor, Askari founded the group of the Lion Guard after defending the Pride Lands from a group of evil rouge lions, and then gained the power of the Roar. Askari is ecstatic about his destiny, but Ahadi halts him telling him he is too young and he should just enjoy life as it is. The cubs continue their play outside whilst Ahadi and Uru agree to tell their sons about their destinies the following night.
Meanwhile, the cubs praise Askari for his bravery against the hyenas, giving him confidence to the point where he believes he can be King. Whilst Sarabi and Sarafina remain neutral, Mufasa is against his brother's idealism, even with Zira's defense, and soon Askari reveals his true excitement over his possible leadership 
over Pride Rock ("I Just Can't Wait to be King"). 
When Mufasa manages to calm his brother down, they return to Pride Rock that night where Ahadi makes his announcement and chooses Mufasa as his successor, angering Askari, already upset over his denied destiny as the Protector and now heartbroken over his father's rejection. Askari soon runs away to which Uru chases after.
Askari runs until he reaches the grasslands, home of the hyenas, where he bumps into Shenzi. Shenzi apologizes for her ruthless behavior, and then explains how her clan has been restricted from hunting in the mainland of the Pride Lands by Ahadi and their growing hunger. Shenzi and Askari soon sympathize with each other over their wanting for something more in their lives and start to fail to see the differences in one another. 
Uru catches up to her son and immediately mistakes the hyenas' friendship with her son to be a threat until the lion cub explains to his mother of their bidding friendship, calming her down. The Lion Queen comforts her son, informing him of his obligation to his Pride and the Circle of Life regardless of his role (We Are One).
Uru returns Askari to his family where he apologizes for his outbreaks. Ahadi in his guilt, brings both of his sons out onto an open field where he tells them of the Great Kings of the Past and how they look down on 
them from above for guidance. (They Live in You).
Weeks have passed since Mufasa's confirmation as Ahadi's heir.     
One morning, Askari is summoned by Ahadi. The Lion King informs him that Askari must choose 4 other members for his team; The Pride's fiercest, bravest, fastest, strongest, and keenest of sight. The Prince is against this, believing he can defend for himself, but ultimately gives up and starts the search for his Guard. He picks Jabori, the bravest, Haraka, the swiftest, Nguvu, the strongest, and Macho, the keenest of sight. Together they protect the Pride Lands and defend the Circle of Life, emerging victorious in their battle and patrols with the ghost of the original Lion Guard leader guiding over the young lion (Call of the Guard).
One day during a vicious drought, Askari spots a herd of wildebeest. Wanting to impress his brother, the young lion catches and kills it, bringing it back. Ahadi gently scolds his son for hunting for sport in the Pride Lands, stating that it will interfere with the Circle of Life. Upset at his lack of praise, Askari runs off to meet Zira, and the hyenas, who try to comfort him but it isn't enough. He walks out to an open field, where the ghost of the original Lion Guard leader appears in the clouds. In a quiet moment with the two leaders, the elder tells him not to let his jealousy and pride consume him, or it will be the Pride's undoing.
Months pass, and Askari continues his destiny as the protector of the Pride Lands. After saving Mufasa from a wildebeest stampede, the Pridelanders and the hyenas give the Lion Prince praise for weeks on end, specifically from Zira.
One day, Zira meets Askari after a long day of work. They spend the day together, and that night, Askari shows Zira the Roar of the Elders, and everything its power can do. (The Power of the Roar). Zira grows in awe of this, and begins to compliment Askari for all he is, giving him more confidence and pride. The morning after, Askari goes further and further away from Pride Rock, trying to go on patrol but ends up falling into a ditch. Ahadi and Mufasa save him, and he is once again, scolded for nearly getting himself killed, but yells at Mufasa, comparing himself to him and tells him of his position as leader of the Lion Guard. Ahadi tells his son Mufasa will be King, and as King, he cannot risk his life and leave his Kingdom without protection. The younger brother runs off, where he reaches an adolescent Sarabi. In contrast to Zira's perfectionism, Sarabi reminds him of the care that his family has for him. This causes Askari to fall in love with the young lioness, and he longs to win her heart.
