Editing Simba (section)

==Development==
===Creation===
''The Lion King'' was conceived in 1988.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Beck |first=Jerry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=ruben+a.+aquino+the+lion+king+interview&pg=PA145 |title=The Animated Movie Guide |publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]] |year=2005 |isbn=9781569762226 |location=United States |pages=145–146 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510110341/https://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&q=ruben+a.+aquino+the+lion+king+interview&pg=PA145 |archive-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref> Although considered an original story<ref name=":5-1">{{Cite web |last=Carnevale |first=Rob |date=October 6, 2011 |title=The Lion King 3D – Don Hahn interview |url=http://web.orange.co.uk/article/film/the-lion-king-3d-don-hahn-interview-67182466 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054507/http://web.orange.co.uk/article/film/the-lion-king-3d-don-hahn-interview-67182466 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=[[Orange UK]]}}</ref><ref name=":6-1">{{Cite web |year=2011 |title=The Lion King 3D – Don Hahn interview |url=http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/the-lion-king-3d-don-hahn-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926084815/http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Film-Review/the-lion-king-3d-don-hahn-interview |archive-date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=IndieLondon |publisher=}}</ref>{{NoteTag|Disney has stated that ''The Lion King'' was their first "original" animated film, in the sense that its story is not directly based on or adapted from any pre-existing work or material.<ref name="originalpost">{{cite news |last1=Nyman |first1=Shane |title=25 things you (probably) don't know about Disney's 'Lion King,' which turns 25 this year |url=https://www.postcrescent.com/story/entertainment/2019/02/07/disneys-animated-the-lion-king-turns-25-musical-back-appleton/2733823002/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[The Post-Crescent]] |date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519125152/https://www.postcrescent.com/story/entertainment/2019/02/07/disneys-animated-the-lion-king-turns-25-musical-back-appleton/2733823002/ |archive-date=May 19, 2022}}</ref><ref name="lionkingoriginalhuffpost">{{cite news |last1=Bradley |first1=Bill |title=Was 'The Lion King' Copied From A Japanese Cartoon? Here's The Real Story |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lion-king-kimba_n_6272316 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]] |date=January 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204202206/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lion-king-kimba_n_6272316 |archive-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref> Although loosely inspired by and sharing several similarities with [[William Shakespeare]]'s play ''[[Hamlet]]'', ''The Lion King'' is not considered to be an adaptation of the play.<ref name="colliderhamlet">{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=William |title=Just How Deep Is 'The Lion King's' Debt To 'Hamlet?' |url=https://collider.com/the-lion-king-hamlet-connection-explained/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722013716/https://collider.com/the-lion-king-hamlet-connection-explained/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name="oprahlionkinghamlet">{{cite news |last1=Vincenty |first1=Samantha |title=The Lion King's Surprising Connections to Hamlet |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a28376309/the-lion-king-hamlet-comparison/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=[[Oprah Daily]] |date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203235256/https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a28376309/the-lion-king-hamlet-comparison/ |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |quote="Based on," no. But it's thematic similarities are undeniable.}}</ref>|name=}} that follows a young lion, Simba, becoming an adult and learning to take responsibility for his actions,<ref name=":34" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Paluso |first=Marianne |date=March 14, 2012 |title=Interview: Don Hahn, producer of "The Lion King" and "Chimpanzee" |url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=12925 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002084754/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=12925 |archive-date=2 October 2013 |access-date=2 August 2013 |work=The Trades}}</ref> the film's creators drew inspiration for the character from various sources, namely several [[coming-of-age stories]] and the [[biblical figures]] [[Moses]] and [[Joseph (Genesis)|Joseph]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2011 |title=Roundtable Interview: The Lion King |url=http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=7433 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112011218/http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=7433 |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=Blu-ray.com |publisher=}}</ref><ref name=":8-1">{{Cite web |last=Bonanno |first=Luke |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Interview: Don Hahn, Producer of The Lion King |url=http://www.dvdizzy.com/donhahn-lionking-interview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705193616/http://www.dvdizzy.com/donhahn-lionking-interview.html |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |website=DVDizzy.com |publisher=}}</ref> The film underwent several title changes, one of the earliest of which was ''King of the Jungle''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 28, 2011 |title=10 things you don't know about Lion King |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/11/28/752396/10-things-you-dont-know-about-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200525/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/11/28/752396/10-things-you-dont-know-about-lion-king |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> According to producer [[Don Hahn]], this title was intended to serve as an [[allegory]] about Simba needing to survive and grow up in both a literal and [[metaphor]]ical jungle.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Craig S. |date=Jul 1, 2019 |title=25 Surprising Facts About 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/57386/30-facts-about-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111142744/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/57386/30-facts-about-lion-king |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2024 |work=[[Mental Floss]]}}</ref> However, they renamed it ''The Lion King'' upon realizing lions don't live in jungles, and wanting to shift focus to a simpler story about a lion becoming king.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 26, 2021 |title=The Original Names Of 10 Huge Hollywood Movies |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/movies/the-original-names-of-10-huge-hollywood-movies/slidelist/36445145.cms#slideid=36445166 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111143524/https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/movies/the-original-names-of-10-huge-hollywood-movies/slidelist/36445145.cms#slideid=36445166 |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=[[Business Insider India]]}}</ref> Some filmmakers nicknamed the film "''Bambi ''in Africa" due to similarities between ''The Lion King'' and Disney's own ''[[Bambi]]''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Noyer |first=Jérémie |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Lion King D-rectors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff: 2D's for a 3D hit! |url=http://animatedviews.com/2011/lion-kings-roger-allers-and-rob-minkoff-2d-for-a-3d-hit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326132238/http://animatedviews.com/2011/lion-kings-roger-allers-and-rob-minkoff-2d-for-a-3d-hit/ |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=Animated Views |publisher=}}</ref> The name "Simba" is the [[Swahili language|Swahili]] word for "lion".<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baxter-Wright |first=Dusty |date=July 26, 2016 |title=21 things you didn't know about The Lion King |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a44918/things-you-didnt-know-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111184142/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a44918/things-you-didnt-know-lion-king/ |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2024 |work=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]}}</ref> Unlike Disney's three previous romantic films ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'', ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'', and ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'', ''The Lion King'' focuses on Simba's relationship with his father.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title="The Lion King" – Production Information |url=http://www.lionking.org/text/FilmNotes.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330055419/https://www.lionking.org/text/FilmNotes.html |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=The Lion King WWW Archive}}</ref>

