Everything in this movie exists together in a delicate balance. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Differences Between “The Lion King” (1994) and (2019).
For this list, we're looking at the ways that the photo-realistic remake differed from its animated original, whether it was character development, shifts in the plot, or changes to the music. Obviously, a spoiler alert is in effect!
#10: How Rafiki Finds Out Simba's Alive
Simba goes through many ups and downs emotionally throughout the story; after he leaves Pride Rock and grows up a fair amount with Timon and Pumbaa, it's all too easy for Simba to forget the burdens and responsibilities he left behind. Overcome with the memory of his father after stargazing, the animated Simba collapses onto a cliffside, eventually alerting Rafiki that he's in fact alive. In the 2019 version, a piece of Simba's mane flies through the air and is given extended exposition on its journey to the baboon. This was likely lengthened just so the filmmakers could showcase the utterly mind-blowing animation. From the textures found in the dirt, to the detailed walking pattern of the ants, this might as well have been a National Geographic documentary.
#9: New Song: “Spirit”
While we're on the subject of Simba's eventual return to Pride Rock, we're sure you've jammed out one or 100 times to the thrilling score by Hans Zimmer as Simba runs across the desert. Now, the only other soundtrack fit for a King would be a song by a Queen - Queen Bey, that is. The 2019 remake features the same songs as the original, with some adjustments that we'll get into, but when it was announced that Beyoncé would be joining the cast, it was a given that she'd contribute to the soundtrack. Well, this new song, “Spirit,” is just the ticket to get you hyped to get out of bed in the morning - or, y'know, to challenge your evil lion uncle for your rightful claim to the throne.
#8: Zazu Comes & Goes
2019 Zazu is the same salty hornbill we know and love, but the changes to his story actually help put a disturbing internet theory to bed. “The Lion King,” being based on “Hamlet,” has parallels for each character: Zazu - the king's head advisor - is Polonius. Thing is, Polonius is involved in the king's death after conspiring with Claudius. Yeah, watching the '94 movie with THAT in mind is messed up. But in 2019, instead of being knocked out right before Mufasa's death, Zazu is told by Scar to get help. Another difference - that honestly makes us sad we didn't hear John Oliver sing “It's a Small World” - is that Zazu flies in and out of the Pride Lands during Scar's reign to avoid the ravenous hyenas.
#7: The Hyenas Ain't Laughing
Though you'd be hard-pressed to put Keegan-Michael Key and Eric Andre in a room and not have it result in hilarity, their portrayals of the hyenas Kamari and Azizi - originally Banzai and Ed - were decidedly darker. They do crack jokes every now and again, mostly about personal bubble issues, but these are some desperate and bitter beasts we're talking about here. Shenzi, played this time by Florence Kasumba, also assumes more of a leadership position than in the original, which makes Scar coming in like he owns the place not sit too well with the hyenas. Jon Favreau stated that these changes were made to fit with the realistic nature of the 2019 film, ultimately making any scene with them feel way more menacing.
#6: “Be Prepared”
“Be Prepared” is one of the best villain songs out there, and a very memorable sequence from the '94 movie, so fans of the original were a tad crushed when it was rumored to not be included in the 2019 version. Ultimately, Scar's big call to action for the hyenas did make it into the film, sung by Chiwetel Ejiofor. However, this is not the “Be Prepared” we grew up with. Shortened considerably to just a bit of spoken monologue, one verse, chorus, and chants of “be prepared,” this version is a bit more menacing, but to be honest, not the same song at all.
#5: Sarabi & Scar's History
In the remake, we see and hear a bit more from Sarabi, and even get glimpses into a possible love triangle between her, Mufasa and Scar. During Scar and Mufasa's first argument, Scar shows a particular interest in Sarabi's wellbeing, which appeared to be a pointed change to the dialogue. Once Mufasa's out of the picture, Scar seems intent on taking more than his place as king; actually, Scar claims he can't fully be king until he has a queen. In a quick bit of dialogue, it's revealed that Sarabi chose between the two brothers, obviously picking Mufasa, and evidently Scar's pride is still a bit hurt. Luckily, Sarabi's strong-willed and more than willing to stand up to her brother-in-law.
