The Lion King Reborn

The Lion King Reborn is an upcoming 2019 American-South Korean animated epic, adventure, musical, comedy-drama film released by Walt Disney Pictures, with under production by Walt Disney Animation Studios, as well as being distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Mercury Filmworks and Disney Television Animation. It serves as "part one" of a remaster of Disney's well-known 1994 animated film The Lion King, conjoining it with its 1998 sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, its 2004 midquel The Lion King 1½: Hakuna Matata and several episodes of its 2015 television sequel series The Lion Guard. It is also the first feature film in the Disney Reborn Multiverse while featuring references from the 1995 PC game Timon and Pumbaa's Jungle Games and television series The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, as well as having some deleted scenes from the franchise and songs taken from the Broadway version of The Lion King in animation.

The Lion King Reborn also marks as the last film to be distributed by DisneyToon Studios after its defunct in June 2018, and it is scheduled to be released in February 24th, 2019 on YouTube in honor to celebrate the 1994 film's 25th anniversary. The film was directed by Christian Myers, Christopher Ruiz, Jill Culton, Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, co-directed by Bradley Raymond, Rob LaDuca, Darrell Rooney, Howy Parkins and Tom Derosier, produced by Emman V. Cortez and Don Hahn, co-produced by George A. Mendoza, Jeannine Roussel, Eddy Houchins and Mauro Casalese, associate produced by and Alice Dewey Goldstone, Roberts Gannaway and Tony Craig, executive produced by Karen Gilchrist, Sarah McArthur, Thomas Schumacher, Jeffery Silver, Jon Favreau, Jennifer Lee and John Lasseter, songs written by Tom Snow, Elton John, Tim Rice and Beau Black, and score composed by Hans Zimmer, Don L. Harper, Nick Glennie-Smith, Christopher Willis and Ennio Morricone. Most of the film's story plots are based on and influenced by William Shakesphere's Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and several scriptures from the Bible.

In the film's ensemble voice cast, it features the returning voice talents of Matthew Broderick, Jason Marsden, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Andy Dick, Lacey Chabert, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Julie Kavner, Jerry Stiller and Jeremy Irons reprising their roles as Simba, Kovu, Mufasa, Timon, Pumbaa, Nuka, Vitani, Zazu, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Ma, Uncle Max and Scar from previous films. Much of the recurring cast members also reprise their voice roles from the films as well as The Lion Guard and The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa. The film dedicates to the memories of actress Suzanne Pleshette and actor Robert Guillaume, the original voices of Zira and Rafiki, who both died in January 19th, 2008 and October 24, 2017 respectively.

Filming began in January 2017 at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with a large cast consisting mostly of actors reprising their roles from the original films and television series. The production lasted until February 2018, shooting back-to-back with a sequel titled The Lion King Returns. Additional filming mostly took place in Kenya, Africa. With an estimated budget in the range of $316–400 million, it is one of the most expensive films ever made since the box office record for Avengers: Infinity War.

The film received universal praise for the film's screenwriting, humor, the cast (particularly Irons' role as Scar), visual effects, emotional dark weight of the story, Pleshette and Guillaume's dedications, musical scores by Zimmer, Harper, Glennie-Smith and Willis, original musical songs, and action scenes, although the runtime and some newcomers for the voices of characters received some criticism. The Lion King Returns will be released with Myers and Ruiz returning to direct, Cortez and Hahn returning to produce, Glennie-Smith and Willis returning to compose the score, and much of the cast reprising their roles.

Synopsis
In The Lion King Reborn, the film retells the story of a young lion named Simba, who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands when his evil younger brother Scar murders him in a wildebeest stampede. While following a subplot involving a meerkat and warthog duo named Timon and Pumbaa, who search a place as their dream home with no predators via the word "Hakuna Matata" ( a meaning to "No Worries" in Swahili ), it later reveals how Simba and Nala's daughter Kiara falls in love with Kovu, a male rogue lion from a banished pride that was once loyal to Scar. Simba's second-born son Kion then forms his new Lion Guard with best friends Fuli the cheetah, Bunga the honey badger, Ono the egret and Beshte the hippopotamus in order to protect the Pride Lands from attacks led by Janja's clan of hyenas, Reirei's matriarch of jackals, Mzingo's flock of vultures and Makuu's float of crocodiles.

Plot
As a framing device, a wise baboon (with mandrill markings) named Rafiki, who is the lion king's shaman, starts to retell the story of a new king's birth. One day came to be an important day; Simba, who is the newborn son of Queen Sarabi and King Mufasa, is being presented to a crowd of animals, who came from the Four Winds to celebrate Simba's birth at Pride Rock in the great Pride Lands of Africa. Rafiki suddenly realizes the audience has heard of the story before. He then hand-draws a picture of a meerkat named Timon before reminding the audience that they have never known the half of the story.

Timon is a social outcast in his meerkat colony on the outskirts of Pride Rock known as the "Pit of Shame". Timon is also the son of his late Pa, who was the colony's greatest meerkat, nicknamed "Fearless Buzz" when he was awed for his bravery until he got ambushed by spotted hyenas Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. Though he is unconditionally supported by his mother Ma, who is also Pa's widow, Timon dreams for more in life than his colony's bleak existence hiding from predators. One day, he is assigned as a Sentry, but his daydreaming nearly leads to the death of his Uncle Max by the hyena trio. This marks the last straw for the colony before Ma tries to convince his son to be back in, prompting Timon to leave and finding a better life.

On the way, however, Timon breaks into a hysterical sob, to which Rafiki helps, then teaches Timon about "Hakuna Matata", meaning "No Worries" in Swahili, and advises him to look beyond what he sees. Timon takes the advice unknowingly and observes Pride Rock in the distance, mistaking it as a "big, pointy rock". Believing Pride Rock to be his paradise home, Timon ventures there, but then bumps into a common warthog named Pumbaa, who suffers from demophobia-triggered flatulence problems. The two quickly form a bond and Pumbaa accompanies Timon as his acquaintance. Their adventure starts to where Simba is being presented. The pair arrive at Pride Rock, but as they make their way through the crowd of onlookers, Timon accidentally pulls Pumbaa's tail to explosively pass a massive fart, causing nearby animals to faint but prompting animals further away to bow to Mufasa. Following this, Timon and Pumbaa start to live in a small den behind Pride Rock as Rafiki holds up Simba for the animals to bow to their new king.

Mufasa shows young Simba the Pride Lands and explains to him the responsibilities of kingship and the Circle of Life which connects all living things. Meanwhile, Mufasa's younger brother Scar covets the throne and plots to eliminate Mufasa and Simba so he may become king. He later tricks Simba and his best friend Nala — to whom Simba is betrothed — into exploring a forbidden elephants' graveyard, where they are attacked by Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, who are now in league with Scar. Mufasa soon saves the cubs and Zazu, who is a hornbill and the king's majordomo. Though angry with Simba, Mufasa forgives him and explains that the Great Kings of the Past watch over them from the night sky, from which he will one day watch over Simba, especially him.

Scar sets a trap for his brother and nephew, luring Simba into a gorge and having the hyenas drive a large herd of wildebeest into a stampede that will trample him. He informs Mufasa of Simba's peril, knowing the king will rush to save him. Mufasa saves Simba but ends up hanging perilously from the gorge's edge. Scar refuses to help Mufasa, instead sending him falling to his death. While looking for a dream home, Timon and Pumbaa accidentally encounter the stampede. They try to escape but fall into a river below; Timon falls unconsciously and starts to thinks back to his days with the late Pa.


 * 15-year old Timon joins Fearless Buzz on sentry duty. Timon and his father discuss the way of a meerkat's life and how they constantly dig tunnels while Pa didn't believe the rules of the great Circle of Life as Rafiki did. Ma appears and brings termites, which hatreds Pa and he leaves to repair a tunnel. She then tells her son that whatever he does and Pa doesn't like it, he is going to make her proud...only if Buzz lives long enough.

Back in reality, Scar then convinces Simba that the tragedy was his own fault and advises him to flee the kingdom. He orders the hyenas to kill Simba, but he escapes. Scar tells the pride that Mufasa and Simba were killed in the stampede and steps forward as the new king, allowing a large pack of hyenas to live in the Pride Lands. With Timon and Pumbaa exhausted, Timon decides to give up, until the next morning, Pumbaa gasps to see a huge luxurious green jungle. The pair finally settle there with the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata" with dramatic views, a DIY porch swing, hot tubs and spas, and a well-stocked bug cupboard alongside Pumbaa's uncle Boris' favorite bug dishes he makes.

Back at the Pit of Shame, Rafiki is talking to Ma about Hakuna Matata and that her son must look beyond what he sees to find the motto. However, after an anguished Ma mistakes it for a metaphor and explains that her son takes things literally, she decides to search for Timon, much to Max's shock. After Rafiki reminds Ma with Lao Tzu's quote, "The journey of the a thousand miles begins with the first step.", she shows her first step, and she lands squarely on Rafiki's foot.

Meanwhile at the jungle, Timon and Pumbaa, who failed at bowling for hedgehogs for their jungle arcade, notice a flock of vultures in a nearby desert about to feed on their prey. The pair charge at the vultures, then notice Simba, who collapsed nearly dead from the escape of Pride Rock and they decide to rescue; they raise him under their philosophy. Scenes are shown of Simba's chaotic upbringing as a hyperactive and affectionate young cub, too much for Timon and Pumbaa's protection.

Years later, King Scar worries about not being favored among the Pride Landers while dealing with the problems mentioned by the hyenas and Nala. On top of that, Scar is driven mad by the delusions he has of Mufasa's ghost. To calm his mental illness, Zazu suggests Scar gets a queen, which leads Scar to choose a young adult Nala so they can produce cubs. However, she scratches him across the face as an act of refusal. Nala then sets out on a journey to find help against Scar's tyrannical reign.

When Timon and Pumbaa search for a dung beetle in order to play "Bug Rugby" with Simba, he rescues them from a hungry lioness, who turns out to be Nala. She and Simba reunite and fall in love, and she argues with him to return home, telling him the Pride Lands have become a drought-stricken wasteland under Scar's reign. Feeling guilty over his father's death, Simba refuses and storms away. He encounters Rafiki, who says that Mufasa's spirit lives on in Simba, and he is visited by the ghost of Mufasa in the night sky, who tells him he must take his rightful place as king. Realizing he can no longer run from his past, Simba decides to return home. Too much for Timon's horror, Nala explains that Simba had run off to challenge Scar, and that they need their help. Hurt that Simba left them, Timon unsuccessfully tries to persuade Pumbaa to stay, but Pumbaa follows after Simba and Nala. Timon indulges in the jungle's luxuries by himself, but loneliness starts to overcome him. Rafiki appears again and helps Timon realize that his true Hakuna Matata is with the ones he loves, prompting Timon to take off after Simba, Nala and Pumbaa.

