Aaron Pierre pays tribute to James Earl Jones in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

Aaron Pierre talks about honoring James Earl Jones as the final actor to play Mufasa in the upcoming film “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

Pierre told “Good Morning America” ​​on Wednesday that it was “really surreal” to continue the story in the film, a prequel and sequel to the 2019 live-action remake of the 1994 animated classic — in which Jones both played the role of King. of the Pride Lands.

“Not only was he a huge inspiration to me in the context of Mufasa, but he was also a huge inspiration to me in terms of the entirety of his artistry and his legacy,” Pierre said of Jones.

“For me, he really is the top of the mountain, and I hope that in some way I was able to honor him, and I hope that he will be proud of what we have set up here,” the “Genius” actor added. .

Jones, one of the most famous actors of his generation, died in September at the age of 93.

Speaking about the franchise’s past, Pierre called the original animated film – released in theaters the same month it was born – one of his favorite Disney films.

“There was something about it that made me feel included, involved,” he explained. “I really like the way he celebrated the African continent in a beautiful way.”

“Mufasa: The Lion King” will be released in theaters on December 20.