In April 1992, the filmmakers hosted a "brainstorming session" in which much of the film, including Simba's personality, was re-written.<ref name=":1" /> Story supervisor [[Brenda Chapman]] realized they had written a proud, unlikeable character.<ref name=":26">{{Cite news |last=Sim |first=Bernardo |date=July 22, 2019 |title=The Lion King: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Simba |url=https://screenrant.com/the-lion-king-facts-about-simba/#originally-simba-wasn-t-a-very-likable-character |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723141029/https://screenrant.com/the-lion-king-facts-about-simba/#originally-simba-wasn-t-a-very-likable-character |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> Originally, Simba was intended to remain with his pride after [[Mufasa]]'s death until this was revised to make him a more [[sympathetic character]].<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, one of the earliest iterations of Scar was a rogue lion unrelated to Simba,<ref name=":2" /> whereas Simba was meant to be raised by Scar in another version.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bradley |first=Laura |date=July 19, 2019 |title=Inside Mufasa's Lion King Death Scene, a Tearjerker for the Ages |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/the-lion-king-original-vs-remake-mufasa-death-scene |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208040226/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/07/the-lion-king-original-vs-remake-mufasa-death-scene |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Rawden |first=Jessica |date=August 7, 2017 |title=Apparently, Scar Was Originally Supposed To Raise Simba In The Lion King |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1689290/apparently-scar-was-actually-supposed-to-raise-simba-in-the-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173742/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1689290/apparently-scar-was-actually-supposed-to-raise-simba-in-the-lion-king |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref> According to [[Disney Theatrical Group]] president [[Tom Schumacher]], Scar was planned to kill Simba and Mufasa at the same time, only for other characters to mistake him for saving Simba from the stampede.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Griffiths |first=Emmy |date=July 25, 2019 |title=The original ending of the Lion King was too dark for the remake |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2019072575743/lion-king-dark-original-ending-remake/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112161638/https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2019072575743/lion-king-dark-original-ending-remake/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]]}}</ref> Instead of meeting [[Timon and Pumbaa]], this version of Simba would have grown up a slacker under Scar's reign, making him easier to overthrow.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lorusso |first=Billy |date=August 8, 2017 |title=The Original Plan For Simba In 'The Lion King' Will Literally Blow Your Mind |url=https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/film/the-original-plan-for-simba-in-the-lion-king/2039268 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112162038/https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/film/the-original-plan-for-simba-in-the-lion-king/2039268 |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[Elite Daily]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=July 16, 2019 |title=The curious case of dust in The Lion King |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/16/20692330/disney-the-lion-king-special-visual-effects-dust-cg-animation-2d-3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116210531/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/16/20692330/disney-the-lion-king-special-visual-effects-dust-cg-animation-2d-3d |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> A short scene depicting a young Simba wandering the desert before meeting Timon and Pumbaa was also cut.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=November 23, 2018 |title=17 things you probably didn't know about the making of 'The Lion King' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lion-king-trivia-2017-7#9-there-was-another-scene-of-simba-originally-wandering-around-in-the-desert-more-before-passing-out-from-exhaustion-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115150938/https://www.businessinsider.com/lion-king-trivia-2017-7#9-there-was-another-scene-of-simba-originally-wandering-around-in-the-desert-more-before-passing-out-from-exhaustion-9 |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |work=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref>

Screenwriter [[Linda Woolverton]], one of the writers credited with creating the character,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |date=December 3, 2018 |title=Original 'Lion King' Screenwriter Apprehensive of Remake: "I Wasn't Thrilled With 'Beauty and the Beast'" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/linda-woolverton-lion-king-remake-beauty-beast-1165869/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004190646/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/linda-woolverton-lion-king-remake-beauty-beast-1165869/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |quote=[[Linda Woolverton]], the creator of such beloved Disney characters as Belle and Simba}}</ref> joined the film to revise its screenplay, which included providing Simba with a stronger adversary by changing the rogue lion into Simba's uncle.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Reif |first=Alex |date=July 2, 2020 |title=10 Things We Learned from Linda Woolverton During WDFM's Happily Ever After Hours |url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/07/02/10-things-we-learned-from-linda-woolverton-during-wdfms-happily-ever-after-hours/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112150254/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2020/07/02/10-things-we-learned-from-linda-woolverton-during-wdfms-happily-ever-after-hours/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=Laughing Place}}</ref> She felt the change contributed more [[Shakespearean]] elements to the story.<ref name=":8" /> The character has often been compared to [[Prince Hamlet]] from [[William Shakespeare]]'s tragedy ''[[Hamlet]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lion King Characters |url=https://www.thelionking.co.uk/the-lion-king-characters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415090359/https://www.thelionking.co.uk/the-lion-king-characters |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=[[The Lion King (musical)|The Lion King]]}}</ref> In an earlier version of the script, Simba was meant to lose his final fight to Scar, being thrown from Pride Rock before his uncle ultimately dies in a fire.