Editing Simba (section)

===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>