Timon catches up and reconciles with Pumbaa in the gorge before they journey onward to Pride Rock. Aided by his friends, Simba sneaks past the hyenas at Pride Rock and confronts Scar. Scar taunts him over his role in Mufasa's death and backs him to the edge of the rock, where he reveals to Simba that HE murdered Mufasa. Enraged, Simba pins Scar to the ground and forces him to reveal the truth to the rest of the pride. As Timon and Pumbaa run into Ma and Max, who came looking for him, Timon proposes that they all help Simba by getting rid of the hyenas. Timon, Pumbaa, Nala, Sarabi, Zazu, Rafiki, and the other lionesses fend off the hyenas, alongside Ma and Max, who are directed to construct a series of tunnels beneath the hyenas. When the tunnels are finished, Max knocks down the sticks, breaking the ground under the hyenas. However, the last few get stuck, prompting Timon willing to let out an unwilling sacrifice by diving underground and break them himself. The cave-in commences, and the hyenas are ejected through the tunnels. Immediately afterwards, Scar, attempting to escape, is then cornered by Simba at the top of Pride Rock. Scar begs for mercy and attempts to blame the hyenas for his actions; Simba spares his life but orders him to leave the Pride Lands forever. Scar suddenly attacks his nephew, but Simba manages to toss him from the top of Pride Rock. Scar survives the fall, but then gets eaten by his former henchmen of hyenas, because Shenzi overheard him betray them to Simba.

With his enemies gone, Simba takes over the kingship as the rains begin to fall, restoring life to the land as he looks up to the constellation of Leo which shines brighter than the other stars. However, those lioness that were only loyal to Scar, were banished, including an infant red cub. As Simba thanked Timon and Pumbaa for helping him, the duo knew it was time to show Timon's colony what life was like without predators. A couple of days later, Timon, Pumbaa and Simba take Ma, Max, and the entire colony to live in predator-free environment to complete his "Hakuna Matata"; and Timon is praised as their hero.

King Simba and Queen Nala's newborn cub is presented to the assembled animals by Rafiki as Mufasa proudly watches over the ceremony from the heavens above. Later that night, Rafiki paints an emblem of the cub on the trunk of his tree, happily commenting on the security of the pride's future. Mufasa's spirit ruffles Rafiki's mane, stopping by to visit, and through this, Rafiki discovers another cub that's living in rogues known as the "Outlands", while in his tree with help from Mufasa's spirit. First, he accuses Mufasa of breaking the circle, and then he sees the new cub as trouble. In the Outlands, Nuka and Vitani, who are the oldest siblings of Zira, rush back to report the news of Kiara to their mother, who turns out to be the leader of the "Outsiders". Nuka later requests that as the oldest, he should be king, but Zira snaps at him, reminding him that her youngest son Kovu is the Chosen One to become the next king by fulfilling Scar's dying wish, in which she speaks to Scar's spirit that soon, they will reclaim his kingdom.

A few weeks later, Kiara becomes annoyed with her father's overprotective parenting. Simba assigns Timon and Pumbaa to follow her like stink on a warthog as Timon assumes. Kiara ignores her father's warning; she dismisses the duo's attention and enters the Outlands, where she meets Kovu, and they escape from a float of snapping crocodiles while befriending each other. When Kovu retaliates to Kiara's playing, Zira confronts Simba just as Kovu shivers with fear to see himself growling at Simba's leg. Zira reminds Simba of how he exiled her and the other Outsiders, and she reveals that Scar selected Kovu to be his successor despite not being his biological father. After returning to the Pride Lands, Nala and the rest of the pride head back to Pride Rock while Simba lectures Kiara about the danger posed by the Outsiders; he then tells her that they are a part of each other and will understand someday. In the Outlands, Zira reminds Kovu that Simba killed Scar and exiled the lionesses, who respected him. Kovu explains that he does not think it is so bad to have Kiara as a friend, but Zira realizes she can use Kovu's friendship with Kiara to seek revenge on Simba.

Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, discovers that he has the ability to channel the Roar of the Elders, giving him fierce power just like his granduncle...Scar, who had the same power before him, but, who tragically misused it for evil and lost it forever after using the Roar against his fellow members. At the instructions of Simba and Rafiki, Kion forms a team called the Lion Guard. As Kion goes against tradition and chooses his non-lion friends Bunga the honey badger, Ono the egret, Beshte the hippopotamus, and Fuli the cheetah to populate it, Simba scolds him for not taking his new responsibilities seriously. When they save Kiara from a herd of stampeding gazelle and defeat a hyena clan led by Janja and Mzingo the vulture, Simba realizes that Kion has protected the Pride Lands and is indeed ready to lead his new Lion Guard.

When Kion winds up in the Outlands after falling in a river, he meets Jasiri, a teenage female hyena, who guides him to Flat Ridge Rock to regroup with the rest of the Lion Guard and explains how she and her clan respect the Circle of Life. When Jasiri gets cornered by Janja and his clan, Kion helps her fight them off. Meanwhile, the rest of the Guard struggle to find directions to an outskirt from Pride Rock known as "Flat Ridge Rock". When Makuu wins a Mashidano duel against Pua and becomes the local leader of the crocodile float and invades hippo territory, chaos ensues for the Pride Lands. Kion is torn between fighting and surrendering and struggles to find a middle path to stand his ground to resolve the situation. Meanwhile, Ono tries to find a way to free Bunga from his stinky smell.

Due to a misunderstanding with Rafiki about the wisdom of honey badger's following Bunga averting a flood, the animals of the Pride Lands begin to think that Bunga is the wisest animal there is, but when his advice begins to cause more harm than good, Kion and the others must find some way to stop Bunga before it's too late. Simba leaves Kiara in charge of the Pride Lands while he and Nala go to Kilio Valley to attend a funeral for an old elephant friend named Amanifu, who has just died. Upon learning of this from Mzingo, Janja decides to take advantage of Kiara's inexperience and comes up with a plan to take over the Pride Lands. Meanwhile, Simba is nervous about performing his eulogy in front of the elephants, including Amanifu's daughter, Ma Tembo. While helping the Lion Guard drive away Janja's clan following their attempted attack on a wildebeest herd, Ono temporarily loses his vision in his left eye when he gets dirt in it. When Janja overhears the news from Mzingo and the vultures, he plans to take advantage of this by trapping the Lion Guard between two rockslides in a narrow ravine with help from Cheezi and Chungu. Meanwhile, Rafiki tries to work on his paintings of the Lion Guard.

During the celebrated holiday of Kupatana in the Pride Lands, Kion and his friends rescue a scheming jackal pup named Dogo from Janja's clan, but they soon discover that he is in a whole family of jackals and the matriarch, Reirei, and her husband Goigoi, manage to fool the Lion Guard into letting them stay. The Lion Guard feels as though that Fuli has no family and invite her to join their individual activities, oblivious to the fact that she enjoys being alone. Meanwhile, Bunga lets immunity go to his head after being told that he is immune to venom from Ushari the Egyptian cobra, and goes to the Outlands to play in a volcano, where he is targeted by Janja and his clan.

Bunga, Kion, Ono and Beshte search for Utamu grubs. On the way, Bunga tells the story of how he met Timon and Pumbaa when he was a baby cub. Meanwhile, Fuli goes on a mission alone and overexerts herself, leaving her vulnerable to an attack by Mzingo's flock of vultures. A young elephant named Mtoto looks up to Beshte as his hero and soon sees him in action when both of them are attacked by Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu. Tamaa, who is a drongo bird, uses his talent to imitate the voice of any animal to gain food from others, which annoys the Lion Guard for false alarms, but soon finds himself forced by Janja's clan to help them trap a herd of impalas in the Outlands. During a rainstorm, Bunga thinks that Rafiki's paintings can predict the future and believes that Kion will fall from a high tree. Soon, he and the rest of the Lion Guard desperately try to keep Kion from climbing trees. Meanwhile, Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu plan an attack on a zebra herd led by Thurston the Zebra Mastermind.

Under the suggestion of Simba, the Lion Guard leads a herd of zebras led by Muhimu and a herd of gazelles led by Swala to a new grazing ground located at the edge of the Pride Lands in Mbali Fields, which was very difficult. One of their obstacles to get to Mbali Fields is the Outlands as the Lion Guard works to keep both herds safe from Janja's clan, even when Muhimu starts to have a infant foal, who turns out to be a boy. When Simba and Bunga get trapped in a sinkhole, the Lion Guard struggles to find a way to rescue them. While in the hole, Simba and Bunga find a tunnel that leads to Nandembo Caverns, and the Lion Guard heads to the cavern entrance along with Timon and Pumbaa in the hopes of meeting them inside. Meanwhile, Simba and Bunga realize that being raised by Timon and Pumbaa is something that they have in common.

Beshte makes friends with a timid okapi named Ajabu, who has traveled to the Pride Lands to get away from Makucha the leopard, but the other members of the Lion Guard think that Ajabu is imaginary due to his tendency to hide from others. When Makucha shows up in the Pride Lands, however, the Guard soon realizes that Beshte's new friend is real and rushes off to help Ajabu. While the Lion Guard is on night patrol, they mistake a pack of shy scavengers named "aardwolves" for hyenas. Kion roars at them which sends them flying into the Outlands and causes a massive termite infestation in the Pride Lands. The Lion Guard soon realizes their mistake and travel to the Outlands to bring the aardwolves back, including their leader Mjomba, alongside members Haya and Ogopa. However, Reirei and Goigoi have their sights on the aardwolves as well. The Lion Guard discovers from Laini and her group of cute galagos that a leopard has moved into their tree. They find out that the leopard named Badili has been driven out of his home by the mean leopard Mapigano, who has taken over his territory in Mirihi Forest in the Back Lands. The Lion Guard teaches Badili to stand up to Mapigano and reclaim his territory.

After a failed attack on a wildebeest herd, Janja kicks Cheezi and Chungu out of the Outlands and promotes members Nne and Tano to be his new seconds-in-command. While the Lion Guard makes sure that the Pride Lands' trails are safe after the big rainstorm during the Mbali Fields migration, they find Cheezi and Chungu and reluctantly let them stay. Meanwhile, Nne and Tano plan an attack on an oryx herd and ditch Janja. The Lion Guard rescues a baby baboon, and Fuli is tasked with returning the baboon to its mother on Mapango Cliffs. Along the way, she has to avoid Mzingo's flock of vultures. Meanwhile, Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri get trapped on an island after a flood. The Lion Guard helps rescue them in time for Kiara to preside over the cape buffalo herd's Royal Buffalo Wallow led by Vuruga Vuruga.

Rafiki tells a story to the Lion Guard and some young animals, including Mtoto, about a terrifying beast called the "Zimwi". Kion doesn't believe that such a creature exists, but when Mtoto and his friends claim to have seen it, the Guard searches the Pride Lands to find out the truth. Soon, even Kion has to admit that the Zimwi may really exist.

Jasiri asks for Kion's help in dealing with a pride of lions, who are keeping her family away from their watering hole, including her sister Madoa and two baby cubs Tunu and Wema. When he goes to help them out, he encounters the Outsider lions, Vitani, Nuka, Kovu, and Zira, who tries to get Kion to join her side by stating that she knows about more about the Roar than he does, such as its ability to bring a brief rain shower by roaring at a cloud. Zira eventually reveals to Kion that she knew Scar. When Kion refuses to join Zira, she and her lionesses trap him. Meanwhile, the rest of the guard head to the Outlands to rescue Kion after Rafiki informs them of who the Outsider lions are.

