The Lion King Remake: Ranking All the Main Characters in Jon Favreau’s Film, From Worst to Best

The Lion King of 1994 is considered as one of the most loved animated movies of all time. The quotes, the characters and the musical numbers still connect with the fans even after more than 25 years of its release. So it was pretty much exciting to hear when Jon Favreau, the maverick film-maker, was giving the film a 21st Century touch. We all know what a stupendous feat of visual achievement his last film turned out to be, which was a remake of The Jungle Book. The Lion King Box Office Collection: Jon Favreau's Latest Directorial Venture Is Off to a Good Start at the Ticket Windows in India.

The Lion King is not like The Jungle Book, which was a live-action adaptation, though it shares the same sensibilites as far as remakes go. Instead, it is a photo-realistic treatment where the characters are rendered to how they look in real life with no actual human actors on screen. Keeping that in mind, The Lion King remake has turned out to be a visually stunning piece of cinema with some excellent effects and a terrific voice-cast to boot. The Lion King Movie Review: Jon Favreau’s Remake of the Classic Disney Tale Trades Impactful StoryTelling for Stunning Imagery.

And yet, the remake doesn't give the same kind of viewer satisfaction as The Jungle Book. The recreated animals do not bring the kind of emotional depth that was easier to bring in animated characters. Also, the remake lacks the magic of story-telling and some very underdeveloped characters, which the original excelled in. Nevertheless, there is still a high chance that The Lion King will dominate at the box office.

In this special feature, we look at all the main characters in The Lion King remake and rank them from Worst to Best, based on the kind of impact they create in the narrative! Needless to say, SPOILERS AHEAD! (This is based on the Hollywood version of the film, and not the Shah Rukh Khan-Aryan dubbed Hindi one)

Rafiki

Voiced By: John Kani

The mandrill has one of the most intriguing characters in the original film. A shaman-like figure who is perhaps the wisest animal in the Pride's Land, the remake, unfortunately, doesn't give him any sort of voice or participation until the third act. Even in these portions, Rafiki is used more of a plot device rather than an important character. Though, his staff-wielding fight in the climax is cheer-worthy!

Shenzi

Voiced By: Florence Kasumba

The leader of the vicious hyena pack, Shenzi, is as dangerous as the main antagonist, Scar. This is made more evident in the conclusion to Scar's arc. However, until then, Shenzi is treated more of a henchman to Scar. Her fight with Nala in the climax would have made more impact if the movie had allowed her to spar more with the lioness, earlier in the film.

Sarabi

Voiced By: Alfre Woodard

The problem with Sarabi is that we really don't get to know her character as much as her husband, the great Mufasa, and her son. She remains mostly in the peripherals and only rises upto the occasion when she has to defy Scar's 'indecent proposal'. Even in the climax, it is Nala who riles up the other lionesses to rebel against Scar, and not the actual 'Queen'.

Adult Simba

Voiced By: Donald Glover

It is kinda disappointing that the main protagonist is ranking this low. Or rather, the heroic part of the character. This ranking has nothing to do with the talents of Donald Glover, who is truly excellent in the singing portions. But the movie makes him more of a perfunctory lead, whose rise from a carefree youngster to a brave hero and leader feels very rushed.

Nala

Voiced By: Beyonce

Nala may not have as big a role as Simba, but she makes for a better hero than her future husband. She is more strategic and mature, she cares for her kingdom more than Simba and she is fearless too. And thanks to Beyonce's casting, she sings well too. Only her romance with Simba feels very shoe-horned than be an established arc in her narrative.

Zazu

Voiced By: John Oliver

Simba may think that Zazu, the hornbill, is very prim and annoying, but Zazu is quite loyal to both him and his father. Even at the point of risking his life, Zazu has served both of them and has more than once, shown his heroic side. John Oliver's casting also makes Zazu one of the most hilarious characters in the film.

Young Simba

Voiced By: JD McCrary

The need to bifurcate Simba into two versions is because the different levels of impact they make to the narrative. The younger Simba's naivety, his respect towards his Mufasa and his irksome but understandable bravado all makes sense considering his age. Which is why it was also easy for Scar to send him on a guilt-trip after Mufasa's death. Though it is annoying that Simba listens to his evil uncle more than his world-wisely father.

Mufasa

Voiced By: James Earl Jones

Jon Favreau did the right thing by rehiring 'Darth Vader' James Earl Jones for the remake too, after the actor had voiced the same character in the original. We really can't think any other actor's voice would have fit so well as James' deep baritone for the majestic Mufasa. The King of the Jungle is not only a considerate ruler, who respects the circle of life, but also a caring father who understands why his son would jump into foolish situations. That said, Mufasa should have banished his brother, as Zazu had advised him.

Scar

Voiced By: Chiwetel Ejiofor

The one little grouse I have with The Lion King is that there should have been a bit more of Scar. He is a truly terrifying antagonist, whose most intimidating feature is in his manipulation than in his claws. Sure, his double-faced ways also lead him to a brutal doom, but Scar owns the screen every moment he appears on it. Also, who knew the likeable Chiwetel Ejiofor can sound so menacing and sing so well?

Timon

Voiced By: Billy Eichner

The scene-stealing duo of Timon and Pumbaa are easily the best part of the film. Timon the meerkat is not only a funny character but also a great friend to Pumbaa. On one hand, he often trolls his bestie but when Pumbaa is in need of encouragement, Timon works him up like no one else. Easily, one of the best bromances of the year!

Pumbaa

Voiced By:  Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen's lazy drawl of a voice is always a win, and so is his irreverent sense of humour. Pumbaa uses the best of both to be a truly entertaining character, who knows what is it about him that is so revolting to others and is quite satisfied with that. Amidst all the jokes he makes, we also get to see a glimpse of his life where Punbaa had gotten bullied for being a warthog. Which is why, Pumbaa single-handedly taking down a bunch of hyenas is one of The Lion King's best scenes! Hakuna Matata, peeps!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2019 08:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).