Who are the white lions in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’?

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, one of the most anticipated live-action films of the year, premiered in Brazilian cinemas last Thursday, the 19th, bringing a new aspect of the universe of the well-known animation ‘The Lion King’, but now under scrutiny from Simba’s father.

In the plot we follow Mufasa’s journey, learning about the character’s childhood and adult life, in addition to having a glimpse of discovering how he reached the position of king of the savannah and the challenges he faced until he occupied this title — one of them being the great villains of the film: the white lions.

Who are the white lions?

Called “outsider” in English in the film, the white lions are led by Kiros, their king, and imposing villains represent a significant danger to the prides of the Valley of the Kings and play a central role in the plot. It is because of them that Mufasa and Taka, the future Scar, embark on a dangerous journey.

Kiros, leader of the white lions, harbored a deep hatred for the lions who rejected them in the past. Rafiki, who narrates the plot to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter, explains that these outsiders were born into common prides but were expelled due to their unusual white fur. Rejected and isolated, they banded together, creating a band driven by resentment and a thirst for revenge. This tragic origin explains their cruelty, but does not diminish the danger they pose.

As a young man, Mufasa faced two of these light-coated lions while hunting with his adoptive mother, Eshe. He killed one of them, who happened to be Kiros’ heir. This event marked the beginning of a relentless persecution. Kiros, furious over his son’s death, led a devastating attack against Taka’s father Obasi’s band. Before the attack, Obasi ordered Mufasa and Taka to flee, but the white lions chased them to Milele, seeking revenge.

White lions in real life

Interestingly, the white lions in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ are not a mere Disney creation. These felines exist in the Kruger-to-Canyons region of South Africa. Their appearance is the result of a rare genetic mutation called leucism, which differs from albinism in that it does not affect vision or other physical aspects.

Contrary to what the film suggests, in real life white lions do not face repulsion among their peers. Furthermore, their hunting ability is as efficient as that of lions of common coloration. Despite this, their unique coat makes them frequent targets of hunters, which has contributed to the reduction of their population.

While white lions are presented as the villains in Mufasa’s journey, in the real world they remain symbols of rarity and resilience, inspiring admiration and conservation efforts across the globe.

Also read: Does ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ have a post-credits scene?