December 21, 2024
Lin-Manuel Miranda just discussed the pressure of creating soundtracks for Mufasa: The Lion King.
It certainly may not have been easy to follow the legacy that Elton John and Tim Rice left behind when they crafted the iconic soundtrack of the universal film, The Lion King back in 1994.
Out of the five songs that were written, three were able to score nominations at the Oscars, with Can You Feel The Love Tonight winning the accolade as well over the tracks Hakuna Matata and Circle of Life. Two were also nominated for a Grammy in the category of Song of the Year.
The Moana soundtrack songwriter may have just felt a little hesitant when he was asked to take on the challenge to produce a follow-up track for the film, Mufasa: The Lion King.
“Well, when you list it like that, it’s terrifying!” he says, a sly grin breaking through his black goatee. “I didn’t think about any of those stats!” he said, speaking to Kevin E G Perry.
With respect to his own impeccable track record, particularly his creation of the hip-hop-inspired, Hamilton, he admitted how he did not feel it was necessary to reach out to John or Rice, for assistance.
“I’ve spoken to them about other stuff. This hasn’t come up,” he revealed.
“He’s been very busy,” Miranda said of John, who is currently suffering from a severe eye infection.
Co-relating the tasks that have kept Sir Elton John and Lin-Manuel Miranda, in their own capacities, he stated, “We’ve almost switched. He’s like the Broadway baby right now and I’m writing this movie music.”