1 year later, Mufasa's coronation as the Crown Prince is held at Pride Rock. Everyone at the Pride Lands gathers around to see the event take place. Following the event, Ahadi announces the engagement between Mufasa and Sarabi, to which they both accept. Askari runs off in pain and sorrow. He spends a short moment with himself where he grows more and more jealous of his brother. Not even Zira, Sarabi, or the hyenas could help him.
Weeks later, after Askari finishes his patrol in the Outlands, Zuzu warns him and Zira to arrive at Pride Rock to see Uru. Once there, they see the Pridelanders outside the cave, with all the animals of the Pride Lands below Pride Rock and realize Uru is dying. The family enter the cave to see Uru, laying half dead. The Lion Queen gives her goodbyes to her husband and Sarabi and Zira, telling them to take care of her sons, and then bids a final farewell to her sons, telling them to continue the Circle of Life. A funeral is held for Queen Uru and everyone pays their respects. (Rafiki Mourns). Askari is not present, angering the King and Prince. When they attempt to reason with him, he storms off in pain and anger as he is ridden with guilt and cries in the field, looking at the stars to look for his mother (Endless Night).
Ahadi talks to Mufasa about Askari and tells him that they must do something to help him, otherwise his jealousy will destroy him. Mufasa suggests they let Zira talk to him, but when they turn to her, she yells at them, accusing them for favoring Mufasa over him. Ahadi has had enough and has decided to let his son figure out his own problems if he doesn't want to discuss them with his family.
Mufasa ignores this, and decides to talk to Askari. The brothers have a conversation in which Mufasa tries to reason with Askari, but the younger brother's pain causes him to lash out violently towards his brother telling him that Ahadi has always favored him, despite Askari's victory as leader of the Lion Guard and position as his son. As Askari gets angrier and angrier, Mufasa loses his patience, and knocks his brother to the ground, yelling to his brother not to go against him which Askari misinterprits as Mufasa asserting dominance over his brother. When the younger lion comes to, he feigns apologeticness, making it clear he will not challenge the king's leadership. Eventually, Askari slinks off into the moonlight. Mufasa and Zazu, Zuzu's son, talk about his brother's behavior, suggest he should be exiled from the Pride Lands, but Mufasa refuses, not wanting to break his family, or the Circle of Life apart. Zira and the hyenas overhear the talk and mistaking it for them planning on banishing the Prince, alert him, but he refuses, stating that there is nothing he could do to go against his brother and that this is his destiny. To be second to the Lion King.
Another year passes, and Ahadi passes away from old age, much like his wife. The old King makes his son promise to continue his legacy as the Lion King to which Mufasa agrees. Ahadi then speaks with Askari, who apologizes for everything he's done, and regardless of his actions, he has been so proud. Despite Askari's plea for forgiveness, and plea for Ahadi's survival, the old King passes away, another scar to the young Prince.
That night, Mufasa looks out onto an open field where he cries out into the sky looking for his father, but with no aid. The wise mandrill Rafiki appears to the young Prince, and tells him of Ahadi's survival. He leads him to a giant field where Mufasa steps in Ahadi's paw-print he made years ago. In a heartfelt scene, Rafiki guides the prince to the ghost of Ahadi. The ghost reminds Mufasa of his succession right as the son of Ahadi. Mufasa protests that he isn't Ahadi, and may not be able to be a great ruler like him. Ahadi's ghost then reminds Mufasa that he is his son and that's all he needs to complete his journey. Rafiki asks Mufasa who he is to which he replies "I am The Lion King." (He Lives in You).
The following sun-rise, Mufasa walks down to greet his fiancee, and his followers. He then proclaims Zuzu's son, Zazu as the next majordomo, whilst Rafiki would be his royal mjuzi. After which, Mufasa then walks over to Rafiki, and as Rafiki bows down to him, Mufasa embraces him before Rafiki tells him that it is time. Mufasa then climbs up Pride Rock, and as he reaches the promontory, he looks up at a break in the clouds to see a patch of stars, one of which is shining brightly. Upon hearing Ahadi's voice, Mufasa gains courage, confidence, and strength, roaring out over his new Kingdom with the rest of the Pride roaring in approval.
