Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how the beloved king of the Pride Lands rose to greatness. Narrated by Rafiki (John Kani) to young Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala’s (Beyonce) daughter, the tale unfolds with humor from Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). Through flashbacks, we see Mufasa as an orphaned cub who meets Taka, a lion heir to a royal bloodline. Their meeting begins a journey of friendship and self-discovery as they, along with a group of misfit companions, face challenges, strengthen their bonds, and confront a dangerous enemy.

In an exclusive clip from the film, Rafiki reflects on the pain of being an outsider during a heartfelt conversation that delves into themes of identity and belonging. The clip opens with Rafiki describing the origins of outsiders: “The outsiders come from many prides. But when they are born, they are hated because they are different from their tribe.” This sets the stage for discussing the societal rejection of those who fail to conform.

Rafiki then draws parallels to his own life, admitting, “Like you and your tribe?” when asked, to which he responds, “Yes. Just like me.” This moment reveals the universal nature of feeling like an outsider, even within one’s own community.

The conversation grows more poignant as Rafiki acknowledges the pain of being unloved by those who are most like oneself, stating, “Sometimes when the people most like you don’t love you, it is a hurt that can cause the greatest pain, and this pain can lead you to hate everything.” Yet, Rafiki concludes with a hopeful note, expressing gratitude that this pain did not consume his listener: “I’m glad that didn’t happen to you, Zeehee.”

The scene offers a deeply emotional exploration of resilience and forgiveness, tying into the larger narrative of Mufasa: The Lion King—a story of hope, identity, and the transformative power of love and friendship.

Mufasa: The Lion King opens in theaters on December 20th.