Kion uses the Roar in anger when Janja's clan attack Nala. As a result, Kion loses control of the Roar and its power almost harms her. Worried that he nearly hurt his mother, Kion feels that he should never use the Roar again. Meanwhile, Ono feels self–conscious after the Roar blows off his head feathers. Overhearing Kion's plans to never use the Roar again, Makuu and his float of crocodiles take advantage of the opportunity and take over the Flood Plains. With some convincing from Mufasa and Nala, Kion gains the confidence to use the Roar when he confronts Makuu.

The Lion Guard encounters two gorilla princes named Majinuni and Hafifu, who have a message for Simba on behalf of their father King Sokwe of the Theluji mountains. However, the gorilla brothers have forgotten the message. Simba explains to Kion that every wet season, Sokwe gives Simba a message to let him know if their peace treaty still stands. The Guard goes back to the mountain to get the message with the gorilla brothers, who are reluctant to face their father. On the way, Kion, Bunga, Fuli, Ono, and Beshte experience snow for the first time.

Nala takes Kion and Kiara on a special trip to find Udugu. With Kion away, Simba leads the Lion Guard to help both an ostrich flock led by Mbuni and Swala's gazelle herd. When Simba orders the guard to follow his command, they make matters worse. Meanwhile, Nala disappears and Kion and Kiara have to work together to find her. Afterwards, Nala reveals that Udugu is not a place but a word that means "kinship" or the bond between siblings, and Simba learns that the Lion Guard works best not when they do exactly what he does but doing what they each do best. When a legendary eagle named Hadithi comes to the Pride Lands, Ono discovers that his hero is not what he seems when it turned out that he made up some of his adventures. While the Lion Guard search for leaves from the top of the tallest tree in the Pride Lands for Hadithi's Royal Mud Print ceremony, Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu target a group of klipspringers.

When Beshte's father Basi gets injured by a frightened young rhino while creating hippo lanes in the flood plains after a big rainstorm, Beshte must step up and make the hippo lanes instead. Meanwhile, Kion, Bunga, Ono, and Fuli lead a herd of stubborn sable antelope led by Bupu to higher ground, and Makuu and his float of crocodiles return and try to get rid of Basi so that there will be no rules to stop them. But with Beshte's quick-thinking combined with Fuli convincing the antelopes by being polite, the crocodiles end up defeated. Ono acts as a replacement for a white rhino named Kifaru as his tickbird Mwenzi to guide him to Tamasha, a sparring event at Lake Matope, after Kifaru and Mwenzi have a falling-out. Meanwhile, the other members of the Lion Guard track down the tickbird and convince him to work out his differences with Kifaru. During a confrontation at a lake, Kifaru and Mwenzi must put aside their differences in order to help the Lion Guard fight off Makuu's float.

Muhimu asks Bunga to watch over her son Hamu while she takes some time to relax. Before long, other animals ask Bunga to watch their kids as well, including Twiga's daughter Juhudi. While watching over the young animals, Bunga works to keep them safe from Reirei's pack, including Dogo and his sister Kijana. Meanwhile, Goigoi tries to keep the Lion Guard from going to Hakuna Matata Falls to see how Bunga is getting on.

Simba gathers key leaders of the Pride Lands' different animal communities for the Savannah Summit in order to make arrangements for the upcoming dry season, including Big Baboon, Mbeya the rhino, Bupu, Twiga, Ma Tembo, Vuruga Vuruga, and Makuu. The Lion Guard get suspicious when Makuu is one of the attendees and suspect that he might ruin the summit. Meanwhile, Makuu headbutts Bupu when he wants to have his float sleep near his herd's watering hole during the dry season. Eventually, Kion realizes that Makuu wants to change from his trouble-making ways in order to become a better leader for his float and the Pride Lands.

When the Traveling Baboon Show led by Uroho arrives in the Pride Lands to perform their show, they end up stealing the other animals' food. After chasing the baboons to the Outlands, the Lion Guard has to come to their rescue when they are cornered by Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu. Ono becomes the protector of the egg that belongs to the hamerkop Kulinda when a harrier hawk named Mpishi leaves her hunting territory and comes to the Pride Lands to look for new food to try. When the egg hatches, Ono and the Lion Guard must keep the hamerkop chick safe from Mpishi, who teams up with Mzingo's second-in-command Mwoga.

n the Pride Lands, the dry season has started, and the Lion Guard is busier than ever, much to the annoyance of Ushari, who they keep running over. During their patrol, Ono informs his friends that Janja's clan is attacking Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives at the scene, and, sure enough, Janja and his crew are attacking the elephants, with Mtoto as their main target. The Lion Guard is shocked that the hyenas would hunt elephants because of how dangerous it is.

The team drives the hyenas away, and Ma Tembo explains that the hyenas had been desperate because of the dry season. She also tells them that she is trying to find a new water source for her herd. Concerned at how quickly the start of the dry season has caused things to get out of hand, Kion tells Ono to stay with the herd and goes off to consult with his grandfather, Mufasa. Mufasa tells his grandson that the dry season is difficult because there is less food and water, which causes animals to make poor decisions. He also warns Kion to be careful to not lose control of the Roar.

Unbeknownst to Kion, his conversation is being overheard by a young female mandrill. After Kion's conversation is over, she introduces herself as Makini and tells him she's Rafiki's new apprentice. Makini gushes over what she had heard, but Kion tells her not to go talking too much about it. Unbeknownst to the pair, Ushari has heard everything and is contemplating how to use what he's learned against the Lion Guard for his benefit.

Suddenly, Ono flies onto the scene and tells Kion that Janja and his crew are at it again. This time, they're attacking the baboons who have started following Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives and have the elephants go into a rocky gorge. Kion then blasts the hyenas away with the Roar of the Elders.

With the hyenas gone, the baboons reveal that they are following Ma Tembo to a new water source. Ma Tembo resumes her search for a new water source while a concerned Kion decides to talk to his father.

Meanwhile, Makini begins her training with Rafiki, but her impatience keeps her from making any progress. Seeing this, Rafiki tells her that the hardest part of listening is finding the quiet to hear, and sends her out to find her bakora staff.

Elsewhere, Kion talks to his father about his concerns, but Simba assures his son that life is full of responsibilities and that one must face them head-on.

Meanwhile, Janja and his crew have returned to the Outlands. Suddenly, they see Ushari and decide to eat him. Ushari asks Janja if he would like something meatier. Janja tells him that he would but can't because the Lion Guard keeps driving his clan off, to which Ushari reveals that that's because Kion's been getting advice from Mufasa. He adds that if the hyenas want to stop the Guard, they should find a way to talk to one of the Great Lions of the Past. Janja retorts that no Great Lion would help the hyenas, but Ushari reminds him that there was one Great Lion who always helped hyenas: Scar. He also reminds Janja that if Kion can talk to Mufasa, there must be a way for them to talk to Scar.

Back in the Pride Lands, Makini has found her bakora staff. Ushari appears and convinces her to get Rafiki to reveal if there's a way to talk to Scar. Ushari then summons his skink friends to spy on Makini and reveal what Rafiki tells her about Scar.

At the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini asks Rafiki if there is a way to talk to Scar, and Rafiki explains that it depends on if the Great Lion is good or bad. The Great Lions of the Past are in the sky and their voices are in the wind, and they are the lions that appear when Kion uses the Roar. However, the Evil Lions of the Past like Scar appear in fire if they are unleashed by the Roar and the bakora staff. The skinks go off to tell Ushari and Janja what they've learned.

In the meantime, Rafiki introduces the royal family to Makini, who goes with Kiara to help Ma Tembo find a new water source. Back in the Outlands, Ushari and Janja decide to use what they have learned to summon Scar. They decide to get Makini's bakora staff, since she's too inexperienced to be a threat, and to attack one of Kion's loved ones and bring them there, since Kion's Roars are at their most powerful when he's angry.

The hyenas kidnap Kiara and take Makini's bakora staff. While the rest of the Guard rescues her, Janja tricks Kion by getting him to use the Roar out of anger, causing the volcano to erupt. When Janja throws Makini's staff into the volcano, Scar is successfully summoned, giving the Lion Guard's enemies their own spirit guide.

Back in the Pride Lands, Ma Tembo finally finds a new water source. All is fine in the Pride Lands, but the Lion Guard is unaware that a new foe is lurking within the volcano.


 * In a mid-credits scene, Janja's clan, under Scar's orders, end up trapping Jasiri, Tunu, and Wema in a steam vent which causes Madoa to get help from the Lion Guard. Meanwhile, Shupavu makes herself known to Beshte by leading him into an unknown trap at Rocky Plato.


 * In a post-credits scene, Rafiki gets Makini ready to paint for Simba's family and gets disturbed by the antics of three young animals; elephant Chama (who was formerly a part of Ma Tembo's herd), sable antelope Mzaha (who was formerly a part of Bupu's herd), and monkey Furaha (who was formerly a part of Tumbili's troop). A Nile crocodile named Kiburi conspires against Makuu which leads to them getting into a Mashidano as Ushari, under Scar's orders, persuades Kiburi to have his followers attack Simba. Meanwhile, a young brown lioness watches a wildfire spreading, then sneaks away.

Scar will Return...

Cast

 * Main article: Cast and crew of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

The film features most of the voice cast reprising their roles from the original films and television series. It also features newcomers like Angela Bassett as Sarabi, Sarah Paulson as Sarafina, Sterling K. Brown as Timon's Pa, and Jeffrey Tambor as Hadithi. Bassett and Paulson replace late actresses Madge Sinclair and Zoe Leader as Simba and Nala's mothers, while the two voiced them in the 1994 film.