Askari doesn't attend his brother's coronation, heartbroken over his parents' death, and hurt inside from his brother's dominance. He begins to spend more time with the hyenas and they grow a bond with him. What they don't know is that deep inside, Askari is beginning losing his faith in the hyenas, not seeing them as true friends like he did as cubs.
During Mufasa's reign, a rogue lion named Ni is caught tresspassing into the Pride Lands. He is captured by Askari, and sent for judement. Ni then states that he was exiled from his Pride, and now he is looking for his home. Askari refuses to accept the rouge, but Mufasa's better judement pulls through, and he soon realizes that Ni is the lost lion cub that his uncle saved years ago, and allows him back in. During his time there, he meets Sarafina, and quickly falls in love with him, coneieving a child. Askari is worried about Ni, and then orders the Lion Guard to take him out. When they refuse, thne he calls upon the hyenas to finish him off. They attack Ni, and devour him alive. When Mufasa discovers this, he punishes them by stating that their hunting will be more restricted, meaning they will eat less and less. Askari questions this, but the King says it is for the good of the Pride.
Feeling pity, Askari hunts a herd of zebras and feeds it to the hyenas, who give their thanks. This is shown to go on for a while, until Askari grows thinner than he normally is. Mufasa notices this, and manages to expose Askari for his deception, but Askari goes on to question Mufasa's authority once again. The elder brother ends the conversation, and storms off.
As the days pass, the hyenas are feeling more and more hungry. During one of their illegal hunts, the trio run into Sarafina. Sarafina is still vengeful towards her mate's death and demands for them to get out of their way, but Shenzi refuses, wanting to "make an example of Mufasa's pride" to show what they're made of. Shenzi attacks first, but Sarafina manages to dodge her, and soon engages in a ruthless fight. The entire hyena clan join in, and just when Sarafina is about to die, she flings dust into Banzai's eyes and leaps for the kill. Banagai, Banzai's father steps in instead, and as a result, gets killed. Baasho, Banagai's brother, is ready to avenge him, but Sarafina responds by ripping Banagai apart, and devouring him, sending the hyenas into a fleeing frenzy. Wanting revenge, Shenzi goes to Mufasa to complain, but Mufasa denies it, scolding her for hunting outside her limits.
Shenzi swears vengeance and returns to her home. Askari sees the whole thing, and follows Shenzi to her den. After a talk, they begin to hope that one day Mufasa won't be King, and that one day Askari will, and the hyenas will be free to hunt whenever they want. This brings joy within the hyenas despite Askari's doubt of it ever happening.
One day, on his daily patrols alone, Askari wanders beyond the Pride Lands' border to the Outlands. There, he meets a rouge lion. Scar, at first attempts to attack him, but the rouge defends himself. Askari is partially impressed by the rouge's fighting skills. When the violence is over, the rouge introduces himself as Ubaya. The two start to talk, when Ubaya notices Askari's mark of the guard. When questioned, Askari replies that he is the son of Ahadi, and the younger brother to Mufasa, the Lion King. Ubaya proceeds to compliment the Prince's bravery, stating Mufasa must be proud. Askari lets these compliments get to him, and soon after he is in Askari's full trust. As the conversation continues, Ubaya mentions he has wisdom and power about the Lion Guard, specifically the original Lion Guard, and how they defeated the evil lions of the past. He proceeds to mention of how the most powerful should rule, and Askari fits the role perfectly, and for that, he should be King. Whilst Askari is a bit hesitant, Ubaya convinces him that as a lion, Askari is already destined to rule over all animals, but as a lion with power, he should rise up against the weak, including his brother. (Lions Over All).