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ashton |first=Will |date=July 1, 2020 |title=The Lion King: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Disney Animated Movie |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2549109/the-lion-king-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-disney-animated-movie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030085736/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2549109/the-lion-king-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-disney-animated-movie |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=[[CinemaBlend]]}}</ref> Nala's younger brother Mheetu, who Simba was to have rescued from a stampede, was also written out of the film,<ref name=":2" /> as well as a trio of Simba's childhood friends.<ref name=":16-1" /> For a while, the story team struggled to come up with a convincing reason as to why Simba would believe he was responsible for Mufasa's death, without killing him.<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |last=Bradley |first=Bill |date=February 24, 2020 |title=Your Favorite Disney Movies Were Almost Completely Different, This Director Says |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-movies-different_n_5e472416c5b64433c6167239 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125134018/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-movies-different_n_5e472416c5b64433c6167239 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref> Story artist [[Chris Sanders]] explained that the key to this was eventually accepting that a young child in an extremely emotional state would simply believe what their uncle told them.<ref name=":40" />

Addressing online speculation that Simba and Nala could potentially be related since Mufasa and Scar are the only adult male lions identified in the film, Woolverton acknowledged that although it is possible, she had never written Simba and Nala as cousins or siblings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Losgar |first=Maxwell |date=May 27, 2016 |title=Your Burning Questions about Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, Answered |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/05/linda-woolverton-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801145131/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/05/linda-woolverton-interview |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref> Although Woolverton admitted that songs such as "[[Hakuna Matata (song)|Hakuna Matata]]" were non-essential to the plot and arrived later during the writing process, she confirmed that it helps demonstrate Simba during his "lost boy" phase.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Emma |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Linda Woolverton and the Making of Maleficent |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/linda-woolverton-maleficent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204145713/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/linda-woolverton-maleficent |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]]}}</ref> Some of Disney's marketing team doubted Simba's marketability, since most of Disney's lead characters at the time were female or princesses.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Riedel |first=Michael |date=October 16, 2020 |title=How The Lion King Became a $9 Billion Broadway Smash |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/10/how-the-lion-king-became-a-dollar9-billion-broadway-smash |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101011716/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/10/how-the-lion-king-became-a-dollar9-billion-broadway-smash |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]}}</ref>

===Voice===
Actor [[Matthew Broderick]] provided the speaking voice of adult Simba.<ref name=":16-1">{{Cite magazine |last=Daly |first=Steve |date=July 8, 1994 |title=Mane Attraction |url=https://ew.com/article/1994/07/08/storyboard-screen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528101440/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,302837,00.html |archive-date=May 28, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> The first actor cast for ''The Lion King'',<ref name=":6-1" /> Broderick learned that Disney was interested in him for the lead role while he was vacationing in Ireland,<ref name=":25" /> to where Disney sent him sketches of Simba.<ref name=":39">{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=April 2, 2018 |title=The Lion King stars look back on the making of the animated hit |url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/04/02/disney-lion-king-timon-pumbaa-simba/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525180100/https://ew.com/movies/2019/04/25/the-lion-king-cover-story/ |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> The filmmakers hired him based on his performance in the [[teen comedy]] film ''[[Ferris Bueller's Day Off]]''.<ref name=":25">{{cite news |last=Kehr |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Kehr |date=December 27, 2002 |title=At the Movies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/27/movies/at-the-movies.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525174903/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/27/movies/at-the-movies.html |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":16" /> According to Hahn, Broderick was cast because his voice invoked a character who could be irresponsible yet likeable enough to redeem himself.<ref name=":16-3">{{Cite web |url=http://www.cinemaspy.com/spotlight/interview-disneys-don-hahn-adds-another-dimension-to-the-lion-king-10575/ |title=Interview: Don Hahn Adds Another Dimension to Disney's The Lion King |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130726211202/http://www.cinemaspy.com/spotlight/interview-disneys-don-hahn-adds-another-dimension-to-the-lion-king-10575/ |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |date=October 5, 2011 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |website=CinemaSpy.com |last=Simpson |first=Michael}}</ref> Minkoff recalled that the actor was able to humanize the character, preventing the hero from "becoming 2-dimensional" using a combination of sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and humor.<ref name=":1" /> Having been involved in the film since early development,<ref name=":25" /> Broderick said he had always assumed ''The Lion King'' was an adaptation of ''Hamlet'',<ref name=":14" /> elements of which were most prominent when he was first cast.<ref name=":25" /> Broderick worked on the film on-and-off for two-three years,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Holub |first=Christian |date=March 6, 2018 |title=The Making of The Lion King |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |via=[[EBSCO Information Services]]}}</ref><ref name=":16-1" /> often re-recording his work to match what the animators had drawn several months later.<ref name=":25" /> He also slightly lowered his pitch to establish Simba's maturity once he decides to become king.<ref name=":43" /> Although Broderick recorded most of his lines alone, he briefly recorded with an actress who had originally been cast as Nala until she was ultimately replaced with [[Moira Kelly]], which Broderick only learned had happened at the film's premiere.<ref name=":25" /> The actor said he sometimes felt left out when recording his lines, which were more somber in comparison to the film's supporting cast.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Susan |date=September 15, 2011 |title=A 'Lion's' tale |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-sep-15-la-et-lion-king-20110915-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024090815/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/15/entertainment/la-et-lion-king-20110915/2 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-status=live |pages=1, 2}}</ref>
[[File:Matthew Broderick 2022.jpg|left|thumb|225x225px|[[Matthew Broderick]] voiced the adult Simba.]]
