LionKing

 

Lion King is a re-telling of Hamlet

When Disney's animated movie The Lion King was first released on June 15, 1994, it was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of the 1990s earning over $763 million worldwide. 

It was also a critical success, praised for its music, story, and animation. 

I was intrigued by how a children's movie could be such a success - and here's what I learned: Even though Disney's 'The Lion King' is an animated movie set in the animal kingdom for family audiences, it is considered a re-telling of William Shakespeare's dark tragedy Hamlet, because it shares many of the same core themes, characters, as well as plot twists and turns.

Striking Similarities between Lion King & Hamlet

1. The main protagonist is a prince dealing with his father's death

Hamlet: Prince Hamlet’s father, the King of Denmark, is murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius.

The Lion King: Simba's father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s uncle, Scar.

2. The Uncle is the Villain

Hamlet: Claudius kills the king and takes the throne.

The Lion King: Scar orchestrates Mufasa’s death and seizes power.

3. The Ghost/Spiritual Visit haunts the protagonist

Hamlet: While in exile, Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost, who urges him to seek revenge.

The Lion King: While in exile, Rafiki, the wise mandrill leads Simba to a vision of Mufasa in the sky, encouraging him to return and reclaim his rightful place by saying "Remember who you are.".

4. Exile and Return of the Protagonist

Hamlet: Hamlet leaves Denmark and returns later to confront Claudius.

The Lion King: Simba runs away after Mufasa’s death and later returns to challenge Scar.

5. Side kicks for comic relief

Hamlet: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern

The Lion King: Timon and Pumbaa are supporters of the “Hakuna Matata” philosophy

6. Moral and philosophical struggles of the protagonist

Hamlet: Deals with themes of revenge, justice, indecision, and mortality.

The Lion King: Explores guilt, responsibility, and finding one’s place in the "circle of life."

Major Differences between Lion King & Hamlet

Of course, the endings are different. Hamlet is a dark tragedy, ending with the deaths of nearly all main characters. The Lion King is ultimately a story of redemption and ends happily. Hamlet has a tragic love story with Ophelia. Simba has a stable romantic arc with Nala.