Once Askari is convinced, Ubaya leads him to the Outlands volcano where he tells him that his destiny will soon arise there. Once there, Ubaya brings out his snake henchmen, Ekram. Ubaya tells Ekram to "do what he was told." The snake obeys, and attacks Askari. Realizing he has been fooled, Askari fights the snake, with Ubaya in the distance smirking. Askari claws the snake in the jaw, and pins it down, before Ubaya tells him that destiny will be full of surprises and that he must agree to this if he wants to rise above his brother. Distracted, Askari is slashed in the face by the snake's venemous jaws, giving him a scar. When questioned, Ubaya reveals his backstory; He was descended from the evil lions of the past who were defeated by the original Lion Guard. After discovering his lineage, he plotted to avenge his ancestors, so in doing so he told a snake to inject venom in him in order to increase his villainous mentality. He then proceeded to enter the Pride Lands as a rouge lion, wanting to gain Ahadi's trust so he can go against him. However, he failed to gain Ahadi's trust. Wanting to spread his legacy, he had secuded Azola, Ahadi's loyal followers, before leaving. Ubaya then explains he had been stalking Askari and Zira, and seeing that she is potential for his army, but wanted to use Askari in order to lure her here. Ubaya finally tells Askari the effects of the venemous bite of how it can change him, and offers him the cure, only in exchange for his servitude, as well as his marriage to his daughter. Askari refuses, but Ubaya pins him down, saying that this is his only way to be adored and not left alone in the sidelines and should he disobey him, he will die as he was born; Second-rate. This angers Askari to the point of where he throws Ubaya off him. Finally, Askari says that even with his jealousy, he will not betray his pride, and will definently not subject himself in order to do so. When Ubaya makes one last attempt on Askari, the young lion uses the Roar of the Elders and kills them by blasting them into the volcano's pit, where Ubaya became a fiery spirit within the eruption. After which, Askari contemplates his actions, and comes to the conclusion of his loyalty to Mufasa.
When Askari returns to Pride Rock that afternoon, he informs him that he received a Scar when he defeated a rouge lion who tried to manipualte him. Mufasa is at first upset for his brother's attempted betrayal, as well as unable to let go of Askari's past mistakes, but lightens up eventually, giving him a nickname of "Scar." When Mufasa is questioned, the King states that it will be a reminder of his victory. Askari soon grows bitter over his brother's "mockery" over his injury after Askari's brave deed. Remembering Ubaya's words, Askari swears that he will become King and will no longer be in Mufasa's shadow anymore.
In the Outlands, Scar has a meeting with his Lion Guard, and orders them to kill Mufasa so that he can rule the Pride Lands. Whilst they are neutral, Nguvu rebels, stating that they are loyal to the Circle of Life. Scar threatens them with their lives should they disobey him, but they reveal to him their loyalty to Mufasa. Angered at their betrayal, Scar uses the Roar to destroy the Lion Guard. In the clouds, the ghost of Askari appears and accuses him of betraying himself, something which Scar vehemently denies, but the ghost counters that Scar has forgotten who he is and has thus forgotten his pride. Scar rejects Askari's words, telling him that it's too late to turn back, and that he is no longer Askari, but he is Scar. Askari disappears in the clouds, saddened at his descendant's arrogance. Scar vows that one day he will be King and that Mufasa will fall.
That night, Scar returns to the Pride Lands and Mufasa questions his brother. Eventually, when the truth is exposed, Mufasa is angered at Scar, and restricts him from leaving the cave and seeing the hyenas.
When Scar sneaks out, he reunites with the hyenas, and Askari tells the hyenas of his crimes, and Mufasa's punishment. The hyenas express their anger towards the King for starving them, and separating their savior from them. In the midst of this, Shenzi stands above the clan and informs them that their knowledge of Scar's former power has made them realize that Mufasa is weak and that they will take them all by surprise. Scar supports Shenzi's desicion and informs them to attack at dawn whilst Mufasa is still searching for him. 
