Tiffany Boone Steps into Sarabi’s Paws
Tiffany Boone, known for her roles in The Following and Nine Perfect Strangers, has taken on the iconic role of young Sarabi in Mufasa: The Lion King. The 2025 prequel to Disney’s 2019 live-action remake explores the early life of Mufasa and Sarabi, offering fans a fresh perspective on the beloved characters.
Boone shared her excitement about joining the Lion King legacy. “I watched both [Alfre Woodard’s and Madge Sinclair’s] performances multiple times,” she said. Director Barry Jenkins encouraged her to bring her own flair to the role, blending Sarabi’s regal nature with youthful sass and confidence.
Bringing Sass and Vulnerability to Sarabi
Boone’s portrayal of Sarabi adds new layers to the character. “She’s a young adult. She’s having fun. She’s sassy,” Boone explained. Jenkins pushed her to embrace Sarabi’s playful side while maintaining her strength and vulnerability.
The actress also revealed that Sarabi plays a pivotal role in Mufasa’s journey. “She’s the reason for Zazu coming into Mufasa’s life,” Boone said. This dynamic allowed her to explore Sarabi’s mistakes and growth, making the character more relatable and human.
Singing with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Magic
Boone also lent her voice to the film’s soundtrack, including the trending song Tell Me It’s You. Working with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s team, she learned to balance her natural R&B style with the classic Disney sound.
“There’s a specific way to sing Disney songs,” Boone said. “We wanted to capture that feeling we’ve all grown up loving.” Miranda himself praised her performance, calling it “perfect” during a Zoom session.
Overcoming Fear with Voiceover Coaching
For Boone, voicing Sarabi was a new challenge. With the help of voiceover coach Christia Vayo, she learned to embrace the freedom of the medium. “She helped me learn how to have fun,” Boone shared.
The experience allowed Boone to push her boundaries. “You get to make your voice sound as crazy as you want,” she said. This newfound confidence shines through in her performance, bringing Sarabi to life with energy and heart.
A Legacy of Healing and Joy
Boone reflected on the Lion King franchise’s themes of grief and intergenerational trauma. “It helped me process grief as a young child,” she said. Being part of this story allowed her to explore similar themes in a way that’s accessible to all ages.
She hopes the film will resonate with audiences as much as the original did. “It’s a gift to bring such a wonderful experience to kids and adults alike,” Boone said.
Streaming and Physical Release Details
Fans can now stream Mufasa: The Lion King on platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google. The digital version includes behind-the-scenes features and sing-along options. The physical copy will be available on April 1, 2025.
Boone encouraged fans to enjoy the film at home. “Have even more fun with it,” she said.