Disney auditioned dozens of [[child actor]]s for the role of young Simba, searching for an actor who could embody "a scrappy young kid".<ref name=":38" /> Actor [[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]] was cast as the speaking voice of young Simba.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 4, 1994 |title=Whoopi Goldberg and James Earl Jones Lend Voices to Disney's Movie 'The Lion King' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8LoDAAAAMBAJ&dq=jonathan+taylor+thomas+%22simba%22&pg=PA32 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116171112/https://books.google.ca/books?id=8LoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32&dq=jonathan+taylor+thomas+%22simba%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjt7qPwseKDAxUTD1kFHcpUCV0Q6AF6BAgJEAI#v=onepage&q=jonathan%20taylor%20thomas%20%22simba%22&f=false |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |work=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |pages=32–35 |via=[[Google Books]] |issn=0021-5996}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Amy |date=September 27, 2011 |title=With 'Lion King' No. 1, where is Jonathan Taylor Thomas? |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/jonathan-taylor-thomas-lion-king.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527064505/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/jonathan-taylor-thomas-lion-king.html |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> He was 12 years-old at the time.<ref name=":15">{{Cite magazine |last=Chanko |first=Kenneth M. |date=June 17, 1994 |title=The familiar voice of ''The Lion King'' |url=https://ew.com/article/1994/06/17/familiar-voice-lion-king/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112180119/https://ew.com/article/1994/06/17/familiar-voice-lion-king/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> Thomas did not alter his voice for the character,<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |last1=Cernetig |first1=Miro |last2=Schindehette |first2=Susan |date=August 1, 1994 |title=Feline Groovy |url=https://people.com/jonathan-taylor-thomas-talks-voicing-simba-in-the-lion-king-in-1994-8668406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923142838/https://people.com/jonathan-taylor-thomas-talks-voicing-simba-in-the-lion-king-in-1994-8668406 |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |via=}}</ref> but simply spoke "with a real kid spirit" since Simba had been described to him by the film's directors as "energetically cocky".<ref name=":15" /> Thomas recorded his lines in hour-long sessions over the course of a year and a half.<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Sandi |date=June 24, 1994 |title=Actor's Voice Destined to Live Forever |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1994/06/24/actors-voice-destined-to-live-forever/62421872007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112180119/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1994/06/24/actors-voice-destined-to-live-forever/62421872007/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=[[The Oklahoman]]}}</ref> Because he was working by himself, he improvised much of what other characters were supposed to be saying to his character due to the lack of other actors on set.<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Bergman |first=Anne |date=August 23, 1994 |title=Enjoying His Juggling Act : 'Home's' Thomas Finds Time for Serious Work and Play |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-23-ca-30283-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031180649/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-08-23-ca-30283-story.html |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> Due to his busy schedule, Thomas recorded some his dialogue on the ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]'' set, the [[sitcom]] on which he was starring at the time,<ref name=":17" /> since both productions were filmed on [[Walt Disney Studios (Burbank)|Disney's Burbank lot]].<ref name=":38" /> His recording sessions were video recorded, which animators used to incorporate some of Thomas' expressions and mannerisms into their drawings,<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":27" /> namely the actor's "sly smile".<ref name=":23" /> His appearance and personality served as creative inspiration for supervising animator [[Mark Henn]] in particular.<ref name=":5-1" /> The actor found Simba's curiosity similar to his own.<ref name=":17" /> He also likened Simba to his ''Home Improvement'' character [[Randy Taylor]], describing both as curious, intuitive, confident, and quick-witted.<ref name=":23" /> Hahn recalled "rough[ing Thomas] up" during certain recording sessions when his character was intended to sound active or out of breath, in order to deliver a convincing performance.<ref name=":38" />

Although Broderick recorded his character's songs twice, the studio opted not to use his vocals in the final film, which the actor attributed to Disney being interested in a poppier sound than he was capable of delivering.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 29, 2021 |title=11 Actors That Shockingly Didn't Sing In Their Movies |url=https://toofab.com/2021/10/29/11-actors-that-shockingly-didnt-sing-in-their-movies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116190738/https://toofab.com/2021/10/29/11-actors-that-shockingly-didnt-sing-in-their-movies/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=TooFab}}</ref> [[Toto (band)|Toto]] lead singer [[Joseph Williams (musician)|Joseph Williams]] and actor [[Jason Weaver]] provided the singing voices of adult and young Simba, respectively.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gemm.com/artist/Joseph%20Williams |title=Joseph Williams Biography |access-date=July 29, 2013 |website=Gemm |url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111839/http://www.gemm.com/artist/Joseph%20Williams |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref> Williams was originally hired to record all of [[Aladdin (Disney character)|Aladdin]]'s vocals.<ref name=":22" /> However, ''Aladdin''<nowiki/>'s songwriters preferred a more theatrical voice over Williams', and ultimately replaced him with actor [[Brad Kane]].<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=Mark |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Interview: Joe Williams of Toto |url=https://nippertown.com/2023/02/21/interview-joe-williams-of-toto/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115181735/https://nippertown.com/2023/02/21/interview-joe-williams-of-toto/ |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |work=Nippertown}}</ref> Several months later, Disney's music supervisor Chris Montan invited Williams back to record some [[Demo recording|demos]], which ultimately became the songs used in ''The Lion King''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grierson |first=Tim |date=June 15, 2022 |title='I've Never Judged Myself Against Him, Ever': Toto Joseph Williams on His Father, 'Star Wars' Composer John Williams |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/joseph-williams-toto-john-williams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115181211/https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/joseph-williams-toto-john-williams |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |work=[[MEL Magazine]]}}</ref> Although Williams speculated that he would be replaced similar to ''Aladdin'', all of his vocals were retained in the final film.