#4: Timon Moonlights as Lumière
Yes, you heard that correctly! Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen's Timon and Pumbaa keep the same meta charm as Nathan Lane and Ernie Sibella did, providing some new jokes along the way. Once Timon and Pumbaa set aside their passive “Hakuna Matata” ways to help Simba save Pride Rock, they do still provide the distraction to get the hyenas away - but what the 2019 film had up its sleeve surprised us as much as it probably did the hyenas. Instead of launching into a lively hula, Timon and Pumbaa got creative and borrowed the first few lines of “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast” before hightailing it out of there. Though we wouldn't give up Hawaiian Timon for the world, hearing this familiar tune was the most pleasant of surprises.
#3: Nala's Developed More
In a similar trend to other live-action films like “Cinderella” and “Aladdin,” the central female character of “The Lion King,” Nala, is given more of a voice and more agency. A new sequence filled in the blanks for Nala leaving Pride Rock and happening upon Simba. Late at night, she manages to sneak past the hyena guards and Scar himself in a truly suspenseful few moments. She also acts as a strong voice to rally the other lionesses once Simba has returned, showcasing how worthy she is to take up the mantle of queen once the rightful king takes his place.
#2: “Hakuna Matata,” What a Problematic Phrase
Timon and Pumbaa's grand musical introduction did get some lyrical adjustments - though for the most part, this is still the same song. A particular shift was when Timon deliberately doesn't interrupt his pal before he says “farted,” which allows Billy Eichner's full high-energy aggression to shine. Much of the rest of the '94 movie actually points out - though not overtly - that “Hakuna Matata”' s message that ignorance is bliss is troublesome. Instead, 2019's Timon and Pumbaa wax poetic about how if there is indeed a circle of life, that ignoring the things that hurt us would not only affect us negatively, but have a ripple effect on others as well. Who knew a meerkat and warthog would be the greatest philosophical minds of their time?
#1: Ending Fight
A major adjustment occurs at the film's climax, as the final battle for Pride Rock focuses less on the one-on-one between Scar and Simba, and gets even more into the full-on onslaught of both sides of the conflict. Nala engages in a face-off against Shenzi, who had terrorized her at the elephant graveyard when she was a cub. Then, Nala comes to Simba's aid, giving us an amazing few shots where the two fight side by side. Zazu also makes an important appearance and actively fends off the hyenas, thankfully getting a helping hand - or staff - from Rafiki in a moment of need. Though we of course knew the outcome, these few additions - and some impressive lighting effects - gave this last part of the movie a bit more dynamism.
read more...
For this list, we're looking at the ways that the photo-realistic remake differed from its animated original, whether it was character development, shifts in the plot, or changes to the music. Obviously, a spoiler alert is in effect!
#10: How Rafiki Finds Out Simba's Alive
Simba goes through many ups and downs emotionally throughout the story; after he leaves Pride Rock and grows up a fair amount with Timon and Pumbaa, it's all too easy for Simba to forget the burdens and responsibilities he left behind. Overcome with the memory of his father after stargazing, the animated Simba collapses onto a cliffside, eventually alerting Rafiki that he's in fact alive. In the 2019 version, a piece of Simba's mane flies through the air and is given extended exposition on its journey to the baboon. This was likely lengthened just so the filmmakers could showcase the utterly mind-blowing animation. From the textures found in the dirt, to the detailed walking pattern of the ants, this might as well have been a National Geographic documentary.
#9: New Song: “Spirit”
While we're on the subject of Simba's eventual return to Pride Rock, we're sure you've jammed out one or 100 times to the thrilling score by Hans Zimmer as Simba runs across the desert. Now, the only other soundtrack fit for a King would be a song by a Queen - Queen Bey, that is. The 2019 remake features the same songs as the original, with some adjustments that we'll get into, but when it was announced that Beyoncé would be joining the cast, it was a given that she'd contribute to the soundtrack. Well, this new song, “Spirit,” is just the ticket to get you hyped to get out of bed in the morning - or, y'know, to challenge your evil lion uncle for your rightful claim to the throne.
#8: Zazu Comes & Goes
2019 Zazu is the same salty hornbill we know and love, but the changes to his story actually help put a disturbing internet theory to bed. “The Lion King,” being based on “Hamlet,” has parallels for each character: Zazu - the king's head advisor - is Polonius. Thing is, Polonius is involved in the king's death after conspiring with Claudius. Yeah, watching the '94 movie with THAT in mind is messed up. But in 2019, instead of being knocked out right before Mufasa's death, Zazu is told by Scar to get help. Another difference - that honestly makes us sad we didn't hear John Oliver sing “It's a Small World” - is that Zazu flies in and out of the Pride Lands during Scar's reign to avoid the ravenous hyenas.
