LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Hollywood loves a full-circle moment, and 17-year-old Braelyn Rankins of Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” is getting his.

The actor, who voices young Mufasa in “The Lion King” prequel, hit his first major red carpet with poise, charm and a family dynamic behind him.

“This is my first red carpet event. My first red carpet premiere,” Rankins said in a behind-the-scenes moment from his hotel room.

He buzzes with excitement and activity before the big night.

Between touch-ups on his custom suit and a video shoot for Vogue Philippines, his family was right by his side, offering support with everything from hair to makeup as they all prepped for the evening. 

For Rankins, the premiere isn’t just a career milestone — it’s a dream years in the making.

“Acting and performing have been so important for me since I was very little,” he said. “I went to a performance arts school in first and second grade, and actually, when I was in that school, I did a play for ‘The Lion King.’ I played young Simba.”

Now, voicing young Mufasa in a Disney blockbuster, Rankins’ journey has come full circle. But what makes the moment even more special is his family’s role in his success.

“We all travel together,” he said. “They’re usually on set with me, I go on set with them, and we help each other with our auditions,” Rankins said. “It’s amazing that my entire family can help me with this.”

That close-knit support has been crucial for Rankins, especially as he navigates an industry known for its challenges — particularly for young performers.

The family even hosts a podcast together, giving them an outlet to share their experiences and keep each other grounded.

Despite his recent success, Rankins isn’t immune to the ups and downs of the business.

He opened up about the impact of last year’s actors’ strike, which left him and many others in the industry without auditions or work.

“One of the harder times for me was definitely the acting strike,” he said. “We went so long without auditions. And there have been jobs that didn’t work out or roles I really wanted but didn’t get. It can be really hard.”

But the resilience Rankins shares with his on-screen counterpart, young Mufasa, is evident.

As the premiere weekend arrives, he’s taking a moment to celebrate how far he’s come.

“I think being here is a really high moment for me,” he said. “I’m very proud that I was able to stick it out. And yeah, I’m very proud to be where I’m at.”

“Mufasa: The Lion King” is now playing in theaters nationwide.