Son of Mufasa and Sarabi, who grows up to become King of the Pride Lands. Simba later becomes Nala's mate, and Kiara and Kion's overprotective father. In early versions of the film, Simba loses his tail in an attempt to escape from the hyenas after Scar takes the throne. Rock singer Joseph Williams, the late Jason Raize, who previously portrayed as Simba in the 1997 Broadway performance of The Lion King, Cam Clarke, who previously voiced Simba in The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, and Rob Lowe, who previously voiced Simba in The Lion Guard, both provided Simba's singing voice. Mark Henn, Ruben A. Aquino, Bob Baxter and Ian Harrowell respectively served as the supervising animators for young and adult Simba. The daughter of Simba and Nala, who grows up to become future Queen of the Pride Lands. In early developments, Kiara had light brown fur, green eyes, and a hair tuft. Jennifer Aniston, Neve Campbell, who previously voiced adult Kiara in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, and Sarah Jessica Parker, the wife of Matthew Broderick, were considered for the role of Kiara. Lianne Hughes served as the supervising animator for Kiara. Zira's son and Nuka and Vitani's younger brother, who was "hand-chosen" by Scar to become King of the Pride Lands instead of Simba. He was originally scripted as Scar's son, but after realizing the incest this would have created in his romance with Kiara (as that would make him Simba's cousin and therefore Kiara's first cousin once removed), it was scrapped and clarified that he had no relation to Scar. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride director Darrell Rooney later made a statement on Facebook about Kovu, describing him as an orphan, in which case, Zira would only be his adopted mother. According to Variety, Kovu, then named Nunka, was going to be voiced by Andy Dick, who ended up voicing Nuka. Andrew Collins served as the supervising animator for Kovu. Simba's best friend and later his mate as Queen of the Pride Lands. According to the stage musical producer Thomas Schumacher, Nala is ten years old when she finds Simba in the jungle. Heather Headley, who previously portrayed Nala in the 1997 Broadway performance of The Lion King, and Sally Dworsky provided Nala's singing voice. Aaron Blaise, Anthony de Rosa and Ian Harrowell respectively served as the supervising animators for young and adult Nala. Simba's father, King of the Pride Lands as the film begins. Since his death after being killed into a wildebeest stampede orchestrated by Scar, Mufasa lives on as a spirit that gives his grandson Kion advice on how to get through any tough plight. Samuel E. Wright, who previously portrayed Mufasa in the 1997 Broadway show, provided Mufasa's singing voice. Tony Fucile served as the supervising animator for Mufasa. The leader of the Outsiders, Scar's most loyal follower and the mother of Nuka, Vitani, and Kovu. Kevin Peaty served as the supervising animator for Zira. A common warthog, who becomes Timon's "bestest best friend" and one of Simba's adoptive parents. Though slow-witted, Pumbaa is very empathetic and willing to trust and befriend anyone. He is also claustrophobic and passes gas in crowds. When he and Timon found utamu grubs, they met Bunga as a cub and adopted him as their nephew. One of Pumbaa’s defining characteristics was the way he rubbed his belly. The inspiration for the tick: animator Tony Bancroft’s then-pregnant wife, who would often rub her own protruding belly. Bancroft thought that the action would make Pumbaa more “human and relatable.” During the battle of Pride Rock, Pumbaa's war cry to Banzai, "THEY CALL ME MISTER PIG!", is a reference to the scene in the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night where Sidney Pointier says, "They call me MISTER TIBBS!". Pumbaa's original name was Harold. Tony Bancroft and Bob Baxter served as his supervising animators. A meerkat and the son of Ma and his late Pa, who becomes Pumbaa's best friend and one of Simba's adoptive parents. Though somewhat selfish, arrogant, and withdrawn, Timon shows courageous loyalty towards his friends. When he and Pumbaa found utamu grubs, they met Bunga as a cub and adopted him as their nephew. A real meerkat at the Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center near Palm Springs, California, was the inspiration for the movie version of Timon and was his namesake. With Columbia Pictures' permission, some of the dialogues for the character Snowbell that were recorded by Lane from the 1999 film Stuart Little and its 2002 sequel Stuart Little 2 were used for some of Timon's lines. Michael Surrey and Bob Baxter served as his supervising animators. A wise baboon (with mandrill markings), who teaches Timon Hakuna Matata, as well as giving him faith in himself to do what he dreams of doing. Rafiki also serves as shaman of the lion king and presents newborn cubs of the King and Queen to the animals of the Pride Lands. In early drafts of the film, Rafiki was a cheetah instead of a mandrill. Robert Guillaume was originally set to reprise his role as Rafiki from the previous The Lion King films as well as The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa. However, he passed away in October 24th, 2017, and his representative confirmed that he had not recorded any lines for the film since his retirement in 2014. Bob Baxter, James Baxter and Alexs Stadermann served as the supervising animators for Rafiki. An aardvark, who is Muhanga's mate. Terry Crews was originally set to re-dub Muhangus. A cheetah, who is the fastest member of the Lion Guard, the only female member, Kion's friend and second-in-command. A spunky, but friendly teenage spotted hyena living in the Outlands, who is the leader of her clan and allies with Kion. Unlike Janja's clan, she and her clan respect the Circle of Life and mostly scavenge for food. The character and role mirror those of Asante, a female hyena, who befriends Kopa, Simba and Nala's son, in Friends for Life. The sassy and short-tempered female leader of her clan of hyenas. Tracy Nicole Chapman, who portrayed Shenzi in the 1997 Broadway performance, provided Shenzi's singing voice in "The Madness of King Scar" after Goldberg blew her voice. Shenzi was animated by Bob Baxter, Alex Kupershmidt and David Burgess. Zira's son, Vitani and Kovu's older brother and the oldest male of Zira's family. Flip Kobler, a writer of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, has stated that Nuka is Scar's biological son. However, director Darrell Rooney has stated that Zira and Scar were not mates, which would make Nuka unrelated to Scar. Ian Harrowell served as the supervising animator for Nuka. Zira's daughter and Nuka and Kovu's sister. Crysta Macalush provided the cub's singing voice. Kevin Peaty served as the supervising animator for Vitani. A hornbill, who serves as the lion king's majordomo and advisor (or "Mufasa's little stooge", as Shenzi calls him). At one point during production, Zazu was going to have black wings with red tips. Jeff Bennett and Geoff Hoyle, who portrayed Zazu in the 1997 Broadway performance, provided the character's singing voice. Ellen Woodbury served as the supervising animator for Zazu. Mufasa's mate, Simba's mother, and the leader of the lioness hunting party. She is also the grandmother of Kiara and Kion. During early production, Sarabi and the other lionesses had single stripes on their foreheads, similar to that of Zira's. In one storybook, Sarabi is even pictured with one. Russ Edmonds served as the supervising animator for Sarabi. An aggressive and hot-headed Mexican-accent hyena prone to complaining and acting on impulse. During early production, Banzai was a cape dog, while his father was killed by Sarafina. Stanley Wayne Mathis, who portrayed Banzai in the 1997 Broadway performance, provided Banzai's singing voice in "The Madness of King Scar" after Marin blew his voice. Banzai was animated by Bob Baxter, Alex Kupershmidt and David Burgess. A lioness cub friend of Kiara and a member of Simba's pride, who is somewhat more sensible than her constant companion Zuri. A dim-witted hyena, who does not talk, only communicating through laughter. However, before Scar gets eaten by his former hyena henchmen, Ed actually says only one dialogue, which is "Yeah!". Kevin Cahoon, who portrayed Ed in the 1997 Broadway performance, provided Ed's singing voice in "The Madness of King Scar" after Cummings blew his voice. Ed was animated by Bob Baxter, Alex Kupershmidt and David Burgess. Nala's mother, who is shown briefly talking to Sarabi. In 1987, there was a musical titled Sarafina!, which was adapted into a film, starring Shenzi's voice actress Whoopi Goldberg in 1992. Kath Soucie was originally set to re-dub Sarafina. A young mandrill, who becomes Rafiki's apprentice and is the reserve member of the Lion Guard. A honey badger, who is the bravest member of the Lion Guard. He is also Timon and Pumbaa's adoptive nephew and Kion's best friend. Bunga's fearless and hot-headed nature is grounded in reality, as real honey badgers are aggressive and fearless. Pierce Gagnon was originally set to re-dub baby Bunga's lines before archive recordings of Rush as baby Bunga from The Lion Guard episode "The Search for Utamu" were used. A hippopotamus, who is the strongest member of the Lion Guard and Kion's friend. Brown was not new to The Lion King, having played young Simba in the Broadway show's North American Tour. A cattle egret, who is the keenest of sight of the Lion Guard and Kion's friend. During the film's production, Shaffer hoped to one day enroll in film school and become a director or writer. Shaffer had osteogenesis imperfecta, a congenital condition that causes fragile bones, and short stature as he is 4' 8" tall. Timon's caring mother and Pa's widow. She is overly protective and attached to her son, often trying to get him accepted among the colony, but never succeeding. According to Timon, when asked by Kion how he knows about the Zimwi, he explains that his Ma's cousin's friend knows an ox, who told him that he ran into the Zimwi and got eaten by it. When Kion questions him on how the ox could tell the tale if he was eaten, Timon tells Kion that he'd need to ask the ox. Lianne Hughes served as Ma's supervising animator. Timon's paranoid, eccentric but deep down kind-hearted uncle. He initially doubts Timon's ability, but warms up to him at the film's climax. Lianne Hughes served as the supervising animator for Max. Mufasa's younger brother, Simba's uncle and Kiara and Kion's granduncle, who overtakes the throne and seeks to take the mantle of king. Scar was also once the leader of a Lion Guard, but the power went to his head and he began to believe that he should be king instead of Mufasa. He lost the Roar after he used it to destroy his fellow Lion Guard members when they refused to help him overthrow Mufasa. According to Rob Minkoff, Scar's name is a "really mean nickname" and that he believes that Mufasa was the one who gave Scar his scar when they were cubs. They never gave Scar an original name. According to some of the screenwriters, Scar being in the shadow of Pride Rock while Mufasa and Simba are in the sunlight is symbolic of Scar being evil. Scar was initially conceived as a rogue lion with no familial relation to either Mufasa or Simba. The connection between Scar and the latter two was changed because the story writers felt that having a threat inside the royal family would make the film more interesting. This explains why Scar looks very different from his brother and his nephew. In the original version of "Circle of Life", Scar was supposed to watch the presentation from a rock in hatred. He was originally had his own special territory, dubbed "Scar-land" and also a little bigger than Mufasa by the concepts. Before Scar gets back-kicked by Simba and eaten by his former hyena henchmen, he parodies a famous line that Claudius says in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, which is "Now, cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet prince: And may the Kings of the Past sing thee to thy rest!". English actor David Oyelowo, who voiced Scar in The Lion Guard, stood in for Scar's last lines of the film, "Yes. I am...Scar.", due to a scheduling conflict with Irons. Oyelowo described Scar as a "malevolent, menacing" character. John Vickery, who previously portrayed as Scar in The Lion King Broadway performance, provided Scar's singing voice in songs like "The Madness of King Scar" after Irons blew his voice during "Be Prepared". Jim Cummings, Tim Curry and Malcolm McDowell were all considered for the role of Scar. Andreas Deja served as the supervising animator for Scar. A lion cub, who is Simba and Nala's second-born son, Mufasa's grandson, Kiara's younger brother, the Prince of the Pride Lands, and the leader of the Lion Guard, as well as its fiercest member. Gilbert Gottfried was originally set to voice Kion as a young adult before Myers confirmed that Kion would only appear as a cub. Jacob Tremblay was originally set to voice Kion as an infant before Charles re-dubbed his lines, although later were taken out confirmed by Myers for the film's sequel. Myers described the character's role in the film as "a cameo...you get to be a little more vibrant; a little more irreverent; a little bit more colorful if you want it to be." Timon's late father and Ma's late husband, who was renowned for his bravery in facing the hyenas, nicknamed Fearless Buzz. However, his recklessness ultimately led to his early demise. Despite