<ref name=":22" /> Williams claims Broderick was upset that Disney had decided to [[Dubbing|dub]] him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaudiosi |first=Jeff |date=August 25, 2019 |title=A Conversation with Toto Vocalist Joseph Williams |url=https://misplacedstraws.com/2019/08/a-conversation-with-toto-vocalist.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116174613/https://misplacedstraws.com/2019/08/a-conversation-with-toto-vocalist.html |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Misplaced Straws}}</ref> He recorded "Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight" for the film.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Casino |first=Snoqualmie |date=February 23, 2023 |title=For Toto, 'Africa' is just one long note in a symphonic career run |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/for-toto-africa-is-just-one-long-note-in-a-symphonic-career-run/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126133409/https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/for-toto-africa-is-just-one-long-note-in-a-symphonic-career-run/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref>

Impressed by Weaver's performance as a young [[Michael Jackson]] in the [[miniseries]] ''[[The Jacksons: An American Dream]]'', songwriters [[Elton John]] and [[Tim Rice]] recruited him to record "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" and "[[Hakuna Matata (song)|Hakuna Matata]]" while ''The Lion King'' was still in its early stages and little animation had been completed.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Bachelor |first=J. |date=September 20, 2011 |title=Guest Star: "I [Still] Make Residual Income Off Of ['The Lion King' Movie]" |url=http://www.sohh.com/2011/09/i_was_recruited_by_elton_john_disney.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105740/http://www.sohh.com/2011/09/i_was_recruited_by_elton_john_disney.html |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2013 |website=[[SOHH]] |publisher=}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Rene |first=Shameika |date=October 18, 2011 |title=Sound Check: Jason Weaver |url=http://soultrain.com/2011/10/18/sound-check-jason-weaver/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703171104/http://soultrain.com/2011/10/18/sound-check-jason-weaver/ |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |access-date=August 2, 2013 |website=[[Soul Train]] |publisher=}}</ref> Weaver said the songwriters approached his mother about wanting Simba's singing voice to have "a young Michael Jackson vibe".<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Ashley |date=June 24, 2024 |title='The Lion King' at 30: Jason Weaver Sang for Simba but Few Knew It |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/movies/lion-king-simba-jason-weaver.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918153432/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/24/movies/lion-king-simba-jason-weaver.html |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=February 4, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Weaver recorded "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" only a few days after completing the miniseries, with John in particular vouching for his involvement in ''The Lion King''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Xavier |date=August 10, 2019 |title=Jason Weaver Explains Why He Was Only 1994 Young Simba's Singing Voice |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/fnr-tigg/jason-weaver-explains-why-he-was-only-young-simbas-singing-voice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123203235/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/fnr-tigg/jason-weaver-explains-why-he-was-only-young-simbas-singing-voice |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=[[Complex Networks|Complex]]}}</ref> His meeting with Disney in Burbank was intended to only be an audition but he ultimately recorded "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" in two takes, completing his work before he had to fly back to Chicago.<ref name=":10" /> His recording from the audition was ultimately retained for the final film, which Weaver said they had prepared for extensively prior.<ref name=":10" /> Impressed by his performance, the directors considered offering Weaver the speaking role as well before learning that negotiations with Thomas had already been finalized.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Monique |date=August 10, 2019 |title=Here's Why Jason Weaver Wasn't Able To Take The Speaking Role Of Simba In 'The Lion King' |url=https://blavity.com/entertainment/heres-why-jason-weaver-wasnt-able-to-take-the-speaking-role-of-simba-in-the-lion-king |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123203309/https://blavity.com/entertainment/heres-why-jason-weaver-wasnt-able-to-take-the-speaking-role-of-simba-in-the-lion-king |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=[[Blavity]]}}</ref> Disney originally offered Weaver $2 million [[USD]] for his work on ''The Lion King'', but Weaver's mother declined in favor of a deal securing $100,000 upfront and lifetime [[royalties]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Jason Weaver Turned Down $2M In Exchange For Royalties For 'Lion King' Role |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/jason-weaver-royalties-lion-king-interview-666060/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623165813/https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/jason-weaver-royalties-lion-king-interview-666060/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dorisca |first=Samantha |date=November 18, 2022 |title=After Turning Down $2M For Singing In 'The Lion King,' Jason Weaver Celebrates Double-Platinum Track 30 Years Later |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/turning-down-2m-singing-lion-174603602.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJIhrBox2wwbDJMLsXIDilZr6OMd62v_bPmTj7wKhjJnhi21S_PQaTHxYdvkwbmqK5Dh2ZN_rVGnwSS1mUDZ92w4Dq3GNPUuF1zPjmtSJ25WxW4FTUIbHTGS7vrU9zuMw7NoaYruY0FmT1PyA7OSVC_eW7Dqq4DC__RWM1qeqneb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123205612/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/turning-down-2m-singing-lion-174603602.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJIhrBox2wwbDJMLsXIDilZr6OMd62v_bPmTj7wKhjJnhi21S_PQaTHxYdvkwbmqK5Dh2ZN_rVGnwSS1mUDZ92w4Dq3GNPUuF1zPjmtSJ25WxW4FTUIbHTGS7vrU9zuMw7NoaYruY0FmT1PyA7OSVC_eW7Dqq4DC__RWM1qeqneb |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=AfroTech |via=[[Yahoo! Finance]]}}</ref> Weaver receives a portion of the film's revenue every time it is re-released, and his total earnings have since exceeded Disney's initial offer.