The Lion King (1994)
Summary
Simba, the young heir to the Pride Lands, idolizes his father, Mufasa, and dreams of becoming king. But when his uncle Scar murders Mufasa and convinces Simba it’s his fault, the cub flees into exile. Raised in carefree freedom by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba must eventually confront his past, accept his responsibility, and reclaim his place as king — completing his journey from guilt and avoidance to courage and purpose.
Key Characters
- Protagonist: Simba — a lion cub burdened by guilt who must confront his past and reclaim his rightful place as king
- Antagonist: Scar — Mufasa’s jealous brother who kills to seize the throne
- Mentor: Mufasa — Simba’s father, who teaches Simba about what it means to be king and the “Circle of Life”
- Sage: Rafiki — the mystical baboon who guides Simba toward self-realization and acceptance
- Allies: Nala, Timon, Pumbaa — help Simba rediscover courage and self-worth
- Supporting Roles: Zazu, the Hyenas — embody comic relief and chaos under Scar’s corrupt rule
Structure
Act 1 - Setup
Hook
The “Circle of Life” ceremony introduces Simba as the heir to the Pride Lands and establishes his destiny as future king.
Inciting Incident
Scar lures Simba into the forbidden elephant graveyard, where he and Nala are nearly killed by hyenas. [Image of the Cub Sandwich moment]
Mufasa rescues Simba, reinforcing that he is his son’s constant protector. The scene shows Simba’s desire to be brave like his father — and how far he still has to go.
First Turning Point
Scar orchestrates Mufasa’s death in the wildebeest stampede and convinces Simba that he’s to blame. Wracked with guilt, Simba flees into exile. With the heir gone, Scar seizes the throne.
Act 2 - Confrontation
Rising Action
Simba grows up in exile, adopting a carefree “Hakuna Matata” philosophy with Timon and Pumbaa, but this avoidance prevents him from facing his guilt and his responsibility.
Second Turning Point
Nala discovers Simba alive and begs him to return, but he refuses — ”That was a long time ago…no one needs me.” Rafiki then appears to show him Mufasa’s spirit, reminding Simba of who he truly is. Reclaiming his identity, Simba decides to return.
Act 3 - Resolution
Climax
Simba returns to Pride Rock, confronts Scar, and learns the truth of his father’s murder. The revelation ignites his courage, and he challenges Scar for the throne.
Resolution
With help from his friends, Simba defeats Scar and the hyenas, restoring balance to the Pride Lands. The “Circle of Life” comes full circle as Simba and Nala present their newborn cub, signaling renewal and the continuation of legacy.
Works Mentioned
- Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff (dirs.). The Lion King (1994)
- Jon Favreau (dir.). The Lion King (2019)
- All images and clips from The Lion King (1994). © Walt Disney Pictures.
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