his tough-looking appearance, Pa is easily scared. His character is almost identical to Uncle Max's. Pa only appears in a flashback that Timon suffers when he says that meerkats are just food for other animals, while not believing Rafiki's wisdom about the Circle of Life. Timon wants a better life, but his father says that he is proud of the tunnels. Brown was originally chosen to voice Mufasa and Scar's father Ahadi before that character was removed from the film's original script. Carl Lumbly was originally set to voice both Ahadi and Pa. A Nile crocodile, who is the leader of his float after he defeated Pua in a "mashindano" (a fight for dominance in which the winner becomes the new leader of the float and the loser has to leave). He and his float antagonized the Lion Guard and caused trouble before he works to become a better leader for his float and the Pride Lands after being invited at the Savannah Summit for the first time. A lioness cub friend of Kiara and a member of Simba's pride, who is somewhat vain and hates grubs and getting dirty. A cunning and ruthless spotted hyena, who is the leader of the clan. He hates Jasiri for respecting the Circle of Life and for being all nice and kind, unlike other hyenas. According to one news article, Janja was originally going to be the son of Shenzi, Banzai and Ed as seen in "Bitesized" by Kitchiki on DeviantArt. An Egyptian cobra, who often conflicted with Bunga and would get disturbed whenever the Lion Guard was near him. Upon Scar's spirit being unleashed, Ushari becomes a second-in-command to him in Scar's plot to unite all the animals of the Outlands in a plot to get revenge on the Pride Lands. A clever and manipulative black-backed jackal, who is the matriarch of the pack. She is also the mother of Dogo and Kijana and the mate of Goigoi. A mountain gorilla prince and son of King Sokwe, who is Hafifu's brother. He came to the Pride Lands to deliver a message to Simba. A mountain gorilla prince and son of King Sokwe, who is Majinuni's brother. He came to the Pride Lands to deliver a message to Simba. A mountain gorilla and friend of Simba, who is the leader of the troop while being Majinuni and Hafifu's father. A yellow baboon, who is the leader of the Traveling Baboon Show. A friendly cream-colored African leopard from Mirihi Forest in the Back Lands, who was driven out of his territory by his bully Mapigano. The Lion Guard trained him to have enough courage to drive off Mapigano. A fork-tailed drongo, who can imitate the voice of any animal. An African bush elephant with a broken right tusk, who is the leader of the herd and the daughter of the late Amanifu, an old friend of Simba's, who was also the former leader of the elephant herd. Queen Latifah was originally cast as Ma Tembo. A young African bush elephant calf, who is part of Ma Tembo's herd. He also looks up to Beshte as his personal hero. While Coughlin came in for dialogues as Mtoto from The Lion Guard episode "Bunga the Wise", with Justin Felbinger voicing the character in later appearances, she re-dubbed his lines for this film. A hippopotamus, who is Beshte's father and leader of his pod. A Masai giraffe, who is part of Twiga's herd. Rob Paulsen was originally set to voice Shingo. A greedy and dimwitted black-backed jackal, who is Reirei's mate. Albert Brooks was originally cast to voice Goigoi. A stubborn sable antelope, who is the leader of the herd and values polite behavior. A cream-colored African leopard from the Back Lands, who tracked Ajabu to the Pride Lands since okapis are rare creatures. The former leader of the local Nile crocodile float. He was challenged by Makuu to a mashindano, and upon being defeated by Makuu, he left the float. Myers originally chose Ving Rhames to voice the character after seeing his performance as Cobra Bubbles from the Lilo & Stitch franchise and Luther Stickell from the Mission Impossible film series. A galago, who is the leader of her group in Ndefu Grove. Grey DeLisle was originally cast to voice Laini. A sneaky fire skink, who is the leader of her group. She dislikes being close to Pride Rock. Kristin Chenoweth was originally set to voice Shupavu. An African toad. A spotted hyena, who is Jasiri's sister and is part of her clan. An excitable spotted hyena, who is one of Janja's right-hand henchmen. An unintelligent spotted hyena with a slightly heavier build than the other hyenas, who is the other of Janja's right-hand henchmen. Mark Hamill was originally cast as Chungu. A handsome yet dimwitted plains zebra, who is the leader of the herd. Schon revealed that his character's name is Thurston, making him one of the few characters without a Swahili name. In countries outside North America, Thurston is renamed as "Punda Milia" in the film's credits. His name is also a tribute to Jim Backus, who played Thurston Howell in Gilligan's Island. Myers originally chose Brendan Fraser to play Thurston after seeing his performance as Grayson in Universal Pictures' The Nut Job. This also marks the first time that the character's name is revealed during the film's credits. A calculative white-backed vulture, who is the leader of his parliament. He sometimes serves as Janja's spy and scout. A legendary African hawk-eagle, who faked having invented the Hadithi Spin. Ono looks up to Hadithi as his personal hero as much how Mtoto likes Beshte. Hadithi was previously voiced by John O'Hurley in The Lion Guard. A foolish and clumsy white-backed vulture, who is a member of Mzingo's parliament. A poor-sighted white rhinoceros. A red-billed oxpecker, who is Kifaru's tickbird and best friend. An okapi, who traveled to the Pride Lands in order to get away from Makucha. Eddie Murphy was originally set to re-voice Ajabu in honor for his performance as Mushu from the Mulan franchise as well as Donkey from DreamWorks' Shrek franchise. A grumpy and impatient aardwolf, who is the leader of the pack. A sly and stout but smart spotted hyena. Black also provided lead vocals in "A Beautiful Day (Ni Siku Nzuri)", "Find Your Roar", "Kuishi Ni Kucheka" and "Fujo". A devious and sloping but smart spotted hyena. An olive baboon, who is the leader of his troop. Big Baboon was originally renamed as "Nyani". A playful olive baboon, who gets taken back to his mother at Mapango Cliffs by Fuli. A yellow baboon, who is part of the Traveling Baboon Show. A yellow baboon, who is part of the Traveling Baboon Show. A hamerkop chick, who is the daughter of Kulinda. A black western stealthy skink, who is part of Shupavu's group. Although Nyeusi is mute, his hissing can be translated by Shupavu. James Arnold Taylor and Gabriel C. Brown were both considered to voice the character. A black-backed jackal pup, who is Reirei and Goigoi's son. He has blue eyes compared to the other pups, who have brown eyes. A young banded mongoose pup. Shauku is also a best friend of Mtoto and Young Rhino. A baboon and Gumba's mother, who is part of Big Baboon's troop. A plains zebra, who is the leader of the herd. Emma Burton voiced the character in the UK release of the film. Jennifer Lopez was originally set to voice Muhimu in both countries. A young sable antelope and Boboka's son, who is part of Bupu's herd. A cheerful ostrich, who is the leader of her flock. An aardvark, who is Muhangus' wife. Estelle Harris, who voiced Timon's Ma in The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, was originally set to voice Muhanga. An African bush elephant and Mtoto's mother, who is part of Ma Tembo's herd. Virginia Watson was originally set to reprise her role as Mtoto's Mom from The Lion Guard before her dialogues were used in this film's sequel. An olive baboon, who is part of Big Baboon's troop. An African buffalo, who is the leader of her herd. Kiara once presided over their Royal Buffalo Wallow where the buffaloes attend to rush into mud. A bright and bubbly aardwolf. A nervous and shy aardwolf. An old black rhinoceros, who is the leader of his crash. Cheech Marin's longtime friend Tommy Chong part of the duo Cheech & Chong was originally set to re-dub Mbeya. Parkins also served as a co-director of the film. An impatient and grouchy African bush elephant, who is part of Ma Tembo's herd. A cream-colored African leopard, who bullied Badili upon invading his territory in Mirihi Forest in the Back Lands. Seth Green and Bill Hader were both considered to voice the character for this film. A Masai giraffe, who is the leader of the herd. Cartañá also performed lead vocals in the songs "Trail To Hope" and "Our Kupatana Community". A Thomson's gazelle, who is the leader of her herd. She is also a friend of Muhimu. Shakira was originally set to voice Swala in honor for her character Gazelle in the 2016 film Zootopia. A sable antelope, who is part of Bupu's herd. A young olive baboon, who is a part of Baboon leader's troop. Gumba is also a friend of Mtoto. A young plains zebra foal, who is part of Thurston's herd. Kwato is also a best friend of Mtoto. A young plains zebra foal, who is Muhimu's son. A black-backed jackal pup, who is Reirei and Goigoi's daughter and Dogo's sister. A young Masai giraffe calf, who is Twiga's daughter. A young ostrich chick, who is a friend of Mtoto. A hamerkop, who leaves her egg in Ono's nest, while she builds a new nest that is safe from predators. She considers Ono to be part of her family, due to him taking good care of her baby. She later names her baby Ona, in honor of Ono. Allen wrote some of the film's synopsis. Mindy Kaling was originally set to voice Kulinda, but was then fired due to her "high-pitched" voice described by Myers. An African harrier-hawk, who leaves her hunting grounds from an unknown land and travels to the Pride Lands looking for a rare meal. A maniacal meerkat, who is an old friend of Timon. He loves to laugh and play around, as well as pulling practical jokes. A baby spotted hyena cub and sister of Tunu, who is part of Jasiri's clan. Matthew Broderick's wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, was originally set to voice Wema. A baby spotted hyena cub and brother of Wema, who is part of Jasiri's clan. Matthew Broderick's wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, was originally set to voice Tunu. A very paranoid meerkat formerly on Sentry duty before Timon took his place. A blue tongued rainbow skink, who is part of Shupavu's group and serves as her second-in-command. Seth Rogen, who is currently set to voice Pumbaa in the upcoming live-action remake in 2019, was originally cast as Njano.
 * Matthew Broderick as Simba
 * Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matt Weinberg as Young Simba. Evan Saucedo and Jason Weaver provided the cub's singing voice, while Connor Funk provided his growls, although Funk was uncredited.
 * Eden Riegel as Kiara
 * Michelle Horn as Infant Kiara. Charity Sanoy provided her singing voice, while Ashley Edner provided her growls, although Edner was uncredited.
 * Jason Marsden as Kovu
 * Ryan O'Donohue as Infant Kovu
 * Gabrielle Union as Nala
 * Niketa Calame as Young Nala. Laura Williams provided the cub's singing voice.
 * James Earl Jones as Mufasa
 * Nika Futterman as Zira
 * Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa
 * Nathan Lane as Timon
 * Khary Payton as:
 * Rafiki
 * Muhangus
 * Diamond White as Fuli
 * Maia Mitchell as Jasiri
 * Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi
 * Andy Dick as Nuka
 * Lacey Chabert as Vitani
 * Rowan Atkinson as Zazu
 * Angela Bassett as Sarabi
 * Cheech Marin as Banzai
 * Sarah Hyland as Tiifu
 * Jim Cummings as Ed
 * Sarah Paulson as Sarafina
 * Landry Bender as Makini
 * Joshua Rush as Bunga
 * Dusan Brown as Beshte
 * Atticus Shaffer as Ono
 * Julie Kavner as Timon's Ma
 * Jerry Stiller as Uncle Max
 * Jeremy Irons as Scar
 * Max Charles as Kion
 * Sterling K. Brown as Timon's Pa
 * Blair Underwood as Makuu
 * Madison Pettis as Zuri
 * Andrew Kishino as Janja
 * Christian Slater as Ushari
 * Ana Gasteyer as Reieri
 * Dan Howell as Majinuni
 * Phil Lester as Hafifu
 * John Rhys-Davies as King Sokwe
 * Sinbad as Uroho
 * Jack McBrayer as Badili
 * C. J. Byrnes as Tamaa
 * Lynette DuPree as Ma Tembo
 * Natalie Coughlin as Mtoto
 * Kevin Michael Richardson as Basi
 * Phil LaMarr as:
 * Shingo
 * Goigoi
 * Michael Dorn as Bupu
 * Steven Blum as Makucha
 * Gerald Rivers as Pua
 * Meghan Strange as:
 * Laini
 * Shupavu
 * Chura ( Credited as "Additional Voice" )
 * Maisie Klompus as Madoa
 * Vargus Mason as Cheezi
 * Kevin Schon as:
 * Chungu
 * Thurston the Zebra Mastermind
 * Jonny Rees as Mzingo
 * Jeffrey Tambor as Hadithi
 * Cam Clarke as Mwoga
 * Maurice LaMarche as Kifaru
 * Rhys Darby as Mwenzi
 * Ron Funches as Ajabu
 * Charlie Adler as Mjomba
 * Beau Black as Nne
 * Dee Bradley Baker as:
 * Tano
 * Big Baboon
 * Baby Baboon
 * Mwevi
 * Mwizi
 * Ona ( Uncredited )
 * Nyeusi ( Uncredited )
 * Jacob Guenther as:
 * Dogo
 * Shauku
 * Kari Wahlgren as:
 * Gumba's Mom
 * Muhimu
 * Boboka's Son
 * Russi Taylor as:
 * Mbuni
 * Muhanga
 * Mtoto's Mom
 * Virginia Watson as:
 * Baby Baboon's Mom
 * Vuruga Vuruga
 * Marieve Herington as Ogopa
 * Ogie Banks as Haya
 * Howy Parkins as Mbeya
 * Nick Watt as Zito
 * Jorge Diaz as Mapigano
 * Alex Cartañá as Twiga
 * Tunisia Hardison as Swala
 * Erica Luttrell as Boboka
 * Jacquez Swanigan as Gumba
 * Lyons Luke Mathias as:
 * Kwato
 * Hamu
 * Amber Hood as Kijana
 * Ivy Bishop as Juhudi
 * McKenna Grace as Kambuni
 * Elise Allen as Kulinda
 * Carla Hall as Mpishi
 * S. Scott Bullock as Fred
 * Fiona Hart as Wema
 * Crimson Hart as Tunu
 * Jason Rudofsky as Iron Joe
 * Ford Riley as Njano