<ref>{{Cite news |title="Lion King" singer says mum changed his life by rejecting a whopping $2m |url=https://thelagosreview.ng/lion-king-singer-says-mum-changed-his-life-by-rejecting-a-whopping-2m/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125150030/https://thelagosreview.ng/lion-king-singer-says-mum-changed-his-life-by-rejecting-a-whopping-2m/ |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=[[The Lagos Review]]}}</ref> Weaver was not invited to the film's premiere and did little promotion for it, which he attributes to Disney's desire to use the bigger names in the cast to promote the film.<ref name=":10" /> Voice actor [[Frank Welker]] provided the roars of adult Simba and all other lions, simulating the effect using a trash can.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=Crystal |date=April 23, 2012 |title='The Lion King': Voice Actor Frank Welker Brings A Lion's Roar To Life With A Garbage Can (Video) |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-lion-king-voice-actor-frank-welker-video_n_1446325 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206210237/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-lion-king-voice-actor-frank-welker-video_n_1446325 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref>

===Personality and design===
Disney has long denied [[Kimba the White Lion (TV series)#Claims of resemblance to The Lion King|accusations]] that ''The Lion King'' is based on the anime series ''[[Kimba the White Lion (TV series)|Kimba the White Lion]]'', despite similarities between the names "Simba" and "Kimba", as well as some [[concept art]] depicting Simba as a [[white lion]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keeley |first=Pete |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Big Little Lions: Disney's New 'Lion King' Dodges the 'Kimba' Similarity Issue |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lion-king-kimba-white-lion-does-disney-need-come-clean-1225822/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621080544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lion-king-kimba-white-lion-does-disney-need-come-clean-1225822/ |archive-date=June 21, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mirjalili |first=Fatemeh |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Why Some Thought The Lion King Was Just A Copycat Of This Anime |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/811619/why-some-thought-the-lion-king-was-just-a-copycat-of-this-anime/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414152820/https://www.slashfilm.com/811619/why-some-thought-the-lion-king-was-just-a-copycat-of-this-anime/ |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[/Film]]}}</ref> The studio maintains that any parallels are coincidental.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Cecil |date=December 23, 1999 |title=The Straight Dope |url=https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-straight-dope-433/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809073516/https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-straight-dope-433/ |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[Chicago Reader]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Denham |first=Hannah |date=July 26, 2019 |title='Lion King' has been clouded by intellectual property controversy for 25 years. Here's the story behind it. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/26/lion-king-has-been-clouded-by-intellectual-property-controversy-years-heres-story-behind-it/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604184935/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/26/lion-king-has-been-clouded-by-intellectual-property-controversy-years-heres-story-behind-it/ |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> However, Broderick said he thought he had originally been cast in an American remake of ''Kimba'' because the characters seemed so similar to him at first.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1994 |title='Lion King' recalls beast of another reign |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-07-12-1994193097-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904001830/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-07-12-1994193097-story.html |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> Because Disney was prioritizing ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' over ''The Lion King'', the former of which most of their experienced animators gravitated towards since the studio considered it the more promising of the two projects,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Matthew |date=July 22, 2019 |title=In 1994, 'The Lion King' Was A Surprise Smash. Today, It's Just Another Product. |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-lion-king-remake-jon-favreau_n_5d30736de4b004b6adac065d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118165604/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-lion-king-remake-jon-favreau_n_5d30736de4b004b6adac065d |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Golembewski |first=Vanessa |date=June 23, 2015 |title=The Secret Rivalry Between Pocahontas & The Lion King |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/06/89430/pocohantas-disney-anniversary-animation-team-rivalry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118172820/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/06/89430/pocohantas-disney-anniversary-animation-team-rivalry |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Refinery29]]}}</ref> Simba was one of the few ''Lion King'' characters animated at the studio's main California location.<ref name=":26" /> This proved challenging for the production team because Simba shares several scenes with characters who were animated in [[Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida|Florida]].<ref name=":26" />
[[File:Jonathan Taylor Thomas.jpg|left|thumb|281x281px|Actor [[Jonathan Taylor Thomas]] voiced young Simba and served as visual inspiration for his animators. ]]
