Mufasa: The Lion King Debuts “Stunning” New Footage at CinemaCon

Hot off the heels of Mufasa: The Lion King 's new first look image , Disney has dropped even more to be excited about during its panel at CinemaCon.

When the film was first announced with the news that Barry Jenkins would direct, fans of the Oscar-winner were curious as to why the auteur had taken on the big studio project.

Jenkins opened his segment of last night's panel joking about that sentiment, saying, "You are probably wondering… what is the director of Moonlight doing talking to me about an eight-quadrant tentpole legacy IP massive film?" as per Variety.

Jenkins said, "It was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life," and said he was "so glad [he] made this picture".

" Mufasa: The Lion King is a very personal film for me," Jenkins said, going on to reveal he has seen Disney's 1994 The Lion King "maybe 200 times".

A section of footage from the film was then screened for the audience.

Discussing Film revealed that audiences witnessed devastation rife among snowy mountains with narration from Rafiki who reveals that our story is "about a lion 'who will change everyone's lives'."

Much of the footage shared landscapes, including swamps and rivers, as well as a first look at a young Mufasa.

Film critic Jillian Chilingerian revealed that the film features "all new songs". However, who has written remains secret for now.

Another critic present at the panel says Mufasa: The Lion King is "genuinely stunning".

Mufasa: The Lion King is said to still be in post-production but is set for release this year on December 20.