Mads Mikkelsen Gears Up for Major Roles in ‘Back to Reality’ and ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Danish star Mads Mikkelsen is making headlines again with two major upcoming projects that highlight his range and talent.
First up is Back to Reality, a dark comedy directed by Anders Thomas Jensen. Mikkelsen plays Anker, a man released from prison after 14 years who teams up with his memory-impaired brother to find hidden loot and reclaim their past. The film also stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas and began filming in August 2024. It’s set to hit theaters in autumn 2025.
At the same time, Mikkelsen is lending his voice to Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, portraying the film’s new villain, Kiros—a fierce, survival-driven lion who challenges the young Mufasa. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film combines Mikkelsen’s intense delivery with real lion sounds for a unique villainous presence. The movie is slated for release on December 20, 2025.
Whether he’s delivering dark laughs or animated menace, Mikkelsen continues to prove why he’s one of the most compelling actors in the bu
siness.
