- PG
- 1h 58m
- Directed by
-
- Jon Favreau
- Story
- Brenda Chapman
- Premiered
- July 12, 2019
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $260,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $1,662,020,819.00
- Awards
-
- Nominated for 1 Oscar. 21 wins & 44 nominations total
- Country
-
- United States of America
The Lion King
- Production
-
- Walt Disney Pictures
- Fairview Entertainment
Spoiler
The sun ascends over the majestic Pride Lands, heralding a new dawn and the joyous arrival of a prince. In a breathtaking ceremony at Pride Rock, King Mufasa, voiced by the iconic James Earl Jones, and Queen Sarabi, portrayed by Alfre Woodard, present their newborn cub, Simba, to the assembled kingdom. The wise mandrill Rafiki, brought to life by John Kani, elevates the infant prince, prompting a reverent bow from every creature, a profound acknowledgment of Simba's destiny as future ruler.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Mufasa's brother, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), seethes with a bitter jealousy. His predatory instincts are momentarily thwarted by the diligent hornbill Zazu (John Oliver), Mufasa's majordomo. Zazu delivers a stern warning, informing Scar of Mufasa's impending arrival to reprimand him for his absence at the prince's presentation. Mufasa confronts his resentful sibling, who openly laments his lost claim to the throne following Simba's birth. Once Mufasa and Zazu depart, Scar’s disdain for the established order is palpable.
Back at his sanctuary, Rafiki meticulously crafts a vibrant depiction of the young prince on a tree, using a trail of insects to form Simba's likeness.
Time swiftly advances, and Simba, now a spirited and inquisitive cub voiced by JD McCrary, awakens his father with boundless energy, eager to explore the vast expanse of the Pride Lands. Mufasa imparts crucial lessons about their kingdom, explaining that while everything within its borders belongs to them, the lands beyond are strictly forbidden territory. He also emphasizes their profound connection to the great circle of life and Simba's future responsibilities as king. Zazu interrupts with the morning's report, and Mufasa seizes the opportunity to teach Simba the essential hunting technique of pouncing. Their lesson is cut short by Zazu's urgent report of hyena activity. Mufasa instructs Simba to seek refuge with his mother, Sarabi.
Simba, however, seeks out Scar, who resides in solitary contemplation on a rocky outcrop. Simba's innocent curiosity about the forbidden lands beyond the Pride Lands piques Scar's manipulative nature. Scar paints a vivid, albeit false, picture of an elephant graveyard, a dangerous and alluring destination for a young cub. Simba, enthralled, rushes to find his best friend, Nala (Shahadi Wright Joseph), who is enjoying a refreshing bath. After a similar ablution from Sarabi, Simba excitedly proposes an excursion to the watering hole, but Sarabi insists that Zazu accompany them as a chaperone.
During their journey, Simba reveals their true destination to Nala. Zazu, observing the two young lions, comments on their charming betrothal, a notion that thoroughly disgusts both Simba and Nala, who vehemently assert their platonic friendship. Zazu, adhering to tradition, reminds them of the established rules, to which Simba defiantly declares his intention to change them upon his ascension to the throne, a sentiment captured in the song "I Just Can't Wait To Be King." The cubs skillfully evade Zazu amidst the bustling animal population and make their way to the elephant graveyard. Their exploration is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a pack of hyenas, led by the formidable Shenzi (Florence Kasumba), accompanied by Kamari (Keegan-Michael Key) and Azizi (Eric Andre). Shenzi, recognizing Simba, immediately contemplates their demise, despite Zazu's frantic warning that such an act would incite a war with Mufasa. As the hyenas attack, Zazu bravely intervenes, creating a diversion that allows Simba and Nala to escape. The hyena pack, however, quickly surrounds the young cubs. Simba attempts a courageous roar, but only manages a series of meek growls, much to the hyenas' amusement. Just as they taunt him, a powerful roar echoes through the gorge. Mufasa arrives, swiftly dispatching the hyenas and issuing a stern ultimatum to Shenzi to retreat or face his wrath. The hyenas disperse, but Mufasa, deeply disappointed, escorts Simba and Nala home.
Mufasa entrusts Zazu with escorting Nala home while he addresses Simba privately. He expresses his profound disappointment, but Simba attempts to justify his actions by claiming he was trying to emulate his father's bravery. Mufasa gently explains that true bravery lies in knowing when to act and admits his own fear of losing Simba. They then share a poignant moment gazing at the stars, with Mufasa revealing that the great kings of the past watch over them.
Meanwhile, the hyenas reconvene in their desolate lair, lamenting their hunger. It is revealed that Scar is their leader, having deliberately orchestrated Simba and Nala's encounter with them. He unveils his sinister plan to assassinate Mufasa, paving the way for his own reign and, consequently, a more abundant food supply for the hyenas, a scheme detailed in the song "Be Prepared."
The following day, Scar leads Simba to a gorge under the pretense of practicing his roar. Once Simba is alone, Scar signals the hyenas. Suddenly, Simba looks up to witness a terrifying wildebeest stampede descending into the gorge. He scrambles for safety, managing to climb a tree. Scar, feigning concern, finds Mufasa and Zazu, alerting his brother to Simba's perilous situation while dispatching Zazu to gather the lionesses. Mufasa bravely plunges into the thundering herd to rescue his son. He succeeds in bringing Simba to safety but is then swept away by the stampede. As Mufasa struggles to ascend a steep embankment, Scar appears, sinking his claws into his brother's paws. With a chilling glint in his eyes, Scar utters, "Long live the king," before pushing Mufasa to his death. Simba witnesses his father's tragic fall into the stampede. He rushes down, only to find Mufasa's lifeless body, desperately pleading for him to awaken. Scar finds Simba and cruelly places the blame for Mufasa's death squarely on his young shoulders. Terrified, Simba asks what to do, and Scar commands him to flee and never return. As Simba obeys, Scar dispatches Shenzi, Kamari, Azizi, and an additional hyena to hunt down and kill the exiled prince. Simba evades the hyenas, reaching the edge of a cliff where he and the fourth hyena tumble over. Shenzi, confident in Simba's demise, orders the others to ensure he is dead, but they, unwilling to risk the dangerous descent, assume he could not have survived the fall. Simba is seen in hiding, beginning his solitary exile.
