Ben&Ben’s Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin recently had the privilege of interviewing the cast and director of Disney’s latest musical drama, Mufasa: The Lion King.
The two band vocalists from the popular Filipino band were asked by Disney Philippines to get up close and personal with some of the most notable figures behind the film, including director Barry Jenkins and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Miguel and Paolo were able to interview Jenkins, who is known for his acclaimed works such as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. They also met Miranda, the award-winning composer behind the film’s music, who shared his creative process for making songs for a story as monumental as Mufasa: The Lion King.
Miranda offered a glimpse into his songwriting approach, explaining, “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 not only highlighted the magic behind the music but also underscored the collaborative spirit of the film.
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.
In addition to speaking with the filmmakers, Miguel and Paolo interviewed the cast members, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tiffany Boone, who voice key characters in the film. The atmosphere was light-hearted and engaging, with Kelvin Harrison Jr. even prompting the duo to sing a few lines from their hit song “Leaves.” The impromptu performance left everyone in the room delighted.
The interview came at a busy time for Ben&Ben, who were in the middle of rehearsals for their sold-out concert, The Traveller Across Dimensions. However, when the opportunity to interview the Mufasa team came through, the duo didn’t hesitate. “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,” shared Miguel Benjamin. “Also, the fact that the film involved such great storytellers in it, both in film and music, made it an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Paolo echoed his brother’s sentiments, reflecting on the honor of interviewing the Mufasa team and representing the Philippines. “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.”
The interview sessions quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 5 million views across social media platforms in less than a day. This does not include the interview teaser with Miguel and Paolo six days ago on Walt Disney’s Facebook page, which has already garnered nearly 16 million views to date.
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. As the holiday season approaches, Mufasa: The Lion King is sure to be a cinematic experience to remember.
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