Additionally, substitutes for the film include the late Robert Guillaume as Payton's Rafiki substitute; the late Suzanne Pleshette as Futterman's Zira substitute; the Madge Sinclair as Bassett's Sarabi substitute; the late Zoe Leader as Paulson's Sarafina substitute; David Oyelowo as Irons' Scar substitute; Roger Allers and Rob Lowe as Broderick's Simba substitutes; Allers and Leslie Hedger as Sabella's Pumbaa substitutes; Rob Minkoff, Quinton Flynn, Kevin Schon and Geroge A. Mendoza as Lane's Timon substitutes; Moira Kelly as Union's Nala substitute; Gary Anthony Williams as Jones' Mufasa substitute; Jeff Bennett and Edward Hibbert as Atkinson's Zazu substitutes; Lianne Hughes as Kavner's Ma substitute; Bradley Raymond as Brown's Fearless Buzz substitute; Justin Felbinger as Coughlin's Mtoto substitute; John O'Hurley as Tambor's Hadithi substitute; and Ford Riley as Baker's Big Baboon substitute. Common, Jacob Bertrand, Cade Sutton and Mekai Curtis make uncredited roles as Kiburi, Chama, Mzaha, and Furaha in the film's mid and post-credits scenes.

Several actors and actresses voice unnamed and unseen animals: Jason Rudofsky as Flinchy, an unseen meerkat living in Timon's colony; Jim Cummings as a golden marmot that talks to Zazu; Brian Tochi as a fighting hyena on Shenzi's clan; Lyons Luke Mathias, Sam Lavagnino, and Carter Hastings as a group of young hippos in Beshte's pod when he pushes a large boulder to the side to create a waterslide; Kari Wahlgren as a young black rhinoceros calf; G.K. Bowes as a gazelle on Swala's herd; Jessica DiCicco as a genet; Erica Luttrell as an Outsider lioness; and Ace Gibson as a sable antelope on Bupu's herd, although Bowes and Tochi were uncredited. Dee Bradley Baker and Frank Welker provided all the animal sounds, including the Roar of the Elders.

Additional voices were provided by Bennett, Clarke, Rivers, Payton, Wahlgren, Hardison, Guenther, Baker, Strange, DiCicco, Luttrell, Mason, Riegel, Gibson, Lavagnino, Welker, Watt, LaMarr, Schon, Tress MacNeille, Cathy Cavadini, Judi M. Durand, Daamen J. Krall, David McCharen, Mary Linda Phillips, Phil Proctor, David Randolph, Dana Davis, ViviAnn Yee, and Josh B. Thompson. Welker, McNeille, Bennett, Sabella, Flynn, Cummings, Nancy Cartwright, Patrick Fraley, and were all set to reprise their voice roles as Ned the Elephant and Uncle Ernie, Tatiana, The Duke Meerkat, Toucan Dan, Baampu, Monti, Uncle Boaris, [https://ideas.wikia.com/wiki/Cast_and_crew_of_The_Lion_King_Reborn_and_The_Lion_King_Returns#Pumbaa_Jr. Pumbaa Jr.], and Jumbo Jumbo from The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, but their scenes did not make the theatrical cut of the film. In order to tradition, Jock from the Lady and the Tramp franchise makes a non-speaking cameo near the hyena henchmen when Scar lies they think he's king.

Appearances
To be continued

Locations
To be continued
 * Pride Lands
 * Pride Rock
 * Pit of Shame
 * Tree of Life
 * Mount Kilimanjaro
 * Waterhole
 * Elephant Graveyard
 * Hakuna Matata
 * Great River
 * Gorge
 * Desert
 * Outlands
 * Lair of the Lion Guard
 * Janja's den
 * Hakuna Matata Falls
 * Back Lands
 * Mapgano Cliffs

Production

 * See also: Production of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

"Since November 2016, I have become a huge fan of The Lion King and started to come up with a extended version of the original movie. I would use its sequel Simba's Pride and it's midquel Hakuna Matata for a point-of-view with Timon Berkowitz and Pumbaa Smith, not just having to storytell Simba. After a few months on figuring out, this film will soon be released onto Ideas Wikia published from YouTube for fans loving my favorite choice of well-known actors, including Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick, Black Reel Award winner Gabrielle Union, Golden Globe Award winner Angela Bassett, Laurence Olivier Award winner Nathan Lane, Daytime Emmy Award winner Ernie Sabella, and Drama League Award winner Jeremy Irons, as well as co-starring James Earl Jones, Eden Riegel, Max Charles, Joshua Rush, Diamond White, Nika Futterman, Jason Marsden, Andy Dick, Lacey Chabert, Rowan Atkinson and Khary Payton. Even though for a director, you'll find this interesting. For fans liking the films and the Lion Guard, they will adore this upcoming ultimate film of the year: The Lion King Reborn."

- Christian Myers

It was originally planned to be released in summer of 2017, known as The Lion King: The Special Edition Cut. Christan Myers came on board to tie the original films and television series on Movie Maker and to direct The Lion King Reborn. However, in April 2018, the film's title would then be changed to The Lion King: The King Has Returned with the Lion Guard confirmed. On May, the film's title was changed again to its title: The Lion King: Return of the King. On June 14th, the title was once changed again to its official title The Lion King Reborn. On July 5th, Myers has stated that the film would be "darker" and more "serious" in tone than from previous The Lion King adaptations.

The film includes the film The Lion King, its sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, its midquel The Lion King 1½: Hakuna Matata, as well as episodes of The Lion Guard from Season 1 and 2, including "Return of the Roar", "Never Judge A Hyena By Its Spots", "The Rise of Makuu", "Bunga the Wise", "Can't Wait to be Queen", "Eye of the Beholder", "The Kupatana Celebration", "Fuli's New Family", "The Search for Utamu", "Follow That Hippo!", "The Call of the Drongo", "Paintings and Predictions", "The Mbali Fields Migration", "Bunga and the King", "The Imaginary Okapi", "Too Many Termites", "The Trouble with Galagos", "Janja's New Crew", "Baboons!", "Beware the Zimwi", "Lions of the Outlands", "Never Roar Again", "The Lost Gorillas", "The Trail to Udugu", "Ono's Idol", "Beshte and the Hippo Lanes", "Ono the Tickbird", "Babysitter Bunga", "The Savannah Summit", "The Traveling Baboon Show", "Ono and the Egg", "The Rise of Scar", "Let Sleeping Crocs Lie", "Swept Away", "Rafiki's New Neighbors", and "Rescue in the Outlands". For Fred's scenes during Timon's living in the meerkat colony, archive footage of the The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa episodes "Once Upon a Timon" and "Tanzania Zany" were used to transparent out the background with only using Fred's appearance.

On September 3rd, the first short sneak peak was released. On September 9th, the second trailer was delayed as confirmed by Myers and that the film would premiere on November 2nd, the time where similar Disney film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is set to be in IMAX theaters. However, it was pushed back to be released on November 21st due to some production coming further ahead. But then, on October 9th, it was pushed back again to be released on December 19th. However, two days later, it was confirmed to be released in 2019.

The film is most likely based on Tailikuu1's recreation of The Lion King on Kingdom Hearts Forums Fanfiction as a novelization.

This will also be the first The Lion King film to be shot in the 1.43:1 aspect ratio.

On September 19th, six new posters were released featuring the film's main characters. The posters' backgrounds are based on the Infinity Stones from Marvel Comics. On the next day, Myers has confirmed that there was a delay of supporting characters from The Lion Guard, to which they are confirmed to be in the film's sequel and had their scenes taken out. On October 10th, Myers announced that an animation trailer involving Simba, Nala, Kiara, Kion, Fuli, Bunga, Ono, Beshte, Jasiri, Makini, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu, Mufasa, Janja, Cheezi, Chungu and Scar will be released on October 12th and that the second sneak peak will be released next week. But then the next day, Myers has confirmed that the film will be released in 2019 due to his upcoming projects of homework in his SPASH years while the two trailers will be released soon.

Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Junior were some of the film's special thanks during pre-production.

Easter Eggs
To be continued
 * Timon's prankster cousin Fred from the television series The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa makes four cameo appearances. He first appears at the end of the song "Digga Tunnah" where he yells out "DIG!". Secondly, after Timon ruins the tunnels, Fred counts how many times that happened before replying "Four in a week: A new record!". Thirdly, Fred gives Timon a sympathetic look while guarding the castle of the meerkat city and escapes back into the tunnels when Shenzi, Banzai and Ed attack. Finally, Fred is lastly seen when Timon takes Ma, Uncle Max and the rest of the colony to the predator-free environment.
 * During the climax of Be Prepared, Timon's line "Somethin' tells me this ain't the traveling company of Riverdance." is a reference to a Irish theatrical show of the same name.
 * Too many Mickey Mouse shaped heads are seen in several shots from "That's All I Need", the wildebeest stampede, and many others.