The role of Simba's supervising animator was divided between [[Ruben A. Aquino]] and Mark Henn, the former of whom was the first animator hired for ''The Lion King''.<ref name=":1" /> Henn served as the supervising animator of Simba as a cub,<ref name=":37">{{Cite web |last=jchan |date=November 14, 2014 |title=Meet the Disney Animator Who Helped Create Some of Your Favorite Princesses: Mark Henn |url=https://blog.academyart.edu/meet-the-disney-animator-who-helped-create-some-of-your-favorite-princesses-mark-henn/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119195850/https://blog.academyart.edu/meet-the-disney-animator-who-helped-create-some-of-your-favorite-princesses-mark-henn/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=[[Academy of Art University]]}}</ref> and Aquino animated him as an adult.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wloszczyna |first=Susan |date=October 29, 2003 |title=Looks like a bear market for 2-D animation |work=[[USA Today]] |via=[[EBSCO Information Services]]}}</ref><ref name=":6-4">{{Cite web |last=Solomon |first=Charles |author-link=Charles Solomon (animation historian) |date=November 12, 2003 |title=Drawing breath |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-12-et-solomon12-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423154505/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-12-et-solomon12-story.html |archive-date=April 23, 2023 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Aquino and Henn worked on the character from Disney's California and Florida studios, respectively.<ref name=":34" /> According to Aquino, animating [[Quadrupedalism|four-legged creatures]] is difficult because artists are required to draw twice as many legs as human characters, while still incorporating human-like qualities.<ref name=":6-5" /> For assistance, Aquino drew inspiration from Disney's previous animal films such as ''Bambi'', ''[[Lady and the Tramp]]'', and ''[[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|The Jungle Book]]''.<ref name=":6-5">{{Cite web |last=Tiemann |first=Brian |date=December 25, 1994 |title=The Lion King |url=http://www.lionking.org/text/FilmNotes.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620183143/https://www.lionking.org/text/FilmNotes.html |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=The Lion King WWW Archive |publisher=Brian Tiemann}}</ref> Aquino based his early drawings of Simba on Broderick,<ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=March 11, 2022 |title='Lion King' Animator Ruben Aquino Looks Back at the Inspirations Behind His Design of Simba |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lion-king-animator-interview-simba-design-1235106624/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115055119/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lion-king-animator-interview-simba-design-1235106624/ |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> whose voice he said offers the character "a lot of humor and vulnerability ... which really gave me something to go on and made it easier for me to flesh out my performance".<ref name=":6-5" /> Aquino would quietly sketch Broderick live during his sessions, which would end up informing each other's performances.<ref name=":39" /> Because the adult version of the character is introduced [[Depression (mood)|mildly depressed]], Aquino originally drew him with sad, soulful eyes and a disheveled mane, but redesigned him to look more heroic at Hahn's request.<ref name=":24" /> As a result, Simba ended up resembling Mufasa.<ref name=":24" /> To make sure the character looked believable, Aquino studied live lions loaned to the studio and consulted with zoologists.<ref name=":24" />

Henn animated Simba's scenes from the beginning of the film until approximately the "Hakuna Matata" sequence,<ref name=":0" /> including Simba's first appearance as an adult towards the end of the musical number.<ref name=":34">{{cite web |last=Noyer |first=Jérémie |date=January 8, 2010 |title=The Princess and the Frog's Supervising Animator Mark Henn – Part 2: The "Disney Decade" |url=http://animatedviews.com/2010/the-princess-and-the-frog-supervising-animator-mark-henn-part-2-the-disney-decade/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609191934/http://animatedviews.com/2010/the-princess-and-the-frog-supervising-animator-mark-henn-part-2-the-disney-decade/ |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |access-date=August 7, 2013 |website=Animated Views}}</ref> Before ''The Lion King'', his experience as a supervising animator was limited to predominantly female characters, having previously worked on [[Ariel (The Little Mermaid)|Ariel]] from ''[[The Little Mermaid (1989 film)|The Little Mermaid]]'', [[Belle (Disney character)|Belle]] from ''[[Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)|Beauty and the Beast]]'', and [[Jasmine (Aladdin)|Jasmine]] from ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]''.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Roger |date=September 15, 2011 |title='Lion King' was born and animated in Orlando |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/09/15/lion-king-was-born-and-animated-in-orlando/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002123248/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-09-15/entertainment/os-movie-story-henn-20110915_1_disney-s-feature-animation-florida-disney-animation-mark-henn |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |url-status=live |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Amidi |first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Animation Legend Mark Henn Retires After 43-Year Run At Disney |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/animation-legend-mark-henn-retires-after-43-year-run-at-disney-235890.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122092512/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/animation-legend-mark-henn-retires-after-43-year-run-at-disney-235890.html |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Cartoon Brew]]}}</ref> He initially campaigned heavily to animate the film's villain, Scar, because he wanted to do something different than the [[Disney Princess|princesses]] he had become known for,<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35">{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Everything We Learned From the 'Lion King' Panel at the 2017 D23 Expo |url=https://www.moviefone.com/news/everything-we-learned-from-the-lion-king-panel-at-the-2017-d23/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425014453/https://www.moviefone.com/news/everything-we-learned-from-the-lion-king-panel-at-the-2017-d23/ |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=[[Moviefone]]}}</ref> but Hahn convinced him to work on Simba due to his experience with main characters.<ref name=":8-2">{{Cite web |last=Radish |first=Christina |date=September 11, 2011 |title=Mark Henn and Tony Bancroft Interview The Lion King 3D |url=http://collider.com/mark-henn-tony-bancroft-the-lion-king-3d-interview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418071844/http://collider.com/mark-henn-tony-bancroft-the-lion-king-3d-interview/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> Hahn reminded Henn that the success of the entire film hinges on Simba's design, since he is considered the most important character in ''The Lion King'',<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> and the animator found it a welcome departure from [[Leading lady|leading ladies]] nonetheless.<ref name=":8-2" /> Aside from [[Andreas Deja]] who ultimately animated Scar, Henn was the most tenured animator on ''The Lion King'', whose roster mostly consisted of newer or first-time animators.<ref name=":8-2" /> Simba proved to be a challenge because Henn was tasked with creating an animated character who would both appear and behave like a real lion cub for the first time.