Mufasa: The Lion King' is in theaters Dec. 20, just over three months after original Mufasa voice actor James Earl Jones died at 93

The original Mufasa actor did not record new material before he died, but the film itself honors the late actor.

The Lion King will feature a tribute to the late James Earl Jones, according to director Barry Jenkins. What type of tribute will Mufasa: The Lion King have? Speaking to Variety, Jenkins revealed that the upcoming movie will pay homage to Jones in the film’s opening credits.

In the new Lion King prequel, director Barry Jenkins paid tribute to James Earl Jones during the opening credits. The late performer voiced the role in the original 1994 animated film and the 2019 remake.

Mufasa: The Lion King’s opening scene will pay tribute to the original Mufasa voice actor, James Earl Jones, who voiced the role three times.