#7: The Hyenas Ain't Laughing
Though you'd be hard-pressed to put Keegan-Michael Key and Eric Andre in a room and not have it result in hilarity, their portrayals of the hyenas Kamari and Azizi - originally Banzai and Ed - were decidedly darker. They do crack jokes every now and again, mostly about personal bubble issues, but these are some desperate and bitter beasts we're talking about here. Shenzi, played this time by Florence Kasumba, also assumes more of a leadership position than in the original, which makes Scar coming in like he owns the place not sit too well with the hyenas. Jon Favreau stated that these changes were made to fit with the realistic nature of the 2019 film, ultimately making any scene with them feel way more menacing.
#6: “Be Prepared”
“Be Prepared” is one of the best villain songs out there, and a very memorable sequence from the '94 movie, so fans of the original were a tad crushed when it was rumored to not be included in the 2019 version. Ultimately, Scar's big call to action for the hyenas did make it into the film, sung by Chiwetel Ejiofor. However, this is not the “Be Prepared” we grew up with. Shortened considerably to just a bit of spoken monologue, one verse, chorus, and chants of “be prepared,” this version is a bit more menacing, but to be honest, not the same song at all.
#5: Sarabi & Scar's History
In the remake, we see and hear a bit more from Sarabi, and even get glimpses into a possible love triangle between her, Mufasa and Scar. During Scar and Mufasa's first argument, Scar shows a particular interest in Sarabi's wellbeing, which appeared to be a pointed change to the dialogue. Once Mufasa's out of the picture, Scar seems intent on taking more than his place as king; actually, Scar claims he can't fully be king until he has a queen. In a quick bit of dialogue, it's revealed that Sarabi chose between the two brothers, obviously picking Mufasa, and evidently Scar's pride is still a bit hurt. Luckily, Sarabi's strong-willed and more than willing to stand up to her brother-in-law.
#4: Timon Moonlights as Lumière
Yes, you heard that correctly! Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen's Timon and Pumbaa keep the same meta charm as Nathan Lane and Ernie Sibella did, providing some new jokes along the way. Once Timon and Pumbaa set aside their passive “Hakuna Matata” ways to help Simba save Pride Rock, they do still provide the distraction to get the hyenas away - but what the 2019 film had up its sleeve surprised us as much as it probably did the hyenas. Instead of launching into a lively hula, Timon and Pumbaa got creative and borrowed the first few lines of “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast” before hightailing it out of there. Though we wouldn't give up Hawaiian Timon for the world, hearing this familiar tune was the most pleasant of surprises.
#3: Nala's Developed More
In a similar trend to other live-action films like “Cinderella” and “Aladdin,” the central female character of “The Lion King,” Nala, is given more of a voice and more agency. A new sequence filled in the blanks for Nala leaving Pride Rock and happening upon Simba. Late at night, she manages to sneak past the hyena guards and Scar himself in a truly suspenseful few moments. She also acts as a strong voice to rally the other lionesses once Simba has returned, showcasing how worthy she is to take up the mantle of queen once the rightful king takes his place.
#2: “Hakuna Matata,” What a Problematic Phrase
Timon and Pumbaa's grand musical introduction did get some lyrical adjustments - though for the most part, this is still the same song. A particular shift was when Timon deliberately doesn't interrupt his pal before he says “farted,” which allows Billy Eichner's full high-energy aggression to shine. Much of the rest of the '94 movie actually points out - though not overtly - that “Hakuna Matata”' s message that ignorance is bliss is troublesome. Instead, 2019's Timon and Pumbaa wax poetic about how if there is indeed a circle of life, that ignoring the things that hurt us would not only affect us negatively, but have a ripple effect on others as well. Who knew a meerkat and warthog would be the greatest philosophical minds of their time?
#1: Ending Fight
A major adjustment occurs at the film's climax, as the final battle for Pride Rock focuses less on the one-on-one between Scar and Simba, and gets even more into the full-on onslaught of both sides of the conflict. Nala engages in a face-off against Shenzi, who had terrorized her at the elephant graveyard when she was a cub. Then, Nala comes to Simba's aid, giving us an amazing few shots where the two fight side by side. Zazu also makes an important appearance and actively fends off the hyenas, thankfully getting a helping hand - or staff - from Rafiki in a moment of need. Though we of course knew the outcome, these few additions - and some impressive lighting effects - gave this last part of the movie a bit more dynamism.
read more...