Scar announces Mufasa's death to the lionesses, falsely claiming Simba also perished. He feigns grief before ascending Pride Rock to claim his new title as king, bringing the hyenas with him. Zazu and Rafiki observe this grim procession from a distance, mourning their fallen king and prince.
Simba wanders for miles, eventually collapsing in the desolate desert from exhaustion. A flock of vultures descends, intent on making him their meal, but they are driven away by the unlikely duo of the meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and the warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). Intrigued by the young lion, they decide to take him in, envisioning his future loyalty. Simba awakens, consumed by guilt and despair over his perceived role in his father's death. Timon and Pumbaa introduce him to their carefree philosophy, "Hakuna Matata," meaning "no worries." As a result, Simba, unable to prey on his new friends, adapts to their diet of insects. He spends his formative years with them, growing into adulthood, now voiced by Donald Glover.
Under Scar's tyrannical rule, the Pride Lands are ravaged by famine and drought, with the hyenas plundering all available resources. Nala, now voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, expresses her deep concern over the kingdom's dire state. Scar even attempts to coerce Sarabi into becoming his queen, a proposition she vehemently rejects. He then allows the hyenas to consume the entirety of his kill, leaving mere scraps for the starving lionesses. Later that night, Nala attempts to escape Pride Rock, but Zazu, aware of Scar's wrath towards escapees, creates a diversion, drawing the hyenas and Scar into a chase, thus enabling Nala's departure.
While enjoying a meal of grubs, Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa recline under the stars. As Timon and Pumbaa speculate about the celestial bodies, Simba recalls Mufasa's words about the ancestral kings watching over them. Timon and Pumbaa's dismissive laughter unsettles Simba, prompting him to seek solitude. As he rests, a tuft of his mane detaches and is carried by the wind, eventually reaching Rafiki. The wise mandrill rejoices, sensing that Simba is alive.
Timon and Pumbaa are ambushed by Nala, who mistakes them for prey. As they flee, Simba intervenes, pouncing on Nala. However, upon being pinned down, he recognizes his childhood friend. Their reunion is joyous, with Nala elated to find Simba alive. They depart to reconnect, leaving Timon and Pumbaa to observe their rekindled bond, hinting at a deeper connection in the song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" Their happiness is short-lived when Nala reveals the devastating state of the Pride Lands under Scar's rule and urges Simba to return. Still burdened by guilt, Simba refuses. Nala, frustrated by his stubbornness, leaves him.
Simba wanders alone until he encounters Rafiki. Rafiki reveals that he knew Mufasa and that the former king is alive. He leads Simba to a lake, where Simba's reflection transforms into Mufasa's image. In the heavens, illuminated by lightning, Simba sees and hears his father's voice. Mufasa gently admonishes Simba for forgetting his identity and his heritage, reminding him that he is the true king. Reawakened to his purpose, Simba races to find Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa in tow.
The four arrive at the Pride Lands and are greeted by a relieved Zazu. They witness the devastating impact of Scar's reign and understand the urgency of their mission. Simba enlists Timon and Pumbaa as "live bait" to distract the hyenas and clear their path to Pride Rock. Simba witnesses Scar cruelly tormenting Sarabi, who defies him once more. The assembled lions are stunned by Simba's return, and he rushes to his mother's side. Scar attempts to manipulate the situation, coercing Simba into confessing his guilt in Mufasa's death. As Scar advances, Simba slips and hangs precariously over the edge of Pride Rock. A lightning strike ignites a nearby tree, creating a fire below. Scar, boasting about his actions, inadvertently reveals his culpability to the lionesses. He whispers to Simba that he killed Mufasa, prompting Simba to launch himself at his murderous uncle. Scar confesses his crime but then incites the hyenas against the lionesses, igniting a full-scale battle. The lions engage the hyenas, while Timon, Pumbaa, and Rafiki contribute to the chaos.
Simba pursues Scar, who attempts to flee. When confronted, Scar attempts to blame the hyenas, claiming he intended to kill them for their supposed treachery. He pleads for mercy, and Simba orders him to leave the Pride Lands, just as he had commanded Simba as a cub. Scar appears to agree but then hurls hot embers into Simba's face. A fierce battle ensues, culminating in Simba gaining the upper hand and knocking Scar off the cliff. Scar survives the fall but is confronted by the approaching hyenas, who overheard his betrayal. They proceed to tear him to shreds.
Rain falls, extinguishing the fire and cleansing the Pride Lands. With the hyenas vanquished, the lionesses gather around Pride Rock. Zazu and Rafiki yield to Simba, allowing him to ascend. He walks to the precipice of Pride Rock and hears Mufasa's voice urging him to "Remember." With that, he lets out a powerful roar, reclaiming his rightful place as the new LION KING.
The Pride Lands are restored to their former splendor, vibrant and prosperous. Timon and Pumbaa have relocated to be near their friend. Simba and Nala now reign as king and queen. Rafiki presents their newborn cub, Kiara, to the assembled animals, signifying the eternal continuation of the circle of life.
Top Billed Cast
Core Crew
Posters
Backdrops
