The Filipino music scene reached new heights as Miguel and Paolo Benjamin, the twin vocalists of the iconic band Ben&Ben, took on an extraordinary task—interviewing the creative geniuses behind Disney’s much-anticipated film, Mufasa: The Lion King. Partnering with Disney Philippines, the Benjamin brothers got the rare opportunity to connect with some of the brightest minds in film and music, including award-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) and celebrated composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Encanto).
A Peek Behind the Magic
For Lin-Manuel Miranda, crafting the film’s soundtrack was a labor of love. The acclaimed composer shared his creative process, saying, “You just have to honor those impulses. Kind of like—you have these assignments, and you daydream, and you think about stuff, and you listen to stuff, until you have this sort of alchemy.” His words revealed the intricate artistry and collaboration required to breathe life into the film’s melodies.
Barry Jenkins also shared his vision for the film, offering a glimpse into how Mufasa: The Lion King explores themes of brotherhood and legacy. These heartfelt moments resonated deeply with Miguel and Paolo, who grew up sharing a close sibling bond.
A Personal Connection to Brotherhood
“We felt we could relate well to the theme of brotherhood portrayed in the film because of the fact that we’re twins and we grew up really close to each other, much like Mufasa and Taka,” Miguel Benjamin explained. “Also, the fact that the film involved such great storytellers in it, both in film and music, made it an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Despite juggling rehearsals for their sold-out concert, The Traveller Across Dimensions, the brothers didn’t think twice about seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Paolo added, “We felt that representing our country in a special interview such as this was a big task to fulfill, but we tried to give it our best by coming up with questions that would allow the cast and the directors the freedom to be just themselves while sharing more about the film, their insights, and their memorable experiences working on it. What we noticed the most, though, is how bonded the entire team behind the film is. It’s like they’re family already.”
For the Benjamin brothers, the opportunity was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one. Both twins grew up with a close bond that reflects the sibling dynamics explored in the movie.
Musical Moments and Genuine Connections
The interview wasn’t all work, though. In a light-hearted moment, Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voices a key character in the film, asked the Benjamins to sing a few lines from their hit song Leaves. The impromptu performance left everyone smiling, underscoring the warmth and camaraderie that defined the experience.
The brothers also connected with cast members Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone, whose passion for the project shone through in every word. Miguel and Paolo described the atmosphere as familial—a testament to the bond forged among the film’s creators.
A Viral Hit
The interviews quickly went viral, racking up over 5 million views across social media platforms in just 24 hours. A teaser video shared six days earlier by Walt Disney’s official Facebook page has already amassed nearly 16 million views, further cementing the Benjamins’ global appeal.
Directed by Barry Jenkins and featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mufasa: The Lion King is a breathtaking blend of live-action filmmaking techniques and photorealistic CGI. Produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, with executive production by Peter Tobyansen, the film is a masterful prequel to the iconic The Lion King, exploring themes of love, legacy, and the bonds that tie us together.
Mufasa: The Lion King blends live-action filmmaking techniques with photorealistic computer-generated imagery. Directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen, the film promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable soundtrack, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Catch Mufasa: The Lion King now playing in cinemas nationwide, brought to you by Walt Disney Pictures. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Pride Rock, this is one cinematic experience you won’t want to miss.
