Mufasa (Braelyn Rankins), a small lion cub, is separated from his parents during a natural disaster. He washes up on a riverbank and is saved by another cub, Taka (Theo Somolu). His rescuer, a prince, brings him back to his pride. Esche (Thandie Newton), Taka’s mom, wants to nurture the orphan. Obasi (Lennie James), his dad the king, thinks the interloper should be eaten or banished. Of course, mom wins out.