<ref name=":33" /> To achieve believability, Henn visited zoos, studied live lion cubs that were loaned to the studio for research, and consulted with wildlife professionals.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Priebe |first=Ken A. |date=October 10, 2011 |title=Disney Animator Mark Henn Reflects |url=http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?p=8850 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125111537/http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/the-lion-king-interview-with-mark-henn/ |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=Hollywood Jesus}}</ref> Henn maintained that animators can not simply use their cats as reference models due to their different anatomies.<ref name=":32" /> Recalling their efforts to make his character as realistic as possible, Henn said that, unlike domestic cats, lion cubs “have a power ... underlying that seemingly soft exterior".<ref name=":27" /> He was also responsible for making sure Simba's appearance remained consistent between himself, the directors, and other animators.<ref name=":0" />

When it came to animating the "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" musical sequence, Henn insisted that Simba remain on all-fours, despite the character [[Anthropomorphism|exhibiting human characteristics]] by dancing.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Minow |first=Nell |author-link=Nell Minow |year=2011 |title=Interview: Mark Henn of 'The Lion King' |url=http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/2011/10/interview-mark-henn-of-the-lion-king.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002204846/http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/2011/10/interview-mark-henn-of-the-lion-king.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |website=[[Beliefnet]]}}</ref> The animators would often observe and film the actors' recording sessions, using their mannerisms as visual reference, with Thomas proving particularly influential on Simba's design and personality.<ref name=":5-2">{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Brian |date=September 15, 2011 |title=Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn Talk The Lion King |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/tony-bancroft-and-mark-henn-talk-the-lion-king |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707051223/http://movieweb.com/tony-bancroft-and-mark-henn-talk-the-lion-king/ |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2014 |website=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref> Henn described his version of the character as a young, cocky, inexperienced cub who had yet to mature, which he hoped would remind viewers of their younger selves.<ref name=":34" /> Compared to adult Simba, Simba is "looser" and less physically assured, which allowed Henn to draw him "a little more awkward, his feet were a little bigger, they could be a little floppier than when he’s an adult".<ref name=":34" /> Although Henn and Aquino did not spend much time discussing the character's design with each other, both artists referenced live lions and received input from the same research team to determine how Simba should look and behave.<ref name=":34" /> Catherine Hinman of the ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]'' observed that the animators' extensive research resulted in "a lion cub who moves like his aristocratic cousins on the savannah but acts like the kid down the street".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinman |first=Catherine |date=June 19, 1994 |title=Disney-mgm Animation 'Lion King' Of The Jungle |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/06/19/disney-mgm-animation-lion-king-of-the-jungle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030162925/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-06-19/news/9406190329_1_lion-king-feature-animation-simba |archive-date=October 30, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |url-status=live |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> Tom Bancroft, an animator who worked on Simba under Henn, described his supervisor as the fastest animator at Disney at the time, making it difficult for other animators to acquire their own scenes to animate as Henn would typically do them himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Lavalle |date=January 24, 2013 |title=Traditional Animation |url=https://www.traditionalanimation.com/2013/tom-bancroft-interview-character-mentor-workshops/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203154908/https://www.traditionalanimation.com/2013/tom-bancroft-interview-character-mentor-workshops/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=Traditional Animation}}</ref> According to the [[Academy of Art University]], Henn's work on Simba "further cemented his place in [animation] history".<ref name=":37" />

Some journalists believe Simba's mane was based on how singer [[Jon Bon Jovi]] styled his hair during the 1980s.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Ali |date=June 13, 2014 |title=The Lion King: 20 Things Might Not Know |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/movies/the-lion-king-20-things-might-not-know-141843642.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111150432/https://www.yahoo.com/news/movies/the-lion-king-20-things-might-not-know-141843642.html |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Kevin |date=July 12, 2017 |title='The Lion King' Turns 20: Every Crazy, Weird Fact About the Disney Classic |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-lion-king-turns-20-every-crazy-weird-fact-about-the-disney-classic |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203210941/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-lion-king-turns-20-every-crazy-weird-fact-about-the-disney-classic |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=[[The Daily Beast]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chanel |first=Sunny |date=August 28, 2017 |title=25 Things You Probably Didn't Know About "The Lion King" |url=https://www.brit.co/lion-king-facts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120075336/https://www.brit.co/lion-king-facts/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=[[Brit + Co]]}}</ref> Simba spends 55% of his screen time as a cub, and the remaining 45% as an adult lion.<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Matthew |last2=Sheehan |first2=Paul |date=April 26, 2023 |title=Top 10 Disney Heroes Ranked By Screen Time |url=https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/disney-heroes-screen-time/heroes-simba/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117175215/https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/disney-heroes-screen-time/heroes-simba/ |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |access-date=January 17, 2023 |work=[[Gold Derby]]}}</ref> At the time of the film's release, Simba had the most screen time of any Disney hero, appearing in 49.71% of the film (or 43 minutes and 51 seconds).<ref name=":29" />