Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Discuss Brotherhood and the Importance of Open Male Friendship

Mufasa’s Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Share Deep Friendship Insights

In a recent conversation, BuzzFeed’s Morgan Murrell sat down with the stars of Disney’s latest blockbuster, Mufasa: The Lion King—Aaron Pierre, who voices Mufasa, and Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka. The duo, who are best friends in real life, discussed their unique experiences in voice acting and the significance of fostering meaningful relationships among men.

Their characters, Mufasa and Taka, embark on a journey of self-discovery in the wilderness, mirroring the strong bond these actors have cultivated while navigating their Hollywood careers. Highlighting the similarities between their own friendship and the roles they play, they delved into their respective character dynamics.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. spoke about Mufasa’s natural leadership qualities and noted, “He has a true sense of who he is and where he comes from.” He added, “I tend to be more like the whiny little brother, but there’s a real bond between us.” Aaron Pierre echoed these sentiments, calling Harrison his “chosen family,” emphasizing the importance of those foundational relationships within their community.

The two first met on the set of Genius: MLK/X, and their connection has only deepened since then. Discussing the safety they find in each other, Pierre explained, “He matches my sincerity, which makes me feel comfortable,” while Harrison appreciated Pierre’s drive and curiosity, stating, “We’re both searching for truth in ourselves, and we have meaningful conversations about our growth.”

As for their venture into voice acting, both have previously limited experience, leading to fresh challenges. Pierre admitted, “I was struggling with the musical component, but I felt liberated because I had nothing to compare it to.” Harrison described how their performances were captured using multiple cameras, treating it akin to theater, allowing them to embody their characters fully.

Preparation for their roles was extensive. Pierre mentioned he relied heavily on trial and error, stating, “I was experimenting and failing a lot, but that’s part of the process.” Harrison worked with a dialect coach to find his character’s voice, blending influences while ensuring it was uniquely his own.

One interesting aspect of their relationship is how openly they communicate—avoiding surface-level dialogues. Harrison emphasized the importance of having intense discussions, while Pierre asserted that personal transparency among friends can profoundly impact mental well-being. “For years, I internalized my feelings, but sharing has enriched my friendships,” he remarked.

In a world where many men struggle to express their emotions, these two show that vulnerability and honesty can lead to deeper connections. Mufasa: The Lion King is now showing in theaters, showcasing not only an engaging story but also the beautiful bond shared by its stars.