The day after, Mufasa discover that Scar is gone, but before he could start the search party, he gets a report from Zazu that the hyenas are killing a herd of elephants and making their way to Pride Rock. Mufasa gathers his soldiers and they meet at the center of the Pride Lands where Mufasa orders Shenzi to step down. The leader refuses, and as a result, the battle begins. Several hyenas are killed, whilst others go off into the shadows. During the battle, one of the hyenas sets off a fire which engulfs the Pride Lands as well as the hyenas' den where the elephants lay. Mufasa is overpowered by Shenzi, but manages to defeat her in a brutal fight. After which, the rains fall, putting out the fire leaving a dry barren portion of the Pride Lands. The hyenas' den is caught in the crossfire and is burnt down to the ground. As the punishment for mutiny, Mufasa exiles Shenzi from the Pride Lands, threatening death should they return. Shenzi, with nowhere else to go takes her entire clan to the elephant burial grounds, which has suffered even more destruction from the fire, and is now expanded with the dead bodies of the elephants they killed. The following night, Scar returns, and Mufasa instantly accuses him of ordering the hyenas. Scar admits to his crimes, but defends his concious by saying that he only did his actions to grow equal with him. But the King ignores his brother and with no hesitation, exiles him from Pride Rock. Scar flees into the night as his Pride, with the exception of Zira (who fails to rescue him) (Not One of Us). Zira scratches Mufasa in the face, and then looks out to the summit, hoping to see her beloved once again. Sarabi talks to her mate and begs him to reconsider, but Mufasa states that brother or not, Scar's action have consequences. Sarabi gives up and storms off.
Scar runs until he reaches the Outlands. He searches around until he crosses the border and reaches the elephant burial grounds where he reunites with the surviving hyenas. There he swears revenge against Mufasa and promises to himself he will be King.
1 year and 6 months later, Sarabi is revealed to have married Mufasa and is now the Queen of Pride Rock and has a son named Simba. When Mufasa praises his new family, Sarabi convinces Mufasa to forgive his brother for his murder so they could be a happy family together. Mufasa agrees with his wife, and soon goes to the Outlands and apologizes to his brother for all of his pain and reveals his wish to have his son have a happy family. Scar feigns forgiveness, and returns to the Pride Lands, only to discover that Sarabi is Mufasa's wife, and is the mother of his successor, Simba. Whilst the ceremony takes place, Scar watches above Pride Rock in hatred, and coldly whispers "Be Prepared." as his nephew is presented to the Kingdom.
==Prologue==
At the end of the tale, Rafiki recites the events of the franchise, including the defeat of Scar's ghost by the claws of his great-nephew Kion. Kovu and Simba are shocked at this story, and Kovu feels some sympathy for his late step-father. However, Rafiki tells them not to lose hope, for Askari survived even after his defeat. He lures them over to a pond, where Kovu looks at his reflection and sees Scar. However, Scar is smiling instead. Kovu looks up and sees Scar, who has ascended to the Great Kings of the Past following his final battle with Kion. Scar reveals that after his defeat, the lions of the past had claimed judgement, and destroying his form, was an act of acceptance. Mufasa appears alongside his brother to verify these words. Simba forgives his uncle for his past crimes, as does Kion, and now Scar is with his family once again.
Many years later, we see Kiara and Kovu as King and Queen, and the presentation of Kiara and Kovu's newborn son, Chaka, with the spirits of Mufasa, Scar, and Simba watching down on them as the Circle of Life completes.
==Cast==
*James Earl Jones as Mufasa
*JD McCrary as Young Mufasa
**Gary Anthony Willaims as adolescent Mufasa
*Jeremy Irons as Scar
**Max Charles as Young Askari
***David Oyelowo as Adolescent Askari/Scar
*Alfred Woodard as Sarabi
**Michelle Horn as Young Sarabi
*Penny Johnson Jerald as Sarafina
**Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Sarafina.
*Samuel E. Wright as Ahadi
*Gina Breedlove as Uru
*Michael Luwoye as Askari
*Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi
**Tress MacNeille as Young Shenzi
*Cheech Marin as Banzai
**Rob Paulsen as Young Banzai
*Jim Cummings as Ed
*Nika Futterman as Zira
**Lacey Chabert as Young Zira
*Rob Lowe as Ni
*Grey Griffin as Azola
*Jim Cummings as Ubaya
*John Kani as Rafiki
*Emma Thompson as Zuzu
*Rowan Atkinson as Zazu
**Nathan Mack as Young Zazu
*Matthew Broderick as Simba
*Moira Kelly as Nala
*Neve Campbelle as Kiara
*Jason Mardsden as Kovu
*Jennifer Lien as Vitani
*Nathane Lane and Ernie Sabella as Timon and Pumbaa
*Max Charles as Kion
*Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani
*Renée Elise Goldsberry, Phillipa Soo, and Jasmine Cephas Jones as Naanda, Diku and Dwala.
Category:Fanfiction