Deleted scenes
These are abandoned scenes that didn't make it into the finalized theatrical cut of The Lion King Reborn. Myers confirmed that some were actually copyrighted from Tailikuu1's novelization of The Lion King and KKDisney's theory What if Walt Disney was the producer of Looney Tunes/Walt Disney Animated Classics/The Lion King where he then took them out not to make the story of his film be exactly as his.
 * "The Kidnapping of Tatiana" — While Max makes a brief escape from Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, a giant black cobra bursts in and kidnaps the meerkat colony's Princess Tatiana, leaving her crown left with paint over it, mistaking it as blood. Timon gets caught, then judged by Tatiana's father the Duke Meerkat guilty and laterlon, he is sent out of the colony.
 * "Timon Meets Pumbaa V1" — When Rafiki gives advice to Timon by heading to Pride Rock, he gets lost and alone, and finds himself inside the mouth of one of the hyenas. He runs out of Ed's mouth and runs into Pumbaa, who was captured by the hyenas. The hyenas gang up on them, saying that they'll have a "kat"-nip, and then that they'll "pig" out. Timon and Pumbaa make a run for it, away from the hyenas, and they say their goodbyes and go their separate ways.
 * "Timon Meets Pumbaa V2" — When departing from the hyena chase, Timon runs into Pumbaa again, with the latter asking the former if he was going to the colony, but they quickly form a bond and Pumbaa accompanies Timon to live in Pride Rock.
 * "Kenya Be My Bestest Best Friend?" — Following a bitter falling-out on "Bestest Best Friend Day", Timon and Pumbaa each vow to find another Bestest Best Friend, and they are successful in meeting each other's polar opposites (Baampu and Monti), until they realize how much they miss each other.
 * "The Rescue of Tatiana" — When Timon and Pumbaa finally found their paradise at Hakuna Matata Falls, the silence of the jungle is broken when they hears Tatiana about becoming a meal for the cobra. Pumbaa feels that once Timon saves her, the warthog would be alone again, but Timon disagrees, saying that once he rescues Tatiana, Pumbaa would join the colony, and that he would no longer be an outcast. Pumbaa is overjoyed by this, and the two of them rescue Tatiana, then welcome her into their paradise.
 * "Everglades" — When Pumbaa accidentally lays an egg, to which a baby crocodile is hatched, Pumbaa thinks he's his son while Timon believes that birds only lay eggs and that he should not trust Pumbaa to be Pumbaa Jr.'s "mommy" and also calling Pumbaa Jr. an "ugly chicken".
 * "Jungle Arcade" — Timon and Pumbaa attempt Simba as a cub to try out their games like "Slingshot", "Hippo Hop", "Burper", "Bug Drop", and "Jungle Pinball".
 * "Timon's Fission" — After seeing that Tatiana is saved by Timon, the colony begins celebrate, as Tatiana offers her hand to him in marriage. After Pumbaa reminds him, Timon asks the Duke to declare Pumbaa an official member of the colony; but the Duke says that only meerkats are allowed to live in the colony, and gives Timon a choice between anything he could ever want; power, riches and love, or being Pumbaa's friend. Timon finally decides to both have Tatiana for marriage and Pumbaa for being his friend.
 * "Zuka Zama (Original Concept)" — TBA.
 * "Baboons! (Original Concept)" — TBA.
 * "Outta Be a Stubborn Elephant" — TBA.

Casting
In late February 2018, it was confirmed that Matthew Broderick, Cam Clarke, Nathan Lane, Kevin Schon, Quinton Flynn, Ernie Sabella, Nancy Cartwright, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Rowan Atkinson, Edward Hibbert, Tress MacNeille, Jeff Bennett, S. Scott Bullock, Julie Kavner, Jerry Stiller, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Kevin Michael Richardson, Billy West, Tara Strong, Frank Welker, Corey Burton, Neve Campbell, Jason Marsden, Andy Dick, and Lacey Chabert would reprise their roles as Simba, Timon, Monti, Pumbaa, Baampu, Pumbaa Jr., Scar, Mufasa, Nala, Zazu, Tatiana, the Duke Meerkat, Toucan Dan, Fred, Ma, Uncle Max, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Tumbaa, Pimon, Princess Claudia, King Leopold, Quint, Speedy the Snail, Kiara, Kovu, Nuka, and young Vitani from the films and the TV series Timon & Pumbaa, with archive recordings of Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matt Weinberg, Niketa Calame, Michelle Horn, Ryan O'Donohue, Robert Guillaume, Madge Sinclair, Zoe Leader, Jason Rudofsky, Suzanne Pleshette, and Jennifer Lien as young Simba, young Nala, young Kiara, young Kovu, Rafiki, Sarabi, Sarafina, Flinchy, Zira, and adult Vitani, respectively.

A month later in March, it was confirmed that Sarah Hyland, Madison Pettis, Andrew Kishino, and Vargus Mason would reprise their roles as Tiifu, Zuri, Janja, and Cheezi from The Lion Guard with Schon cast as Chungu. Carl Lumbly was originally cast as Ahadi, Scar and Mufasa's father. However, the next month in April, Pumbaa Jr., Claudia, King Leopold, and Quint's scenes would be taken out, and since Lien has been arrested in 2015, Chabert re-dubbed her lines as adult Vitani, and Hibbert served as Atkinson's Zazu substitute.

In May 2018, it was announced that Clarke, Max Charles, Joshua Rush, Dusan Brown, Diamond White, Atticus Shaffer, Landry Bender, Maia Mitchell, Maisie Klompus, Blair Underwood, Jonny Rees, Christian Slater, Ana Gasteyer, Phil LaMarr, Jacob Guenther, Meghan Strange, Lynette DuPree, Justin Felbinger, Phil Lester, Dan Howell, and John Rhys-Davis would reprise their roles as Mwoga, Kion, Bunga, Beshte, Ono, Fuli, Makini, Jasiri, Madoa, Makuu, Mzingo, Ushari, Reirei, Goigoi and Shingo, Dogo, Shupavu and Laini, Ma Tembo, Mtoto, Hafifu, Majinuni, and King Sokwe from The Lion Guard with Sterling K. Brown re-dubbing Ahadi's lines after Lumbly had some time with some of his upcoming projects. A month later, the rest of the cast was confirmed, including Common, Amber Hood, Sinbad, Steven Blum, Jack McBrayer, Jorge Diaz, Charlie Adler, Marieve Herington, Ogie Banks, C. J. Byrnes, Beau Black, Fiona Hart, and Crimson Hart as Kiburi, Kijana, Uroho, Makucha, Badili, Mapigano, Mjomba, Ogopa, Haya, Tamaa, Nne, Wema, and Tunu. A couple of days later, multiple actors would re-dub the film's main characters' lines including Eden Riegel, Nika Futterman, Gabrielle Union, Khary Payton, Natalie Coughlin, Jeffrey Tambor, Angela Bassett, and Sarah Paulson as Kiara, Zira, Nala, Rafiki, Mtoto, Hadithi, Sarabi, and Sarafina. According to one news report, it has been confirmed that Brown then was chosen to voice Pa, Timon's father nicknamed as "Fearless Buzz", re-dubbing his lines originally provided by Bradley Raymond.

According to one report, it was also announced that Nolan North, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Rico Rodriguez, Rani Rodriguez, Jorge Diaz, Kristofer Hivju, Justin Hires, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Heather Headley, and Christopher Jackson, who originally played Nala and Simba in the Broadway performance of The Lion King, would reprise their voice roles as Tamka and Nyuni, Rani, Raha, Starehe, Nduli, Kenge, Hodari, Dhahabu, Kitendo, and Fikiri from The Lion Guard. However, Tamka, Nyuni, Rani, Raha, Starehe, Nduli, Kenge, Hodari, and Dhahabu's scenes didn't make it in time for the theatrical cut of the film and were reused for the film's sequel.

There was originally going to be a lion named Mwandishi / Africalous, to which would soon be voiced by the director Myers himself. However, the character's lines were all taken out and was replaced with Payton's opening narration in the film's prologue. This character was also based on the Enchantress / Agathe from the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. It was also announced to have a black leopard cub named Namiri as his voice actor Caleb McLaughlin joined in. However, he was then taken out also.

Critical reception
The Lion King Reborn was released to critical acclaim from audiences, critics and even fans, who liked the entire The Lion King franchise. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a "Certified Fresh" rating of 88%, based on 600 reviews, with an average rating of 8 out of 10 and a consensus, "The Lion King Reborn shows that we can retell one of our favorite cinematic stories if done properly, even when we had the heart, pride and love with our memories to share with our friends, family and even our children for future generations in the Circle of Life." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 82 out of 100, based on 98 critics, indicating "universal acclaim". IGN holds a score of 9.9/10, and IMDb holds a score of 8.6/10 based on 336,986 votes.

Audience reception
Fans and critics praised the film for it's excellent animation, voice acting (mostly Jeremy Irons' role as Scar) and while retaining the spirit of the franchise, it included newer elements such as restoring deleted scenes that had almost got in the cut. Audience reception measured by scientific polling methods was highly positive. Audiences randomly polled by CinemaScore on opening day gave the film an average grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale. Surveys from SurveyMonkey and comScore's PostTrak found that 87% of audience members graded the film positively, including a rare five-star rating.

Difference argument between The Lion King Reborn and Finding Marlin
When Christian Myers began to take several thoughts from FreezingTNT's Finding Marlin, the two got into a little argument with their ideas typed in the same way, including how their pages are supposed to be famous. After TNT had a talk with Myers and Christopher Haye, Myers thought some of his "problems" to solve and promised not to sadden TNT again.

User reviews
Any user can write their reviews!

Box office
W.I.P.

Accolades
W.I.P.

TvTropes page

 * Main article: The Lion King Reborn/Tropes

Release
The Lion King Reborn was originally going to be released in August 2017. One year later, Myers confirmed that the film's production would be moved up and was set to be released in February 22nd, 2019.

Marketing
It is scheduled to be released on Digital HD, DVD and Blu-ray. On Disc 1 of the DVD, it features the film in widescreen format, a behind-the-scene documentary, footage of the voice actors, DVD Rom, a set-up menu, the THX Optimizer, and a sneak peak for Disc 2. On Disc 2, it features the film in fullscreen format, music videos, sneak peaks, "Behind the Legend: Timon" with Peter Graves, "Who Wants to be King of the Jungle?" with Meredith Vieira, the film's gag reel, a set-up menu, and the THX Optimizer. On both discs, it includes a Mystery Science Theater 3000-style commentary featuring Timon and Pumbaa and all of the "It's UnBungalievable" shorts are featured as hidden Easter eggs. It will also be released on VHS, dating as one the rarest video tapes to ever be made and to be found and it marked the first Hollywood produced film to be on that format as well as the first Disney release on it since Bambi II. However, the VHS release had even more demand (particularly from fans) than any tapes in history and this would lead into manufacturers producing VHS tapes again, but this time with more innovations such as them having better, enchanted resolutions for the HD remastered tapes.
 * Main article: Marketing of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

Timon & Pumbaa's Ultimate Virtual Safari Breakdown
A short film named Timon & Pumbaa's Ultimate Virtual Safari Breakdown will be released, featuring Timon and Pumbaa taking Ma and Uncle Max on a virtual ride they have built with archive recordings taken from The Lion King Reborn, while they retell them the story of the film.
 * See also: Timon & Pumbaa's Ultimate Virtual Safari Breakdown

It features Lane, Sabella, Kavner and Stiller reprising their voice roles from this film, while archive recordings of most actors and actresses from The Lion King Reborn are included.

Video games
Angry Birds The Lion King is a puzzle video game, a crossover between the The Lion King franchise, and the Angry Birds series of video games and movies (cutscene only), launched on July 18, 2019, along the premiere of "The Lion King (2019)", first for Windows, iOS, and Android devices. The game is the twenty-four Angry Birds game in the series. The characters are copyrighted from Disney's trilogy, this film, its sequel The Lion King Returns, and Disney Junior's Lion King spin-off series The Lion Guard. Disney and Rovio announced that Angry Birds The Lion King will be heading for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Nintendo 3DS in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive. The game also features a special character from every other Disney franchise.
 * See also: Angry Birds The Lion King, LEGO The Lion King, and The Lion King: Fight for the Pride Lands

LEGO The Lion King is a LEGO-themed video game based on Disney's animated film "The Lion King", "The Lion King Reborn", and "The Lion King Returns" The game closely follows the plot of The Lion King Trilogy and The Lion Guard, but with some modifications so that it would be more child-friendly, have some extra content and adapt to the two-player gameplay specific to the LEGO formula.

A Fighting Game developed by Arc System Works of BlazBlue and Guilty Gear fame and published with Square-Enix, The Lion King: Fight for the Pride Lands will be released after the film's release. The game will include a story mode, an arcade mode, a training mode along wih other things common in Fighting Games as well as an Extras Mode (including a Cinema Mode) and will have most of the cast returning from the film with a few exceptions like Cam Clarke as Simba; Vanessa Marshall as Nala; Tress MacNeille as Shenzi and Ma; and Richard Epcar with Jeff Bennett as Uncle Max and Zazu, replacing Matthew Broderick, Gabrielle Union, Whoopi Goldberg, Julie Kavner, Jerry Stiller, and Rowan Atkinson respectively. In addition, for all of the releases of the Game, the Japanese Version of Circle of Life (which is the Opening Theme of the Game as well as the Main Menu theme) will be performed by JAM Project, Flow, Momoiro Clover Z, AK848, Akira Kamiya, CODA, Hiroaki "Tommy" Tominaga, Jin Hashimoto and Koichi Yamadera, as the cover of the song is one of the most ambitious musical Projects in Japanese Music history. The Ending Theme of the Game, Can You Feel the Love Tonight in it's Japanese version (based on the Elton John version), will be performed by Hironobu Kageyama, Yoko Ishida, Masaaki Endoh, Koichi Yamadera and Hiroaki "Tommy" Tominaga. The English Version of Circle of Life, which will also be covered for all Releases will be done by Vic Micnogna and Caitlin Glass, known for their roles as Edward Elric and Cammy White from the Fullmetal Alchemist and Street Fighter franchises, respectively with Cristina Vee, Stephanie Young, Brina Palencia and the Disney Channel Circle of Stars as the secondary performers.

Soundtrack
The film has most of the songs from all three films including "Digga Tunnah", "That's All I Need", "Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait to be King", "Be Prepared", "Hakuna Matata", "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", "He Lives in You", "We Are One", and "My Lullaby". It also includes most of the songs from The Lion Guard like "A Beautiful Day (Ni Siku Nzuri)", "Kion's Lament", "We're The Same (Sisi Ni Sawa)", "Duties of the King", "Zuka Zama", "Jackal Style", "Utamu", "Our Kupatana Community", "All Hail the Vultures", "Please Don't Make a Stink", "Bird of a Thousand Voices", "Baboons!", "Panic and Run", "Trail To Hope", "We'll Make You A Meal", "Teke Ruka Teleza", "My Own Way", "The Traveling Baboon Show", "Bunga the Wise", "Beware of the Zimwi", "Outta The Way", "Life in the Pride Lands", "Kuishi Ni Kucheka", "Find Your Roar", "Stand Up, Stand Out", "Lions Over All", "Let's Bring Back A Legend", "Makin' Hippo Lanes", "Running With The King", "Tickbirds and Rhinos", "Fujo", "Welcome To The Summit", "Hero Inside", "Hadithi the Hero", "Today Is My Way", and "The Path of Honor". It was reported that the film would include five songs from the Broadway version, which are "Chow Down", "Endless Night", "The Morning Report", "The Madness of King Scar" and "Shadowland". During "That's All I Need", the vocals I've got it all worked out taken from the lyrics of the abandoned song "Warthog Rhapsody" is heard in the background as Timon sings "That's All I Need". It also features the original The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly theme composed by Ennio Morricone back in 1967, the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from the original soundtrack of Fiddler on the Roof, and the Peter Gunn opening theme. Hans Zimmer, Don L. Harper, Nick Glennie-Smith and Christopher Willis were all confirmed to compose their scores from the trilogy films and The Lion Guard.
 * See also: The Lion King Reborn/Soundtrack

On September 15th, Myers announced that the film might include a special dconstructed remix song titled The Lion King (Remix Medley), with "Digga Tunnah", "That's All I Need", "Circle of Life", "The Morning Report", "I Just Can't Wait to be King", "Chow Down", "Be Prepared", "Hakuna Matata", "Shadowland", "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", "He Lives in You", "We Are One", "My Lullaby", "We're The Same (Sisi Ni Sawa)", "Duties of the King", "Zuka Zama", "Jackal Style", "Please Don't Make a Stink", "Bird of a Thousand Voices", "Baboons!", "She's The Worst Hyena We Know", "Panic And Run", "Teke Ruka Teleza", "My Own Way", "Bunga the Wise", "Beware of the Zimwi", "Outta The Way", "Life in the Pride Lands", "Kuishi Ni Kucheka", "Stand Up, Stand Out", "Lions Over All", "Let's Bring Back A Legend", "Running With The King", "I Do Have a Great Deal to Say", "Big Bad Kenge", "Gotta Look On The Bright Side", "We're The Smartest", "I Have A Plan", and "The Path of Honor" combined together. Ten days later, Myers announced that the film will include a new song titled "Friend Huomboleza", which means "Rafiki Mourns" in Swahili. This song takes place after Scar taking over the throne where Rafiki smears the painting of Simba as Nala, who is trying to sleep inside Pride Rock, suffers flashbacks with Simba before she continues to cry in Sarafina's paws.

Track Listing
To be continued

Disc 1
To be continued

Disc 2
To be continued

Sequel
On July 27th, the film was followed with a direct sequel and "part two" of the remaster of The Lion King titled The Lion King Returns was confirmed by director Myers; he will return to direct, Cortez and Hahn will return to produce, Willis and Glennie-Smith will return to compose the score, and much of the cast will return from the previous film. Broderick, Riegel, Marsden, Union, Futterman, Sabella, Lane, Payton, White, Mitchell, Dick, Chabert, Bender, Rush, Brown, Shaffer, Charles, Underwood, Pettis, Sinbad, Byrnes, Slater, Kishino, DuPree, Strange, Blum, Dorn, Rivers, Klompus, Gasteyer, Rees, Mason, Schon, LaMarr, Parkins, Clarke, Common, Bertrand, Sutton and Curtis are all scheduled to reprise their roles as Simba, Kiara, Kovu, Nala, Zira, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Fuli, Jasiri, Nuka, Vitani, Makini, Bunga, Beshte, Ono, Kion, Makuu, Zuri, Uroho, Tamaa, Ushari, Janja, Ma Tembo, Laini and Shupavu, Makucha, Bupu, Pua, Madoa, Reirei, Mzingo, Cheezi, Chungu and Thurston, Goigoi, Mbeya, Mwoga, Kiburi, Chama, Mzaha and Furaha, while they are joined by a group of new additions, including Nolan North as Tamka and Nyuni, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Dhahabu, Justin Hires as Hodari, Michael Luwoye as Askari, Christopher Jackson as Fikiri and Shujaa, Heather Headley as Kitendo, Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani, Behzad Dabu as Azaad, Kimiko Glenn as Chuluun, and J. Elaine Marcos as Yuki. Marieve Herington, Jorge Diaz and Ace Gibson don't return as Ogopa, Mapigano, and Sable Antelope #1, but voice four new characters named Zigo, Nduli, Tumbili and Johari, while Gary Anthony Williams, Edward Hibbert, Bailey Gambertoglio, David Oyelowo, and Justin Felbinger replace James Earl Jones, Rowan Atkinson, Sarah Hyland, Jeremy Irons, and Natalie Coughlin as Mufasa, Zazu, Tiifu, Scar, and Mtoto respectively. Neve Campbell also reprises her voice role as adult Kiara from the 1998 sequel.
 * Main article: The Lion King Returns

On October 2nd, Myers has confirmed that he had a good reason for not using the ending scene from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, since the cub present in the ending has been retconned to Kion.

Rating
The Lion King Reborn was originally going to be rated G by the MPAA, and it would have been the first family-friendly title with a G rating in a long time. However, the film was later re-rated PG due to a serious yet deeper tone and mild crude humor, including Pumbaa and Bunga's flatulence problems in the plot.

Novelization
A canon novel named The Lion King Reborn: Crucible will be released soon.
 * Main article: The Lion King Reborn: Crucible

Gag Reel

 * Main article: Gag reels of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

Tests
In January 2018, Myers promoted a video test of his original Lion King remake with adult Kiara if she was trying to be taught by Timon and Pumbaa with Ma and Uncle Max, if the two were involved in Simba's Pride. The film's title was originally known as The Lion King: The Special Edition Cut.

Trivia

 * Main article: Trivia of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

Transcript

 * See also: The Lion King Reborn/Transcript

Credits

 * Main article: The Lion King Reborn/Credits

Rejected ideas

 * Main article: Rejected ideas of The Lion King Reborn and The Lion King Returns

Gallery

 * Main article: The Lion King Reborn/Gallery

Polls
Do You Think The Lion King Reborn is a great idea? Yes No Are you interested in seeing The Lion King Reborn when it comes on this page? YES! I Am Very Excited! No. I'm Not That Interested. What did you think of the first sneak peak of The Lion King Reborn? It was amazing! It was good! It was okay. It wasn't that good. It was awful. What did you think of the film's test clip with Timon and Pumbaa searching for Kiara with Ma and Uncle Max added in (if they were involved in The Lion King II: Simba's Pride)? It was amazing! It was good! It was okay. It wasn't that good. It was awful. You like to put Books Characters in the movie including Kopa as Kiara and Kion oldest brother??? Yes Maybe No

Hashtags

 * thelionkinghasreturned
 * thelionkingreborn